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Contractor license bonds for all 50 states. No credit check required for bonds under $25,000. Same-day approval.
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What is a Contractor License Bond?
A contractor license bond is a surety bond required by state or local licensing authorities before issuing a contractor license. The bond guarantees that contractors will comply with licensing laws, complete projects according to contracts, and pay subcontractors and suppliers.
Bond amounts vary by state from $2,000 (West Virginia) to $100,000 (Nevada). Unlike insurance, contractors must reimburse the surety for any claims paid against their bond. All bonds are issued through U.S. Treasury-certified carriers.
Bond vs Insurance: Key Differences
- • Protects the public/government
- • You must repay claims
- • Required for licensing
- • Costs 1-3% of bond amount
- • Protects your business
- • Insurer pays claims
- • Required for operation
- • Varies by coverage type
Most states require BOTH a bond AND insurance to operate legally.
Contractor License Bond Cost
Bond premiums are calculated as a percentage of the required bond amount, typically 1-3% annually with good credit.
| Bond Amount | Good Credit (700+) | Fair Credit (600-699) | Poor Credit (<600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $50-$150/yr | $150-$250/yr | $250-$500/yr |
| $10,000 | $100-$300/yr | $300-$500/yr | $500-$1,000/yr |
| $25,000 | $250-$750/yr | $750-$1,250/yr | $1,250-$2,500/yr |
| $100,000 | $1,000-$3,000/yr | $3,000-$5,000/yr | $5,000-$10,000/yr |
No Credit Check: Instant approval available for bonds under $25,000 with flat-rate pricing.Use our calculator →
Contractor Bond Requirements by State
36 states require contractor license bonds. Click your state for specific requirements.
Bonds by Contractor Trade
Select your specialty for trade-specific requirements
General Contractor Bonds
For general construction
Residential Contractor Bonds
Home building focus
Commercial Contractor Bonds
Commercial projects
Construction Contractor Bonds
All construction types
Electrical Contractor Bonds
Electrical trade
HVAC Contractor Bonds
Heating & cooling
Plumbing Contractor Bonds
Plumbing trade
Roofing Contractor Bonds
Roofing trade
Mechanical Contractor Bonds
Mechanical systems
How to Get Licensed and Bonded
Check Requirements
Determine your state and local contractor bonding requirements and bond amount.
Complete Education
Finish any required pre-licensing education or trade exams for your state.
Get Your Bond
Purchase your contractor license bond online. Instant approval for most bonds under $25K.
Submit Application
File your bond certificate with your license application and pay licensing fees.
Get Insurance
Obtain required contractor insurance (general liability, workers comp).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contractor license bond?
A contractor license bond is a surety bond required by state licensing authorities. It guarantees compliance with licensing laws and protects consumers from contractor fraud or abandonment. Bond amounts vary by state ($2,000-$100,000).
How much does a contractor license bond cost?
Costs range from $100-$2,500 annually depending on bond amount and credit. Most states require $5,000-$25,000 bonds. With good credit, expect 1-3% of bond amount (e.g., $15,000 bond = $150-$450/year).
How do I get licensed and bonded?
(1) Determine your state requirements, (2) Complete pre-licensing education/exams, (3) Purchase your bond online (instant approval available), (4) Submit bond certificate with license application, (5) Obtain required insurance.
Can I get a bond with bad credit?
Yes. Many contractor bonds have no credit check for instant approval under $25,000. Higher-risk programs available for challenged credit at competitive rates.
What's the difference between a bond and insurance?
A bond protects the public (you repay claims). Insurance protects you (insurer pays claims). Most states require BOTH a license bond AND liability insurance.
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