What is your trade?
Bond costs vary depending on your classification.
We can email a signed PDF of your bond within 30 minutes of purchase so you can upload it to the state board portal immediately.
Why does the state require this?
A Contractor License Bond is not insurance for you; it's a guarantee for the public. It ensures you will follow building codes and pay your subcontractors. You cannot legally pull permits or sign contracts without one.
What's your current situation?
This helps us match you with the right surety carrier.
New License
I am applying for my first contractor's license number.
Renewal
I need to renew an existing bond to keep my license active.
Credit Concerns
My credit isn't perfect, but I need to get bonded to work.
Can I get a bond with bad credit?
Yes. While surety bonds are a form of credit, we work with high-risk markets. If your score is low (under 650), you can still get bonded, though the premium (price) will be slightly higher than someone with perfect credit.
Required Bond Amount?
This is determined by your state (e.g., CA is $25k, WA is $12k).
*Don't know your required amount? Select "Standard" and we will auto-detect it based on your Zip Code.
Do you need insurance too?
Most states require Liability Insurance AND a Bond to activate a license.
Wait, is a Bond the same as Insurance?
No. This is the most common confusion in construction.
Insurance protects YOU (if you get sued).
A Bond protects the PUBLIC (and the State) from you.
Think of a bond as a credit line. If you fail to finish a job or pay a sub, a claim can be filed against your bond. The surety company pays the claim, but you have to pay the surety company back.
A Bond is required to:
- Activate your license
- Pull building permits
- Hire employees
- Bid on public jobs
How much does a bond cost?
You don't pay the full bond amount. You only pay a percentage (usually 1% to 5%) as a premium.
Preferential Rate
Example: A $15,000 bond might only cost you $150 per year.
Standard Rate
Example: A $15,000 bond might cost around $450 - $750 per year.
High Risk Program
Even with bad credit or bankruptcies, we can usually get you bonded so you can work.
What determines your price?
This is the #1 factor. Higher score = lower bond cost.
The total value required by the state (e.g., $15k vs $25k).
How long you've been licensed can sometimes lower rates.
Prior bond claims or license suspensions increase risk.