North Dakota Contractor Licensing

Trade-by-trade licensing requirements for North Dakota, sourced directly from the state regulatory board and verified by the CLR Editorial Review Desk. We currently publish 14 published trade guides, with direct links to each underlying board, statute, or candidate bulletin.

Published guides: 14
Exam-backed: 11
Bond-backed: 3
Local / municipal: 3
Avg initial fee: $193

How licensing works in North Dakota

North Dakota is not a one-size-fits-all licensing market. Across the 14 guides currently live on this state hub, 11 require a formal trade examination and 3 require a surety bond before the credential can issue. 3 of the published entries rely on city, county, or municipal registration rather than a single statewide credential, so contractors need to confirm the local building department or business-license office before bidding work.

The point of this state page is to give you a fast read on the regulatory model before you dive into a specific trade. Start with the trades grid below if you already know your specialty. If you are comparing jurisdictions, use the cost calculator for first-year cost and the reciprocity matrix for license portability.

Main boards and agencies

North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing Division

The North Dakota Secretary of State licenses general contractors statewide under NDCC 43-07. A contractor license is required for any project valued at $4,000 or more. The state issues four monetary classes (A, B, C, D) based on maximum project value. Electrical and plumbing trades are licensed separately by their respective state boards.
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North Dakota State Electrical Board

The North Dakota State Electrical Board licenses electricians and electrical contractors statewide, adopts the National Electrical Code, inspects electrical installations, and conducts disciplinary proceedings under NDCC 43-09.
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North Dakota State Plumbing Board

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board licenses master and journeyman plumbers, certifies plumbing contractors, adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, and inspects plumbing installations under NDCC 43-18.
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North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Services (Contractor Licensing / Registrar)

Issues the North Dakota Contractor License, the only state contractor credential. The Secretary of State acts as the registrar under NDCC ch. 43-07 and reviews applications, insurance certificates, and WSI coverage statements. There is no pool-specific classification.
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North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State

Administers mandatory statewide registration of home inspectors under NDCC ch. 43-54; receives registration applications (form SFN 54381), renewal filings, fees, proof of an approved home inspection examination, and certificates of errors and omissions insurance.
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Licensed trades

Compare North Dakota against other states

Every trade above also has a national comparison hub showing how North Dakota's exam, bond, fee, and experience requirements stack up against the other 50 jurisdictions.

Best starting points in North Dakota

Budget

Estimate first-year cost

Compare filing fees, bond premiums, insurance assumptions, and renewal cost before you apply.

Mobility

Check reciprocity pathways

See whether this state accepts NASCLA or uses bilateral reciprocity for the trade you hold now.

Research

Search related guides

Jump directly to linked state and trade pages if you are comparing multiple jurisdictions side by side.