The North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCICLB) requires businesses that install sprinkler and irrigation systems to purchase a $10,000 surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining a license. This bond protects the public if the contractor's work is inadequate or if they violate any state or local building codes.

Jet Surety writes North Carolina Irrigation Contractor Bonds for $50 for a one year term.
If you received a lower quote elsewhere, send it to us and we can likely beat it. Our goal is to offer every qualified contractor the lowest market rate.
The bond costs $50 for a one year term, $88 for a two year term or $125 for a three year term.
| Bond Term | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $50 |
| 2 Years | $88 |
| 3 Years | $125 |
All applicants are approved at the above rates, regardless of their credit score.
North Carolina G.S. 89G-6 requires all irrigation contractors operating in the state to purchase a $10,000 surety bond prior to receiving a license from the NCICLB.
Any individual or business entity that constructs, installs, expands, services or repairs irrigation systems is considered an "irrigation contractor" and must obtain a license and purchase a bond.
The bond protects the general public in the event the contractor fails to comply with the provisions outlined in North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 89G, any local building codes or if their work is inadequate.
For example, if a business hires an irrigation contractor to install their sprinkler systems, but the contractor installs faulty systems that do not work, then the business could file a claim against the contractor's bond to recoup their losses.
Unlike traditional forms of insurance, surety bonds do not protect the contractors purchasing them, but rather their customers. Additionally, contractors are required to repay the surety company for all valid claims and claims handling expenses. However, valid bond claims are completely avoidable and only occur if the contractor violates the law.

After you purchase your bond, Jet will provide you with a digital copy that can be emailed to the NCICLB at [email protected]. We will also mail you the original bond form with our raised seal on it, but this does not need to be submitted to the state.
The bond is continuous in nature and does not expire unless cancelled. However, irrigation contractors still need to renew their bonds with the surety company to avoid cancellation. Prior to the end of your bond's term, Jet will email you a renewal quote which can be purchased online. Once purchased, we will provide you a renewal confirmation that does not need to be submitted to the state.
Irrigation contractors must meet several requirements prior to receiving a license, including obtaining the necessary experience and passing an exam.
The below steps outline how to obtain a North Carolina Irrigation Contractor License.
Applicants must obtain at least three years of industry experience before applying for licensure. A degree in an irrigation related field or completion of irrigation training programs counts towards this experience. However, every two years of educational training only counts as one year of industry experience.
Applicants must verify their experience through either employer/client verifications or academic transcripts. Additionally, all applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check and demonstrate good moral character.
Contractors will need to mail their completed applications to the NCICLB at the below address:
Post Office Box 41421
Raleigh, NC 27629
All applications must be accompanied by a $100 check made payable to the NCICLB.
After approving the application, the NCICLB will mail the contractor an approval letter containing instructions on how to schedule the required exam, which contractors must pass prior to receiving a license. Exam information can be found on the NCICLB's website here.
After passing the exam, irrigation contractors will need to purchase a $10,000 surety bond.
North Carolina has state level bonding requirements for general contractors, landscape contractors and manufactured housing contractors. Many local municipalities require contractors to obtain license/permit bonds, and project owners may require contractors to obtain performance and payment bonds prior to undertaking a construction project.
Jet Surety writes all North Carolina Contractor and Construction Bonds, and contractors can obtain a quote online here.
