North Carolina Contractor License Bond

Contractors in several cities and counties must also get bonded, including those in:

• Cabarrus County
• Greensboro
• High Point
• Gaston County
• Kitty Hawk
• Raleigh
• Southern Shores
• Mecklenburg County
• Rowan County
• Winston-Salem
• Rocky Mount

Contractors who need state-level licensing and bonding should submit applications with the following Boards:

• General Contractors: Licensing Board for General Contractors
• Landscape Contractors: Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board
• Irrigation Contractors: Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board
• Electrical Contractors: Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

Contractor license bond amounts vary by license type. The main license types required at the state level are outlined below:

• Landscape and irrigation contractor license: $10,000 bond
• Intermediate electrical contractor license: $50,000 bond
• Unlimited electrical contractor license: $130,000 bond
• Limited general contractor license: $175,000 bond
• Intermediate general contractor license: $500,000 bond
• Unlimited general contractor license: $1,000,000 bond

Contractors will pay a small percentage of the bond amount, typically 1%-5%, based on personal credit scores and other financial indicators. Those with excellent credit may pay as little as 1%. 

If you have poor credit, you may still be able to get bonded. Contact ZipBonds if you have any questions or concerns.

To work as a contractor in North Carolina, you must obtain the appropriate license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). The type of license you need depends on the scope and scale of the projects you intend to undertake.

• Determine the type of contractor license you’d like to apply for.
• Meet the minimum eligibility requirements. 
• Complete pre-licensing education.
• Pass a licensing exam.
• Submit an application.
• Obtain insurance and bonding.
• Maintain and renew your license as needed!