Skip to main content
BSB
DLCP Required

DC Contractor License Bond$1,000-$25,000 By Trade

Washington DC requires contractor bonds through DLCP based on trade type. Home improvement needs $25,000, plumbing $5,000, and electrical $1,000-$4,000. Both business and individual must be bonded.

Fast processing | Trade-specific bonds | From $50/year

📋 Get Your DC Contractor Bond Quote

Fast approval • Competitive rates

✓Fast approval•✓A- rated carriers•✓All 50 states
$25,000
Home Improvement
$5,000
Plumbing/Gas
$1K-$4K
Electrical
Same Day
Approval

DC Contractor Bond Types

Requirements vary by trade classification

Home Improvement Contractor
$25,0002-year term

Required for any home improvement work on contracts exceeding $300

Plumbing & Gas Fitting
$5,0002-year term (expires March 31 even years)

Required for licensed plumbing and gas fitting contractors

Electrical Contractors
$1,000-$4,0002-year term (expires Nov 30 odd years)

Varies by license class: fixture ($1K), master ($2K), contractor ($4K)

Electrical Contractor Bond Amounts
Per DC Municipal Regulations Section 17-210
Electrical Fixture Contractor$1,000
Master Electrician Specialist$1,000
Master Electrician$2,000
Special Electrical Contractor$2,000
Electrical Contractor$4,000
Elevator Contractor$4,000
Important: Dual Bonding Requirement

DC requires both the business entity AND the Designated Individual (Master) to be bonded. This means you may need to purchase two bonds - one for your company and one for the individual license holder. This provides maximum consumer protection in the District.

DC DLCP Requirements

Complete licensing requirements

Both business entity AND designated individual (Master) must be bonded
Home improvement contractors: $25,000 bond for contracts over $300
Plumbing/Gas fitting: $5,000 bond (2-year term)
Electrical: $1,000-$4,000 depending on license class
General Contractor/Construction Manager: Bond per Mayor's rules
$500 biennial fee for general contractor license
Public works over $25,000 require performance/payment bonds
Projects over $100,000 require construction surety bonds

DC Bond Costs

Annual premium estimates by credit tier

$25,000 Home Improvement
Excellent Credit$250-$375
Good Credit$375-$625
Fair Credit$625-$1,250
$5,000 Plumbing/Gas
Excellent Credit$75-$100
Good Credit$100-$150
Fair Credit$150-$250
$4,000 Electrical
Excellent Credit$60-$80
Good Credit$80-$120
Fair Credit$120-$200

How to Get Licensed in DC

Step-by-step process

1

Determine Classification

Identify your contractor trade type and required license class

2

Meet Requirements

Complete experience, exam, and education requirements for your trade

3

Apply Through DLCP

Submit application to Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

4

Purchase Bond(s)

Get required bonds for BOTH business entity AND individual (dual bonding)

5

Pay Fees

$500 biennial fee for general contractor; varies by trade

6

Maintain Compliance

Renew licenses and bonds per schedule (2-year terms)

Frequently Asked Questions

DC contractor bond questions

What contractor bonds does Washington DC require?
DC requires different bonds by trade through DLCP: Home improvement contractors need a $25,000 bond for work over $300. Plumbing/gas fitting contractors need $5,000. Electrical contractors need $1,000-$4,000 depending on license class. Importantly, both the business entity AND the designated individual (Master license holder) must maintain bonds.
How much does a DC contractor bond cost?
DC contractor bond costs vary by type and credit. The $25,000 home improvement bond costs $250-$750 annually (1-3%) with good credit. The $5,000 plumbing bond costs $75-$150. Electrical bonds ($1,000-$4,000) cost $50-$200. Poor credit or new businesses may pay higher rates. Our instant approval system provides competitive rates.
Why must both business and individual be bonded in DC?
DC requires dual bonding to provide maximum consumer protection. The business entity bond covers the company's obligations, while the individual (Master/Designated Agent) bond covers the licensed professional's personal accountability. This ensures consumers have recourse whether dealing with the company or the individual license holder.
What are DC electrical contractor bond amounts?
DC electrical bond requirements per DCMR Section 17-210: Electrical fixture contractors and master electrician specialists need $1,000. Master electricians and special contractors need $2,000. Full electrical contractors and elevator contractors need $4,000. All expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years.
How do I become a licensed contractor in DC?
To get licensed in DC: (1) Determine your contractor classification, (2) Meet experience and exam requirements for your trade, (3) Apply through DLCP, (4) Purchase required surety bond(s) - remember both business AND individual need bonds, (5) Pay applicable fees ($500 biennial for general contractor), (6) Maintain current bond and license renewals.
What are DC public works bond requirements?
DC public works projects have additional bonding: Contracts over $25,000 require performance and payment bonds. Projects over $100,000 require construction surety bonds. These are separate from your contractor license bond and are project-specific. Contact us for public works bond quotes based on your specific contract.

Other Area Contractor Bonds

Explore requirements in nearby areas

Maryland
MHIC Requirements
$20K-$100K

Home improvement

Virginia
DPOR Requirements
$50K-$100K

By contractor class

All States
Complete directory
50 States

View all requirements

Official Resources

DC DLCP

Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

Phone: (202) 442-4400

Visit DLCP
Legal Authority

Electrical: DC Municipal Regulations Section 17-210

Plumbing: Section 46-2583.122

General: DC Code 47-2851.03d

Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.
Verify insurance producer licenses →

Get Your DC Bond Today

Fast approval for all DC trade classifications

📋 Get Your DC Contractor Bond Quote

Fast approval • Competitive rates

✓Fast approval•✓A- rated carriers•✓All 50 states

Treasury-certified carriers • A- minimum rating • DLCP approved