North Dakota contractor license bond
No statewide bondNorth Dakota has no state contractor license bond.
Per the Secretary of State, a license is required when a job's cost exceeds $4,000, with four classes by single-job contract value (Class A over $500,000 down to Class D up to $100,000). The application requires a certificate of liability insurance naming the Secretary of State, and no surety bond is required for the state license; contractors with employees also need a Workforce Safety & Insurance certificate. Municipalities may separately require a local bond. [Source: ND Secretary of State ↗]
Good to know
The state license is gated on liability insurance, not a bond, so don't buy a surety bond expecting the state to require it, though your city might.
If your city requires a bond, estimate the cost
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $25,000 bond.
Estimate only. Your real rate is set by the surety after a quick credit check, and the premium is typically nonrefundable once the bond is issued.
How to get licensed in North Dakota
- 1North Dakota has no statewide contractor license, so start with the building department in the city or county where you'll work and ask what they require.
- 2Meet that jurisdiction's local license, bond, and insurance rules — amounts vary by city, so confirm them directly.
- 3If you do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, get the matching state trade license, which is issued separately.
- 4Keep your local registration and any trade licenses current as you renew.
North Dakota contractor bond FAQ
Does North Dakota require a contractor license bond?
No. North Dakota requires a state contractor license for any job over $4,000 but doesn't require a surety bond, it requires a certificate of liability insurance instead.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in North Dakota?
You don't pay the full bond amount. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, usually around 1–3% with good credit and more while your credit is still building. Use the calculator above to estimate the premium for your bond amount.
Who regulates contractor licensing in North Dakota?
North Dakota has no single statewide contractor licensing agency — general contractors are licensed by city and county building departments. The state license is gated on liability insurance, not a bond, so don't buy a surety bond expecting the state to require it, though your city might.
What does a contractor license bond protect?
A contractor license bond protects your customers and the licensing authority, not you. It guarantees you'll follow the state's contractor laws; if you break them and someone is owed money, they can file a claim against the bond, and you must repay the surety.
Is the bond premium refundable?
Generally no. Once the bond is issued, the premium is earned by the surety and is typically nonrefundable, even if you never have a claim. Most bonds run one to two years, and you renew to keep your license active.
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Bond requirements and amounts are set by ND Secretary of State and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.