Put down your hammer and nails and let’s talk about contractor’s licenses. Are you ready to get one in North Dakota?
There’s a ton of information out there, but a lot of it’s outdated too. That’s why I’ve put together this simple guide to help you how to get your license, hassle-free. As a first step, let’s cover why the state requires contractors to get licensed.
You might have already heard—North Dakota requires anyone doing work as a contractor to register as a business in the state, get business insurance, and apply for a license. You can do most of this through the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office.
There are good reasons why. The state is protecting homeowners from scams and unsafe work practices. Just imagine if anyone could work on a house, including people without qualifications. Yikes.
The good news is getting a license in North Dakota benefits you too. For example, it:
You may need to show proof of business insurance to get your license.
That’s where we come in. Compare free insurance quotes for policies as low as $19.58/month.*
Start Here >North Dakota makes it easy. The state has gone “high tech,” and lets you apply for a license through a new online application system. Sign up for a username and password, and you’ll be well on your way.
To make things go quickly, gather this information ahead of time:
You can file it online (it’s easy), or print and mail your application to:
Secretary of State State of North Dakota PO Box 5513 Bismarck ND 58506-5513
Some of you might need more than one license. For example, if you’re an electrician, plumber, or work on asbestos abatement, here’s where you should go:
Electrical licenses
You can apply for your electrical license through the:
State Electrical Board PO Box 7335, Bismarck ND 58507 Phone: 701-328-9522
Plumbing licenses
In North Dakota, plumbing licenses are issued through the:
State Plumbing Board 1110 College Drive, Suite 210 Bismarck ND 58501 Phone: 701-328-9977
Asbestos abatement licenses
Apply for your asbestos abatement license through the:
Department of Environmental Quality 918 E. Divide Ave Bismarck, ND 58501 P: 701-328-5150
Keep in mind that all these licenses require different fees and licensing exams. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
With every contractor’s license in North Dakota, there is one common thread. No matter what, you’ll need business insurance. Most licenses require proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation if you have employees.
Even if you’re not ready to apply for a license today, start shopping for business insurance. It pays to find the right plan that can protect you—no matter what happens with your business.
*Monthly payment calculations (i) do not include initial premium down payment and (ii) may vary by state, insurance provider, and nature of your business. Averages based on January - March 2023 data of 10% of our total policies sold.
Written by
Emily Thompson
I earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison (go Bucky). After realizing my first job might involve carrying a police scanner at 2 am in pursuit of “newsworthy” crimes, I decided I was better suited for freelance blogging and marketing writing. Since 2010, I’ve owned my freelance writing business, EST Creative. When I’m not penning, doodling ideas, or chatting with clients, you’ll find me hiking with my husband, baby boy, and 2 mischievous mutts.
Emily writes on a number of topics such as entrepreneurship, small business networking, and budgeting.
This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer
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