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Well Driller
Total cost: $125
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
No
Exam Required
1 year
Experience
Not Required
Liability Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
$125
Total Initial Fees
Well Driller Licensing
Mostly verifiedExam Required
No
Minimum Age
18+
License Types Available
Water well driller licensing ensures that groundwater resources are protected during well construction. Most states require drillers to demonstrate experience, pass an exam, and maintain proper insurance to protect both public water supplies and private well owners.
Not sure if you need a well driller license? Check whether your state requires one.
Training & Apprenticeship
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
1 year
Apprenticeship
Required
CE Hours
None Required
NGWA Certification
Accepted
Well driller experience typically involves working under a licensed driller to learn proper drilling techniques, well construction standards, and groundwater protection practices. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) offers voluntary certifications that are recognized in many states.
Browse Well Driller study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Liability Insurance & Surety Bond
Mostly verifiedLiability Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
Not Required
Many states require water well drillers to carry liability insurance to protect property owners and surety bonds to guarantee proper well construction. Insurance requirements typically cover damage to property and contamination of groundwater resources.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees | $125 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified1 year
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Well driller licenses must be renewed on schedule. States with continuing education requirements typically focus on well construction standards updates, groundwater protection, and state regulatory changes. NGWA also offers CE courses accepted by many states.
Standards & Reporting
Mostly verifiedConstruction Standards
North Dakota NDCC Chapter 43-35 well contractor standards
Well Reporting Required
Yes
Well Log Required
Yes
Well construction standards ensure groundwater quality and protect aquifers from contamination. Most states require well completion reports (well logs) to be filed with the state, documenting well depth, construction details, water levels, and geological formations encountered during drilling.
North Dakota's well contractor registration through the State Water Commission is relatively streamlined.
North Dakota State Water Commission administers basic well contractor registration.
There is no interstate compact for well drillers.
Well Driller requirements in nearby states
See how North Dakota compares: Well Driller License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare well driller requirements across all states →
Well Driller licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure well driller is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does North Dakota compare to other states for well driller? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your well driller license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
Well Driller Schools in North Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Training manuals and reference guides for water well drilling professionals.
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Official Sources
Well Driller requirements in North Dakota verified against North Dakota State Water Commission, March 2026.
Current as of date accessed
Accessed 2026-03-16
NGWA industry resource
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to North Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Well Driller license to North Dakota →
Transfer your Well Driller license from North Dakota to: Minnesota → | Montana → | South Dakota →
North Dakota requires a license for water well drillers. 1 year of experience needed. All licensing is managed through the North Dakota State Water Commission.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority.