What Is a North Carolina Contractor License Bond?
A North Carolina contractor license bond is a financial guarantee that a contractor will comply with state or local licensing laws when working on a job. The bond type and amount vary based on the contractor classification and the licensing authority requiring the bond.
For example, general contractors must file a $1,000,000 bond with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors to receive an unlimited license while irrigation and landscape contractors only need $10,000 in bond coverage.
How Much Do Contractor Bonds Cost in North Carolina?
North Carolina general contractor license bond prices start at $1,750 for a single project license or $10,000 for an unlimited license. Your personalized premium rate will be determined based on credit score and other financial risk factors.
Other North Carolina contractor bond costs start at just $100 per year while some require a quick application review to determine pricing. However, most bonds required by cities and counties are available for instant online purchase.
Who Needs a North Carolina Contractor Bond?
General contractors who cannot meet the working capital requirements need to file a general contractor license bond to verify financial stability. Additionally, contractors who work in the following trades must file a bond before getting a state license from their respective board:
- Irrigation contractor
- Landscape contractor
- Electrical contractor
- Manufactured home set-up contractor
- Modular building set-up contractor
Municipal North Carolina Contractor Bonds
If you work in one of the following cities or counties, you must file an additional bond to receive your local contractor license:
- Gaston County
- Greensboro
- Kitty Hawk
- Mecklenburg County
- Raleigh
- Stanly County
- Southern Shores
- Winston-Salem
If you need a surety bond for a location not listed, call 1 (800) 308-4358.
Other Construction Bonds in North Carolina
You may also need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond for certain projects in North Carolina. These protect construction project owners, subcontractors and suppliers.
If you work outside of North Carolina, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.
How to Get a North Carolina Contractor Bond
You can purchase many North Carolina contractor bonds online 24/7. The information required for bond approval depends on your licensing authority, but you typically need to provide the following information:
- Contractor or construction company name
- Physical business address
- License type
If your bond requires an application, submit a quick online request to receive a free quote within one business day or less.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant purchase and email delivery for most North Carolina contractor license bonds. If your bond requires an application, orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday–Friday are typically processed same-day. Overnight and next-day shipping options are available for physical bond forms.
How Do North Carolina Contractor Bonds Work?
North Carolina contractor bonds protect the state, consumers who could be harmed by defective construction or other license noncompliance, and unpaid subcontractors or suppliers.
If you break the bond terms, the surety company will pay valid claims to harmed parties up to the full bond amount, which you must then reimburse in full.
What Are the North Carolina General Contractor License Limitations?
North Carolina Annotated Code Title 21 Chapter 12A .0202 outlines the following North Carolina general contractor license limitations:
- Limited License: Can work on any single project valued up to $750,000
- Intermediate License: Can work on any single project valued up to $1,500,000
- Unlimited License: Not restricted to the value of any single project
Your limitation choice will determine the surety bond amount you need:
- Limited License: $175,000 bond
- Intermediate License: $500,000 bond
- Unlimited License: $1,000,000 bond
How to Get a General Contractor License in North Carolina
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors enforces statewide licensing requirements. Complete the following steps to apply for your general contractor license in North Carolina:
- Determine whether you need a limited license, intermediate license, or unlimited license.
- Provide proof you possess good moral character.
- Provide proof of your financial responsibility, such as a North Carolina surety bond.
- Pass all required exams.
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
You can contact the board by calling 1 (919) 571-4183 or emailing [email protected].
Different government agencies regulate contractor licensing at the state level. For information on local requirements, contact your city or county's licensing office.
More Resources
- Understanding the Construction Bonding Process
- Payment vs Performance Bonds
- NCLBCG: New License/General License Questions
- Irrigation Contractor License Application
- Landscape Contractor License Application
- Manufactured Home Set-Up Contractor License Information
- Modular Building Contractor Set-Up Requirements
- Gaston County: Commercial Permit Package
- Greensboro: Contractor License Bond Form
- Kitty Hawk: Commercial Building Permit Application
- Raleigh: Contractor Bond
- Southern Shores: Trade Contractor Sign Off Permit