North Dakota Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Contractor Authorizes work on any single contract project regardless of value — no project-value limit. Required for larger commercial, public-works, and infrastructure jobs. | $450 | $90 (due by March 1 each year) | No state contractor license bond required (NDCC 43-07-11 repealed 1995) |
| Class B Contractor Authorizes any single contract project valued up to $500,000. Work exceeding that amount requires a Class A license. | $300 | $60 (due by March 1 each year) | No state contractor license bond required (NDCC 43-07-11 repealed 1995) |
| Class C Contractor Authorizes any single contract project valued up to $300,000. Common for mid-sized residential and light commercial contractors. | $225 | $45 (due by March 1 each year) | No state contractor license bond required (NDCC 43-07-11 repealed 1995) |
| Class D Contractor Authorizes any single contract project valued up to $100,000. Entry-level classification for smaller residential remodeling and repair work above the $4,000 license threshold. | $100 | $30 (due by March 1 each year) | No state contractor license bond required (NDCC 43-07-11 repealed 1995) |
Processing time: Up to 15 days for the registrar to investigate and determine eligibility after a complete application is received (NDCC 43-07-09). Incomplete applications must be fully completed within 60 days or are returned to the applicant. from application submission to license issuance.
North Dakota (ND) licenses general contractors at the state level through the Secretary of State's Contractor Licensing Division under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-07. Any person doing contracting work where the cost, value, or price per job exceeds $4,000 must hold a North Dakota contractor license before starting work or suing to collect payment. The state issues four license classes (A, B, C, D) tied to the maximum single-project value a contractor can take on — from Class D (up to $100,000) to Class A (no project-value limit). North Dakota does not require a trade exam and does not require a state contractor license bond (the bond statute, NDCC 43-07-11, was repealed in 1995). Applicants must submit a signed statement of experience, a certificate of liability insurance naming the Secretary of State as certificate holder, and a Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) workers' comp certificate or letter of good standing. All licenses run on a contractor year (March 2 through March 1) and must be renewed by March 1 each year.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's North Dakota License Number
North Dakota requires every licensed contractor to supply their license number when applying for a building permit (NDCC 43-07-24). Ask the contractor for their ND contractor license number and the class (A, B, C, or D) before signing anything. If the project exceeds $4,000 and the contractor can't or won't provide a license number, they cannot legally perform the work.
Step 2: Look Up the License on FirstStop
Search the North Dakota Secretary of State's FirstStop business lookup to confirm the license is active and in good standing. The lookup shows license class, status, effective date, and the name on file. If the license doesn't appear or shows as not in good standing, do not hire.
Search Contractors on FirstStop →
Step 3: Confirm the License Class Matches Your Project Value
North Dakota ties each license class to a maximum single-project value. A Class D contractor cannot legally take on a project worth more than $100,000; Class C tops out at $300,000; Class B at $500,000; only Class A has no limit. Make sure the contractor's class covers your project's total contract value before you sign.
- Class A: no project-value limit
- Class B: single projects up to $500,000
- Class C: single projects up to $300,000
- Class D: single projects up to $100,000
Step 4: Verify Insurance and Workers' Compensation
North Dakota law (NDCC 43-07-04 and 43-07-10) requires every licensed contractor to maintain a certificate of liability insurance on file with the Secretary of State. Contractors with ND employees must also have an active workers' compensation policy through North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) — the state's exclusive workers' comp carrier. Ask the contractor for a current certificate of insurance and, if they have employees, a current WSI certificate of good standing.
Step 5: Check for Complaints or License Issues
If FirstStop shows a license as 'not in good standing' or expired, stop. A license can be classified as not in good standing if the contractor lets liability insurance lapse, misses the March 1 renewal, or fails to maintain required business filings (NDCC 43-07-04). You can also call the Secretary of State at 701-328-2900 or 800-352-0867 to confirm whether a complaint has been filed or disciplinary action is pending.
North Dakota Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Required by statute (NDCC 43-07-04 and 43-07-10). A certificate of liability insurance — in the exact name on the contractor license — must be on file with the Secretary of State, listing the Secretary of State as certificate holder. Letting the policy lapse classifies the license as not in good standing. |
| Workers' Compensation | Required through North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), the state's exclusive workers' comp carrier, for any contractor with ND employees. Contractors without ND employees must file a WSI letter of good standing instead. WSI verification is required at both initial application and renewal. |
North Dakota Contractor Bond Requirements
North Dakota does not require a state contractor license bond. The original bond statute, NDCC 43-07-11, was repealed by the legislature in 1995 (S.L. 1995, ch. 397, § 9) and has not been reinstated. Individual project owners, general contractors, or public agencies may still require a performance bond, payment bond, or bid bond on specific projects — particularly public-works contracts — but there is no blanket state contractor license bond requirement.
North Dakota Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
North Dakota law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must supply their license number when applying for any building permit, and the permitting official must record the number on the permit (NDCC 43-07-24).
- Unlicensed contractors cannot sue in North Dakota courts to collect payment for work on any job exceeding $4,000 (NDCC 43-07-02).
- Construction fraud — intentionally using deception, failing to pay suppliers, or abandoning a project after receiving payment — is a felony under NDCC 43-07-02(3), graded from Class C felony up to Class A felony based on the amount received.
- The Secretary of State accepts written complaints against licensed contractors for abandonment, diversion of funds, fraud or deception causing more than $3,000 in harm, working without required trade licenses, or refusing to refund advance payments after abandonment (NDCC 43-07-14).
- The registrar can suspend or revoke a license for up to 60 months and order civil penalties up to $1,000 plus restitution up to $5,000 per violation (NDCC 43-07-15).
- Homeowners must give a contractor written notice of warranty defects in new one- or two-family dwellings (or improvements over $2,000) within six months of discovering the defect and a reasonable opportunity to cure before suing for breach of warranty (NDCC 43-07-26).
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in North Dakota puts you at risk:
- Acting as a contractor on a job over $4,000 without a state license is a Class A misdemeanor (NDCC 43-07-02)
- The registrar can assess a civil penalty of up to three times the license fee in addition to any criminal charge
- An unlicensed contractor cannot maintain any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in North Dakota courts related to the work — you lose the right to sue for payment
- Construction fraud (abandonment, diversion of funds, deception) is a Class C, B, or A felony under NDCC 43-07-02(3)–(5) based on the amount of payment received
- Building permit officials are required by NDCC 43-07-24 to record the contractor's license number — unlicensed work cannot be legally permitted
- Bids submitted for public-works contracts without a current license and class matching the project value must be rejected unread (NDCC 43-07-12)
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in North Dakota
Report unlicensed contracting activity and construction fraud to the North Dakota Secretary of State's Contractor Licensing Division. Acting as a contractor on a job over $4,000 without a state license is a Class A misdemeanor, and construction fraud is a felony under NDCC 43-07-02. Consumer fraud causing over $3,000 in harm can also be reported to the North Dakota Attorney General.
- Online: sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors/file-complaint-against-contractor
- Phone: 701-328-2900 or 800-352-0867 (TTY 800-366-6888)
- Email: sos.contractors@nd.gov
- Mail: ND Secretary of State, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in North Dakota
The North Dakota Secretary of State reviews written complaints against licensed contractors. The office forwards qualifying complaints to the contractor for a written response; most cases resolve within 60 days. The Secretary of State can suspend or revoke a license, impose civil penalties, and order restitution. Complaints about workmanship quality alone are not accepted — complaints must fall within the specific grounds listed in NDCC 43-07-14 (abandonment, fraud, diversion of funds, false statements, unlicensed trade work, or refund refusal).
You can file a complaint by:
- Form: Complaint Against Contractor (SFN 16999), available at sos.nd.gov
- Mail: ND Secretary of State, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500
- Phone: 701-328-2900 or 800-352-0867 (TTY 800-366-6888)
- Email: sos.contractors@nd.gov
Consumers harmed by contractor fraud or deception causing over $3,000 in damages may also pursue action through the North Dakota Attorney General under the state's consumer fraud statute (NDCC chapter 51-15).
North Dakota Contractor Bond Schedule
North Dakota does not require a contractor license bond as a condition of state licensure. Bonds only come into play on specific projects, most commonly public-works jobs.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | Not required | NDCC 43-07-11, which previously required a contractor bond, was repealed in 1995 and has not been replaced. |
| Public Works Bid / Performance / Payment Bonds | Varies by project | Required on most state and local public-works contracts under separate statutes (NDCC Title 48). The bond amount and form are set by the contracting agency, not by NDCC 43-07. |
What Makes North Dakota Contractor Licensing Unique
$4,000 License Threshold
Any contracting job — labor, materials, or combined cost, value, or price — that exceeds $4,000 per job requires a state contractor license (NDCC 43-07-02). Jobs at or below $4,000 don't require licensure, but anyone working above that threshold without a license commits a Class A misdemeanor.
No Trade Exam Required
Unlike most states, North Dakota does not require a trade or law exam to obtain a contractor license. Applicants submit a signed statement of experience and qualifications along with insurance and WSI documentation (NDCC 43-07-04). The Secretary of State can request a criminal history record check if warranted.
No State Contractor License Bond
North Dakota is one of a small number of states that does not require a state contractor license bond. The original bond statute, NDCC 43-07-11, was repealed in 1995 (S.L. 1995, ch. 397, § 9) and never replaced. Bonds may still be required on specific public-works projects, but not as a condition of licensure.
Contractor Year Runs March 2 – March 1
Every license expires on March 1 of the contractor year (NDCC 43-07-09). All renewals must be filed by March 1. Miss the deadline and the license is classified as not in good standing; contractors have until June 1 to renew by paying a $50 penalty plus the renewal fee, after which the license expires entirely (NDCC 43-07-10).
Construction Fraud Can Be a Felony
Under NDCC 43-07-02(3)–(5), construction fraud — including abandoning a project after receiving payment, failing to pay suppliers for materials, or using deception to obtain payment — is a felony graded by the amount received: under $10,000 is a Class C felony, $10,000–$50,000 is a Class B felony, and over $50,000 is a Class A felony.
North Dakota Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: North Dakota Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in North Dakota?
Use the North Dakota Secretary of State's FirstStop search at firststop.sos.nd.gov/search/contractor. Enter the contractor's name or license number. The lookup shows the license class (A, B, C, or D), effective date, and whether the license is in good standing. You can also call the Secretary of State at 701-328-2900 or 800-352-0867 to verify a license by phone.
Who licenses contractors in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Secretary of State's Contractor Licensing Division licenses general contractors under NDCC Chapter 43-07. Electrical contractors are licensed separately by the North Dakota State Electrical Board, and plumbing contractors by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. The Secretary of State's office is located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505.
What's the minimum project amount that requires a contractor license in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires a contractor license for any job where the cost, value, or price per job exceeds $4,000 (NDCC 43-07-02). Jobs at or below $4,000 don't require licensure, but the threshold applies to the entire project — you cannot split a larger job into smaller contracts to avoid licensing. Acting as a contractor above $4,000 without a license is a Class A misdemeanor.
What's the difference between Class A, B, C, and D contractor licenses in North Dakota?
The four classes differ only in the maximum single-project value a contractor can take on. Class A has no project-value limit. Class B is capped at $500,000 per single contract project. Class C is capped at $300,000, and Class D is capped at $100,000. The license classes do not correspond to specific trades — a Class A general contractor and a Class A roofing contractor hold the same credential with the same scope (NDCC 43-07-07).
How much does a North Dakota contractor license cost?
Initial application fees depend on class: Class A is $450, Class B is $300, Class C is $225, and Class D is $100. Annual renewal is much cheaper: $90 for Class A, $60 for Class B, $45 for Class C, and $30 for Class D. Missing the March 1 renewal deadline adds a $50 late penalty. Nonprofit entities building a low-income single-family dwelling pay no fees at all (NDCC 43-07-07).
Do North Dakota contractors need a surety bond?
No. North Dakota does not require a state contractor license bond. The original bond statute (NDCC 43-07-11) was repealed in 1995 (S.L. 1995, ch. 397, § 9) and has not been reinstated. You may still need a bid, performance, or payment bond on specific public-works jobs, but not to obtain or maintain a state contractor license.
Is a trade exam required to get a North Dakota contractor license?
No. North Dakota is one of the few states that does not require a trade or business-and-law exam. Applicants submit a signed statement of experience and qualifications as a contractor, a certificate of liability insurance listing the Secretary of State as certificate holder, and a Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) certificate or letter of good standing (NDCC 43-07-04). The registrar can also request a criminal history record check at the applicant's expense.
When does a North Dakota contractor license have to be renewed?
Every March 1. The contractor year runs from March 2 through March 1 of the following year. Renewals must be filed before March 2 with the appropriate fee plus a current certificate of liability insurance and a certification that all payroll taxes, WSI premiums, and unemployment insurance premiums are paid (NDCC 43-07-10). Miss the March 1 deadline and the license is not in good standing; you have until June 1 to renew by paying a $50 penalty plus the renewal fee, after which the license expires.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in North Dakota?
An unlicensed contractor cannot sue in North Dakota courts to collect payment for any job exceeding $4,000 (NDCC 43-07-02). That's a strong defense if a dispute arises, but it doesn't protect you from shoddy work, walked-off jobs, or fraud. If you suffered over $3,000 in harm from deceptive or fraudulent contractor conduct, you can file a complaint with the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General may also pursue the contractor under the state's consumer fraud law (NDCC chapter 51-15).
What's the penalty for contracting without a license in North Dakota?
Acting as a contractor on a job exceeding $4,000 without a license is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail and up to $3,000 in fines. The registrar can also assess a civil penalty of up to three times the license fee (NDCC 43-07-02). Construction fraud — abandoning a project after receiving payment, diverting funds, or using deception — escalates to a felony (Class C, B, or A) based on the amount of money involved.
How do I file a complaint against a North Dakota contractor?
File a written Complaint Against Contractor (form SFN 16999) with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Mail it to 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500, email sos.contractors@nd.gov, or call 701-328-2900 for help. The office only handles specific grounds — abandonment, diversion of funds, fraud or deception causing over $3,000 in harm, false statements on applications, working without required trade licenses, or refund refusal after abandonment. Complaints about workmanship quality alone are not accepted (NDCC 43-07-14).
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- ND Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing (home) — Primary state regulator for general contractor licensing. Class A–D application and renewal requirements, fees, insurance, and WSI documentation. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ND Secretary of State — File a Complaint Against a Contractor — Complaint grounds under NDCC 43-07-14, form SFN 16999, filing methods, 60-day review timeline, and contact details. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- ND Secretary of State — FirstStop Contractor Search — Official public lookup to verify whether a North Dakota contractor license is active and in good standing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 43-07 — Contractors — Full statutory text: $4,000 threshold (43-07-02), Class A–D project limits and fees (43-07-07), application requirements (43-07-04), bond statute repealed (43-07-11), renewal by March 1 (43-07-09, 43-07-10), complaint grounds (43-07-14), penalties (43-07-15), permit license-number duty (43-07-24). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NDCC 43-07-02 — License Required, Construction Fraud, Penalty — $4,000 license threshold, Class A misdemeanor for unlicensed contracting, civil penalty up to 3x license fee, felony grading for construction fraud (Class C / B / A). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NDCC 43-07-07 — Classes of Licenses, License Fees, Renewal Fees — Class A: no limit, $450 / $90. Class B: ≤$500K, $300 / $60. Class C: ≤$300K, $225 / $45. Class D: ≤$100K, $100 / $30. Nonprofit low-income-housing fee exemption. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NDCC 43-07-10 — Renewal of License, Grounds for Nonrenewal, Time Requirements — March 1 annual renewal deadline, $50 late-renewal penalty up to June 1, then license expires. Payroll-tax/WSI/unemployment certification required at renewal. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NDCC 43-07-14 — Complaint for License Revocation, Consumer Fraud Action — Grounds for filing a complaint: abandonment, diversion of funds, fraud/deception over $3,000, false statements, unlicensed trade work, refund refusal. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NDCC 43-07-24 — Duty to Supply License Number When Applying for Building Permit — Contractors must provide their license number on every building permit application; officials must record it on the permit. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) — Exclusive state workers' compensation carrier. Contractors with ND employees must show a current WSI certificate; contractors without ND employees file a WSI letter of good standing as part of contractor license application and renewal. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- North Dakota State Electrical Board — Separate state agency that licenses electrical contractors and electricians — not the Secretary of State. Phone: 701-328-9522. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- North Dakota Governing Bodies Directory (Secretary of State) — Official directory confirming the existence and contact details of the ND State Electrical Board and ND State Plumbing Board as separate trade-licensing agencies. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
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