North Carolina issued more than 5.6 million occupational, business, and recreational licenses during the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to data from the North Carolina Business and Occupational License Database (NC BOLD). The total number of licenses issued—5,687,709—remained nearly unchanged compared to the previous year’s figure of 5,692,071.
Driver’s licenses and coastal recreational fishing licenses accounted for a significant share of these totals. Over two million classified driver’s licenses were issued by the Department of Transportation, while approximately 460,000 coastal recreational fishing licenses came from the Department of Environmental Quality. Together, these two categories represented about 59% of all business licenses in the state.
The state currently maintains 965 unique active license types. Of those, 855 license types saw new issuances in fiscal year 2023-24; the remaining 110 did not issue any new licenses during that period. Occupational licenses made up roughly one-quarter of all licenses granted and are required for individuals practicing certain professions or trades. Business and recreational licenses comprised about three-quarters of total issuances and are necessary for businesses operating in regulated industries or offering specific services.
The NC BOLD database was established under General Statute 143B-431(e) as a central clearinghouse for licensing information in North Carolina. It is updated annually and works with around 76 Business License Coordinators across various agencies to maintain accurate records.
“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,” according to NC BOLD materials.
NC BOLD provides an online searchable database at ncbold.com where users can review licensing requirements and access application forms. Career exploration resources that include occupational licensing data are available at NCcareers.org. Additional national information on career pathways can be found through the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop resource center.
A recent change means that professional privilege licenses will no longer be required after July 1, 2024.
The next update to NC BOLD data is scheduled for June 2026.
