Construction / General Contractor License / North Dakota
- North Dakota
- Contractor License
- Class A, B, C & D
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your North Dakota Contractor License
What the North Dakota contractor license covers, how the Class A to D job limits work and how to apply through the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from North Dakota Secretary of State requirements
Application fee
$100–$450
Varies by class; no exam
Exam time
No exam
No exam is required for this license
Time to get license
Varies
Depends on how fast your application is processed
Continuing ed
Not required
Some trade licenses have their own CE
Overview
Do you need a North Dakota general contractor license?
Yes, if you work as a contractor in North Dakota. You need a license from the Secretary of State before you bid or start any work, and your class sets the largest job you can bid on.
License required when
- Construction, repair, alteration, dismantling or demolition of buildings and other structures
- Work on bridges, highways, roads, streets, airports, dams and pipelines
- Building or repairing property you plan to sell or rent
- Subcontractors, public contractors and nonresident contractors
Common exceptions
- Our source notes don’t list specific exemptions, so confirm with the Secretary of State before relying on one
- Specific trades are licensed separately, so this license doesn’t replace a trade license
Penalties for unlicensed work
North Dakota requires your license before any bidding or work takes place. The state can take action against contractors who work without one, so check with the Secretary of State before you bid.
Your fast-track North Dakota general contractor license checklist
The North Dakota application, one page
- Class A, B, C or D chosen for your job sizes
- Any separate trade licenses your work requires
- Complete application for the Secretary of State
- Application submitted through FirstStop
- License in hand before you bid
Types
North Dakota general contractor license types and classifications
North Dakota has one contractor license with four classes. Each class caps the size of the jobs you can bid on.
A
Largest jobs
Class A
Bid on jobs over $500,000.
Exam
No exam
Limit
Over $500,000 per job
B
Mid-size jobs
Class B
Bid on jobs up to $500,000.
Exam
No exam
Limit
$500,000 per job
C
Smaller jobs
Class C
Bid on jobs up to $300,000.
Exam
No exam
Limit
$300,000 per job
D
Small jobs
Class D
Bid on jobs up to $100,000.
Exam
No exam
Limit
$100,000 per job
Requirements
North Dakota general contractor license requirements, class by class
Every class applies the same way, through the Secretary of State. What changes is the largest job you can bid on.
| Requirement | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job limit | Over $500,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $300,000 | Up to $100,000 |
| Apply with | Secretary of State | Secretary of State | Secretary of State | Secretary of State |
| Exam | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Application fee | $450 | $300 | $225 | $100 |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your North Dakota general contractor license, step by step
- Pick your classBefore you start
Choose Class A, B, C or D based on the largest job you plan to bid on: up to $100,000, $300,000, $500,000 or over $500,000. - Check for trade licensesBefore you apply
This license doesn’t require an exam, but many specific trades need their own license and continuing education. Sort those out separately. - Submit your applicationBefore you bid
Send a complete application to the North Dakota Secretary of State through firststop.sos.nd.gov, or call 701-328-2900 with questions. - Get your licenseAfter approval
Once the Secretary of State issues your license, you can bid and work on jobs up to your class limit. - Keep it currentOngoing
Renew every year on or before March 1 ($30 to $90 depending on class) to avoid a late filing fee, and move up a class if your jobs outgrow your limit.
Exam
What to expect on the North Dakota general contractor exam
There’s no exam for the North Dakota contractor license. You qualify by submitting a complete application to the Secretary of State. Some trade licenses have their own exams.
Format
No exam required
Questions
None
Passing score
None
Exam vendor
None
Scoring & content
- No state exam for the contractor license
- Your class is based on job size, not a test score
- Specific trade licenses may have their own exam requirements
Retake policy
- No exam, so there’s nothing to retake
- To raise your job limit, apply for a higher class
- Ask the Secretary of State about any trade exams you need
Exam references
The state hasn’t published a reference list for this exam in our sources. Check the candidate bulletin from the exam vendor before you buy books.
Our sources show no state exam for this license; it’s issued through the Secretary of State by application, with dollar limits by class.
Prep
Best North Dakota general contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a North Dakota general contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $450 Class A; $300 Class B; $225 Class C; $100 Class D |
| Exam fee | Fixed | None |
| Separate trade licenses, if your work needs them | Variable | Varies |
| State fees | Excludes liability insurance, workers’ comp coverage and any separate trade licenses | $100–$450 |
Fees from the North Dakota Secretary of State contractor licensing page, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does North Dakota accept out-of-state general contractor licenses?
North Dakota has limited reciprocity agreements. Check with the Secretary of State for the latest details. Since there’s no exam for this license, most out-of-state contractors simply apply.
Limited agreements — details not published in our notes
Check with the Secretary of State. If no agreement applies, apply as a new applicant with a complete application.
Local
Do North Dakota cities and counties have their own general contractor licensing rules?
Your Secretary of State license covers the whole state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Contractor licenses and Class A to D job limits
- Applications through the Secretary of State
- Separate trade licensing for specific trades
City & county handle
- Building permits
- Inspections
- Local business registration where required
Governance
Who regulates contractors in North Dakota
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues contractor licenses
- Assigns Class A, B, C and D job limits
- Accepts applications from resident and nonresident contractors
Maintenance
How to renew your North Dakota general contractor license and keep it active
Contractor licenses renew every year on or before March 1. Renewal costs $90 for Class A, $60 for Class B, $45 for Class C and $30 for Class D, and late renewals incur a late filing fee. The contractor license itself has no continuing education requirement.
Renewal cycle
Annual, by March 1
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$30–$90
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
North Dakota general contractor license FAQs
Do I need a license to be a contractor in North Dakota?
Yes. You need a contractor license from the Secretary of State before any bidding or work takes place.
Is there an exam for the North Dakota contractor license?
No. You qualify by submitting a complete application to the Secretary of State. Some specific trades have their own licenses and exams.
What are the North Dakota contractor license classes?
Class A is for jobs over $500,000, Class B up to $500,000, Class C up to $300,000 and Class D up to $100,000 per job.
Who issues contractor licenses in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Secretary of State. You can apply at firststop.sos.nd.gov or call 701-328-2900.
Do subcontractors need a North Dakota contractor license?
Yes. The state’s definition of a contractor includes subcontractors, public contractors and nonresident contractors.
Does North Dakota have contractor reciprocity?
Only limited agreements. Check with the Secretary of State for current details.
Sources
Official sources for the North Dakota general contractor license
- North Dakota Secretary of State, FirstStop
- North Dakota Secretary of State, Contractor licensing classes
- North Dakota Secretary of State, Contractors
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the North Dakota Secretary of State.