At a Glance: North Dakota Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | No state GC license |
| Application Fee | $50–$200 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI / ICC |
| Exam Cost | $60–$100 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade |
| Insurance Required | Required locally |
| License Renewal | Annual |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your North Dakota Contractor License
- For GC work, register with local city/county
- For trades, apply to ND State Board for applicable license
- Pass trade exam
- Obtain business license
- Carry general liability insurance
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI / ICC
Cost: $60–$100
Topics covered: ND codes, Trade knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Required locally
Beyond what North Dakota requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
North Dakota has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the North Dakota licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for North Dakota
North Dakota has no statewide GC license. Bismarck and Fargo have local contractor registration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in North Dakota?Yes. In North Dakota, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at No state GC license. The licensing is managed by the North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions. Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
-
How much does a North Dakota contractor license cost?The application fee for a North Dakota contractor license is $50–$200. An exam fee of $60–$100 is also required for the PSI / ICC exam. Renewal is Annual.
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Is an exam required for a North Dakota contractor license?Yes. North Dakota requires passing the PSI / ICC exam (cost: $60–$100) covering ND codes and Trade knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a North Dakota contractor license?North Dakota requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: Required locally. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in North Dakota?Getting a North Dakota contractor license typically involves 5 steps: obtaining required experience (Varies by trade), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions. Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the North Dakota Secretary of State / Local Jurisdictions. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.