Author: Holly Crosby
Whether you're considering a career change, starting a new business, or simply curious about North Carolina's regulatory landscape, understanding the state's licensing requirements is essential. The North Carolina Business and Occupational License Database (NC BOLD) was established under General Statute 143B-431(e) and serves as the state's central clearinghouse for this information. The latest data from fiscal year 2023-24 reveals some insights about who needs licenses and which ones are most common.
Over 5.6 Million Licenses Issued in FY 2023-24
During the 2023-24 fiscal year, North Carolina issued 1,427,535 occupational licenses and 4,260,174 business or recreational licenses. Total licenses issued remained essentially flat year-over-year, dipping slightly from 5,692,071 in 2022 to 5,687,709 in 2023 — a difference of less than one-tenth of one percent. This stability reflects a mature and consistently active licensing environment across the state's workforce and business community. With over 2 million classified driver's licenses and 460,000 coastal recreational fishing licenses, these two categories alone account for 59% of all business licenses issued (driver's licenses at 48% and coastal recreational fishing licenses at 11%).
More Than 960 Active Licenses Currently Available
North Carolina maintains 965 unique active license types, with 855 issuing licenses during FY 2023-24 (110 issued no new licenses). These licenses are split between two main categories:
- Occupational licenses (25% of total licenses) - required for individuals to practice specific professions or trades
- Business/Recreational licenses (75% of total licenses) - required for businesses to operate in certain industries or offer particular services
This extensive licensing framework ensures that professionals meet established standards and that businesses comply with regulatory requirements.
*Excludes North Carolina's two highest-volume licenses issuing more than $2M licenses: NC Department of Transportation classified driver's licenses and NC Department of Environmental Quality coastal recreational fishing licenses
**Effective July 1, 2024, professional privilege licenses are no longer required.
Your Resource for North Carolina Licensing Information
NC BOLD provides a searchable database where businesses and job seekers can explore licensing requirements, access application forms, and find contact information for issuing agencies. The system works with approximately 76 Business License Coordinators across state agencies, boards, and commissions to ensure information remains current and accurate.
Whether you're researching career options or planning to start a business in North Carolina, NC BOLD offers the comprehensive information you need to understand your licensing obligations. Visit ncbold.com to explore the full database, and check NCcareers.org for career exploration resources that incorporate occupational licensing data.
NC BOLD data is updated annually, with the next update expected in June 2026. For additional information about career pathways and skills requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop resource center.