Colorado Contractor License BondsMunicipal Only -- No State Bond
Colorado stands out among western states: there is no statewide contractor license and no state-level bond requirement. Instead, bonding authority rests entirely with cities and counties. Denver leads with the most structured system, requiring $10,000 to $50,000 bonds depending on your trade. If you work across the Front Range, expect to carry bonds in multiple jurisdictions.
📋 Get Your Contractor Bond Quote
Select bond types • Fast approval
Secure | No Obligation | Takes 2 Minutes
Official Colorado Requirements
"Colorado does not require a statewide contractor license. Municipalities set their own licensing and bonding requirements. Public works projects over $50,000 require performance and payment bonds under the Little Miller Act."Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies • C.R.S. Section 38-26-106 (Little Miller Act)
Denver Contractor Bond Requirements
Denver has the most detailed municipal bonding system in Colorado, administered by Community Planning and Development
| Contractor Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $50,000 | Denver Community Planning & Development |
| Sewer Contractor | $50,000 | Right-of-way license required |
| Paving Contractor | $50,000 | Right-of-way license required |
| Structural Contractor | $25,000 | Right-of-way license required |
| Sidewalk/Cement Contractor | $10,000 | Denver-specific requirement |
Colorado Municipal Bond Requirements
Bond amounts vary by city -- contact your local building department to confirm
Denver
By trade type, 3-year license ($250 fee)
Colorado Springs
Residential and commercial trades
Aurora
Building permits and contractor bonds
Fort Collins
Municipal licensing required
Boulder
Municipal licensing with bond
Lakewood
Municipal contractor registration
Colorado Little Miller Act -- Public Works Bonds
Separate from municipal license bonds, public works projects over $50,000 require performance and payment bonds
Performance Bond
Guarantees project completion according to contract terms. Typically 100% of contract value. Required on all public works projects exceeding $50,000.
Payment Bond
Ensures subcontractors and suppliers are paid. Protects laborers on government construction projects. Also typically 100% of contract value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado-specific contractor bond questions
Does Colorado require a state contractor license bond?
No. Colorado has no statewide contractor license or bond requirement. Instead, individual municipalities and counties set their own licensing and bonding rules. Denver requires bonds ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on trade type. If you work in multiple cities, you may need separate bonds for each jurisdiction.
Which Colorado cities require contractor bonds?
Major cities requiring contractor bonds include Denver ($10K-$50K by trade), Colorado Springs ($5K-$15K), Aurora ($5K-$25K), Fort Collins, Boulder, Lakewood, and Thornton. Each municipality sets its own bond amounts. Denver has the most detailed requirements, with separate bonds for general, sewer, paving, structural, and sidewalk contractors.
How much does a Denver contractor bond cost?
Denver contractor bond premiums run 1-5% of the bond amount annually. A $50,000 general contractor bond costs $500-$2,500 per year depending on credit. A $10,000 sidewalk contractor bond costs $100-$500. The Denver contractor license fee is $250 for a three-year term.
What is the Colorado Little Miller Act?
The Colorado Little Miller Act (C.R.S. Section 38-26-106) requires performance and payment bonds on public works projects exceeding $50,000. These are separate from municipal license bonds. The performance bond guarantees project completion, while the payment bond ensures subcontractors and suppliers are paid. Bonds are typically 100% of contract value.
Do I need separate bonds for each Colorado city?
Yes. Because Colorado has no state license, each municipality operates independently. If you work in Denver and Aurora, you need separate bonds for each city. Some contractors working across the Front Range maintain three or four municipal bonds simultaneously. We can issue all of them under a single application.
How long does it take to get a Colorado contractor bond?
Most Colorado municipal contractor bonds can be issued within 24 hours for applicants with good credit. Bonds are delivered electronically for immediate filing with your local building department. Denver contractor licenses are valid for three years once issued.
Official Colorado Resources
Other Colorado Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Colorado
Get Your Colorado Municipal Bond Today
All municipalities covered -- Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora & more
📋 Get Your Contractor Bond Quote
Select bond types • Fast approval
Secure | No Obligation | Takes 2 Minutes