Wisconsin Contractor License BondDSPS $25K + Local $1K-$5K

Yes, for dwelling contractors. The Wisconsin DSPS (Dept. of Safety and Professional Services) requires a $25,000 surety bond for Dwelling Contractor certification. You must also complete a 12-hour training course and pass the state exam. This applies to contractors building or remodeling 1-4 family dwellings.

Milwaukee requires bonds by trade: home improvement contractors need a $1,000 bond, concrete contractors need $5,000, and electrical/plumbing contractors have varying amounts. The license application fee is $225. You must also be fingerprinted by the Milwaukee Police Department and provide a certificate of insurance plus a performance bond.

The City of Madison requires contractors to post a $5,000 license and permit bond through the Department of Engineering -- Public Works. This bond covers public works contractor activities and must be maintained throughout the licensing period.

The $25,000 DSPS dwelling contractor bond costs $250-$1,250 per year depending on credit. Good credit (700+) pays 1-2% ($250-$500). Fair credit (620-699) pays 2-5% ($500-$1,250). Milwaukee city bonds ($1K-$5K) cost $10-$250/year. We can issue both state and municipal bonds under one application.

Wisconsin requires completion of a DSPS-approved 12-hour dwelling contractor training course before taking the certification exam. Topics include Wisconsin construction law, building codes, contract requirements, and business practices. The exam covers both business/law and construction knowledge.

Potentially yes. The state DSPS dwelling contractor bond ($25,000) is required for residential construction statewide. Additionally, cities like Milwaukee and Madison impose their own municipal bonds on top of the state requirement. Working in Milwaukee means carrying both the $25,000 state bond and the applicable city bond.