Types of Surety Bonds — Find the Bond You Need
The types of surety bonds fall into four main categories: license and permit bonds, contract bonds, court bonds, and commercial bonds. Each one protects a different party for a different reason. Use the directory below to find the specific bond your state, court, or contract requires — then get an instant quote.
- Who requires it: The state, court, project owner or agency that requires the bond, depending on the category.
- Typical cost (estimate): about 1-15% of the bond amount annually, depending on bond type, amount, credit score, business financials and experience. License bonds often have lower rates than contract bonds. The surety sets the final price.
- Instant quote: contractor license bonds (up to $25K), notary bonds and some permit bonds. Contract bonds like performance and payment bonds require underwriting.
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
Most Requested Bonds
The bonds customers ask us for most, with their top state guides.
Contract Bonds
Performance Bonds →Court & Probate Bonds
All court bonds →Not Sure Which Bond You Need?
Start with why you need a bond. The answer points you to the right category.
Getting a business license or permit?
Your state or city requires a bond before they will issue or renew your license. This applies to contractors, auto dealers, mortgage brokers, notaries, and dozens of other professions.
Browse License & Permit Bonds →Bidding on or starting a construction project?
Public projects (and many private ones) require bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. Federal projects over $150,000 require them by law under the Miller Act.
Browse Contract Bonds →Involved in a court case or managing an estate?
Courts require bonds for appeals, injunctions, and when someone is appointed to manage another person's money or property (executors, guardians, trustees).
Browse Court & Fiduciary Bonds →Need a bond for taxes, customs, or compliance?
ERISA bonds, sales tax bonds, customs bonds, warehouse bonds, and vehicle title bonds fall into this category. These cover specialized business obligations.
Browse Commercial Bonds →Still not sure? Tell us what you need and we will point you to the right bond.
Get Help Finding Your Bond →4 Main Surety Bond Categories
Every surety bond falls into one of these categories
License & Permit
60%+
Largest category by volume. Contractor, notary, auto dealer, freight broker, and other professional license bonds.
Contract
$6.5B+
Highest dollar value. Performance, payment, and bid bonds for public and private construction projects.
Court & Fiduciary
10,000+
Court-ordered bonds per year. Appeal, probate, guardianship, and fiduciary bonds protecting legal proceedings.
Commercial
50+ Types
ERISA, customs, sales tax, warehouse, vehicle title, and other specialized compliance bonds.
Source: Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) market reports. License bonds represent the majority of bond count; contract bonds dominate by premium volume.
Other Bonds
More license, court and commercial bonds. Browse by category: License & Permit Bonds · Contract Bonds · Court & Fiduciary Bonds · Commercial & Specialty Bonds
- Alcohol & Beverage Bonds
- Appraisal Management Company Bonds
- Auctioneer Bonds
- California Tax Preparer Bond (CTEC)
- Collection Agency Bonds
- DMEPOS Medicare Bonds
- ERISA Bonds
- Escrow Agent Bonds
- Financial Guarantee Bonds
- Fuel Tax Bonds
- Health Club Bonds
- Insurance Broker Bonds
- Investment Advisor Bonds
- Legal Document Preparer Bonds
- Liquor Tax Bonds
- Lottery Bonds
- Manufactured Home Bonds
- Marijuana Business Bonds
- Medicaid Provider Bonds
- Money Transmitter Bonds
- Mortgage Broker Bonds
- Mortgage Lender Bonds
- Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Bonds
- Oversize/Overweight Permit Bonds
- Pawnbroker Bonds
- Permit Bonds
- Pest Control Bonds
- Private Investigator Bonds
- Process Server Bonds
- Professional Solicitor Bonds
- Public Adjuster Bonds
- Registration Service Bonds
- Security Guard Bonds
- Talent Agency Bonds
- Tax Preparer Bonds
- Temporary Import Bonds
- Third Party Administrator Bonds
- Tobacco Tax Bonds
- Travel Agency Bonds
- Utility Deposit Bonds
- Wage & Welfare Bonds
- Warehouse Bonds
Official Government Bond Resources
Authoritative information on surety bond requirements
Official list of Treasury-listed surety companies authorized to write federal bonds
Federal surety bond guarantee programs for small businesses
Watch: Surety Bonds 101: Every Type Explained in 10 Minutes (2026)
Every type of surety bond explained in plain English — contract, license, court, and commercial — so you know exactly which one you need before you buy.
Key moments in this video
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about surety bonds
What is a surety bond?
How much do surety bonds cost?
Which bonds can I get instantly?
Do I need a surety bond?
How long does it take to get a surety bond?
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
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