How to Get ND HVAC Contractor License

To get a HVAC contractor license in North Dakota, first secure a statewide Contractor License from the Secretary of State for any job over $4,000, then obtain a city mechanical/HVAC license where you’ll work (often by passing a reciprocity exam). You’ll also need liability insurance and, in some cities, a surety bond.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-17

How to get a HVAC contractor license in North Dakota

1. Confirm your scope and job values. If any single job will exceed $4,000, you must hold a North Dakota Contractor License. Review the definition and thresholds at the Secretary of State.
2. Register your business (if needed). Establish your entity or trade name with SOS, then apply for the Contractor License in FirstStop. Upload your certificate of liability insurance and Workforce Safety & Insurance verification. SOS instructions.
3. Select your contractor license class. Choose Class A–D based on per‑job contract amounts and pay the correct fee. Mark your calendar to renew by March 1 annually. SOS fee table & renewal.
4. Schedule your city HVAC/mechanical exam. Contact the city where you’ll work first. For example, Fargo proctors ND reciprocity exams; Bismarck runs its own mechanical exam with reciprocity to Fargo/Grand Forks/Minot. Confirm experience hours and exam dates. Fargo exams | Bismarck exam info.
5. Document your experience. Typical thresholds: Fargo Journeyman 6,000 hours; Master 10,000 hours total. Bismarck Journeyman 7,600 hours (or partial education credit); Master requires journeyman experience. Attach employer letters and any transcripts. Fargo; Bismarck.
6. Take and pass the exam(s). Bring ID and fees. Fargo exams are open book and use 2024 IMC/IFGC; Bismarck uses 2021 IMC/IFGC with 75%–80% passing scores. Fargo details; Bismarck details.
7. Apply for your city license, bond, and permits. After passing, file the city license application, provide the required bond and insurance, and use the city portal to pull mechanical permits and schedule inspections. Examples: Fargo license/permit portal; Grand Forks bonding and fees.
8. Renew annually and keep records. Renew your SOS Contractor License by March 1 and your city mechanical license each year. Maintain liability insurance and workers’ comp compliance. SOS renewal; Bismarck license fees.

North Dakota HVAC contractor license: statewide vs. city rules

North Dakota sets business‑level contractor licensing statewide, but HVAC trade licensing is municipal. That means you’ll hold an SOS Contractor License for job valuation/insurance compliance and a mechanical/HVAC license in each city where you work. For instance, Fargo’s reciprocity exams are recognized by participating cities, yet you still must apply for that city’s license after passing. See SOS and Fargo.

Experience hours and HVAC exam content in North Dakota

Experience hour thresholds differ by city: Fargo references 6,000 hours for journeyman and 10,000 for master; Bismarck requires 7,600 journeyman hours (with limited education substitution) and journeyman tenure before the master test. Exams are open‑book from the IMC/IFGC (2024 in Fargo; 2021 in Bismarck). Sources: Fargo, Bismarck requirements, Bismarck exam info.

Fees, insurance, and bonding for North Dakota HVAC contractors

At the state level, you’ll pay the SOS class fee and maintain liability insurance naming the SOS as certificate holder. Locally, expect an exam fee and annual license fee (e.g., Bismarck Master $125; Journeyman $75), and many cities require a license/permit bond (e.g., Grand Forks $5,000). Cite: SOS, Bismarck fees, Grand Forks bonding.

Permits and inspections for HVAC work in North Dakota

HVAC installations require city mechanical permits and inspections. Fargo specifies rough‑in and final inspections and provides a dedicated HVAC permit fee schedule. Reference: Fargo HVAC permitting.

Planning to work across borders?

Because licensing is local, reciprocity commonly exists among North Dakota cities after you pass a recognized exam (Fargo/Bismarck/Grand Forks/Minot). If you’re comparing requirements regionally, see our overview of the South Dakota HVAC contractor license. For broader licensing cost planning in ND, our guides to North Dakota private investigator license costs and security guard license costs illustrate how fees and bonds vary by agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a statewide North Dakota HVAC license?

No. North Dakota does not issue a statewide HVAC/mechanical trade license. The state requires a Contractor License for jobs over $4,000, while cities license HVAC/mechanical trades and run exams. Sources: SOS; Fargo; Bismarck.

What exams do I take to become an HVAC contractor in North Dakota?

City exams. Fargo proctors reciprocity exams (Journeyman/Master Mechanical and Fuel Gas) valid in participating jurisdictions; Bismarck administers its mechanical exams and recognizes reciprocity with Fargo/Grand Forks/Minot. See Fargo and Bismarck.

How much experience do I need?

It depends on the city. Fargo references 6,000 hours for journeyman and 10,000 for master; Bismarck requires 7,600 journeyman hours (education may substitute up to 3,800 hours) and journeyman tenure for master testing. Sources: Fargo; Bismarck.

What insurance and bonds are required?

For the SOS Contractor License, you must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the SOS as certificate holder. Many cities also require a license/permit bond (e.g., Grand Forks $5,000). Sources: SOS; Grand Forks.

When do I renew?

Renew the SOS Contractor License annually by March 1 through FirstStop (fees by class). Renew your city HVAC/mechanical license each year per city rules and fee schedules. Sources: SOS renewal; Bismarck fees.

Ready to streamline licensing across North Dakota cities? License Navigator can map the exact steps, documents, and fees for your company and crew.