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State files updated Oct 28, 2026
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North Carolina contractor license bondInsurance and workers' comp

No bond is required if the applicant shows enough working capital: Limited needs $17,000 working capital or $80,000 net worth.1 No general liability insurance requirement for licensure in G.S. 87-10 or in the Board's rules (the only insurance provisions concern the Board's own coverage and the workers' compensation proof needed for building permits).2

Bond and insurance by trade in North Carolina

TradeBondInsuranceWorkers' comp
General contractorNo bond is required if the applicant shows enough working capital: Limited needs $17,000 working capital or $80,000 net worth.1No general liability insurance requirement for licensure in G.S. 87-10 or in the Board's rules (the only insurance provisions concern the Board's own coverage and the workers' compensation proof needed for building permits).2Anyone applying for a building permit on a $40,000+ project must show workers' compensation insurance as required by Chapter 97 (G.S. 87-14(a)(2)).2
ElectricalNo bond is posted.3Ask NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsAsk NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
RoofingSame financial responsibility rules as the General Contractor license: working capital, or a surety bond of $175,000/$500,000/$1,000,000 by limitation.1No general liability insurance requirement for licensure in G.S. 87-10 or the Board's rules read.2Workers' compensation proof is needed with the building permit application on $40,000+ projects (G.S. 87-14).2

Bond and insurance rules for plumbing and HVAC: check with NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

How much is the contractor bond in North Carolina?

No bond is required if the applicant shows enough working capital: Limited needs $17,000 working capital or $80,000 net worth; Intermediate $75,000 working capital; Unlimited $150,000 working capital (audited or agreed-upon-procedures statement). In place of that, a continuous surety bond may be posted: $175,000 (Limited), $500,000 (Intermediate), $1,000,000 (Unlimited).1

Can a North Carolina contractor be exempt from workers' comp?

Anyone applying for a building permit on a $40,000+ project must show workers' compensation insurance as required by Chapter 97 (G.S. 87-14(a)(2)). The Board itself does not set a general liability minimum in the rules read.2

What is a certificate of insurance?

It's the one-page summary (usually an ACORD 25 form) a contractor's agent issues to show the policies, limits and dates in force. How to read and check one

Sources

  1. NC Licensing Board for General Contractors: bond (nclbgc.org, 2026-10-27)
  2. NC Licensing Board for General Contractors: insurance (ncleg.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors: electrical bond (ncleg.gov)