Do you need a license to be a carpenter in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota doesn't license carpenters as a trade. Contractors need a license from North Dakota Secretary of State.
State license · By ChiselJobs Team · Updated
In short
North Dakota does not license carpenters, but contractors on jobs over $4,000 need a contractor license from the North Dakota Secretary of State. Licenses come in Classes A through D, set by job size: Class D covers jobs up to $100,000, C up to $300,000, B up to $500,000 and A above that. Fees range from $100 for Class D to $450 for Class A. There is no exam or experience requirement, but contractors carry insurance and workers' compensation, and licenses renew every year. North Dakota adopted the 2024 IRC and IBC with state amendments.
Key facts
| Carpenter license | No |
| Licensing level | State |
| General contractor license | Contractor license Class A-D |
| Residential contractor license | Contractor license Class A-D |
| Home improvement registration | No |
| When a license is needed | Over $4,000 |
| Carpentry classification | None |
| Exam | No |
| Experience | None |
| Fees | Class A $450, C $225, D $100 |
| Bond / insurance | Insurance + workers comp |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | North Dakota Secretary of State |
Bond and insurance
- Source: sos.nd.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (no state agency) |
Programs register through the Office of Apprenticeship; use the Partner Finder for local sponsors.
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Building code
| Code in force | IRC 2024; IBC 2024 (with state amendments) |
2026 ND State Building Code (2024 I-codes with state amendments) effective Jan 1, 2026; applies only where a city, county or township elects to enforce building codes.
- Source: commerce.nd.gov · checked November 5, 2026