Contractor License from California to North Dakota: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no North Dakota license to transfer into: North Dakota issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the North Dakota Secretary of State rather than applying for reciprocity.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your California license into: North Dakota issues no general contractor license and requires only a registration. Register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and work from its rules; your California license and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting.
What changes, California → North Dakota
| California (current) | North Dakota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $650–$800 (Original license application (exam or waiver, one classification) $450 + initial license fee $200 sole owner / $350 non-sole owner. The $25,000 bond premium and Live Scan fingerprint fees are additional.) | Registration fee $100–$450 (Initial license fee by class: Class D (up to $100,000/job) $100, Class C (up to $300,000) $225, Class B (up to $500,000) $300, Class A (over $500,000) $450; renewals $30-$90) |
| Processing time | CSLB does not publish a firm reciprocity processing range | Board does not publish a stated processing time |
| Licensing authority | California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) | North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — North Dakota sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Register with the North Dakota Secretary of State: North Dakota issues no general contractor license, so there is no license to transfer by reciprocity.
- Check the North Dakota Secretary of State (linked on this page) for its current registration requirements and fee — rules change.
- Register your business entity or trade name with the Secretary of State.
- Submit the Contractor License Application through the FirstStop portal with a signed statement of experience and qualifications.
- Provide a certificate of liability insurance in the license name.
- Provide a Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) certificate of payment for workers' compensation coverage.
- Pay the registration fee ($100–$450 (Initial license fee by class: Class D (up to $100,000/job) $100, Class C (up to $300,000) $225, Class B (up to $500,000) $300, Class A (over $500,000) $450; renewals $30-$90)). Processing time: Board does not publish a stated processing time.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does North Dakota accept a California contractor license?
There is no North Dakota license to transfer into: North Dakota issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the North Dakota Secretary of State rather than applying for reciprocity.
What applies in North Dakota without a state general contractor license?
North Dakota's contractor registration with the North Dakota Secretary of State — there is no state general contractor license or exam to transfer into. Trade licenses North Dakota does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in North Dakota, and how long does processing take?
Registration fee $100–$450 (Initial license fee by class: Class D (up to $100,000/job) $100, Class C (up to $300,000) $225, Class B (up to $500,000) $300, Class A (over $500,000) $450; renewals $30-$90). Registration processing: Board does not publish a stated processing time.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: North Dakota issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state GC exam for NASCLA to replace.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- ND Secretary of State — Contractors (license required when a job exceeds $4,000; NDCC ch. 43-07; fee classes A-D) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocity (program states: Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocal Classifications List (AZ full incl. C-10/C-36/C-20; NV incl. C-20; LA/MS/NC = B only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocity Requirements (active license in good standing for the previous 5 years; NASCLA 'B' waiver) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — List of All Fees ($450 application; $200 sole / $350 non-sole initial license) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]