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Last updated: General license bond information — confirm current requirements with the licensing authority.
Fast Quotes Available • 50 States • Fast Processing

License and Permit Bonds - Fast Quotes Available

Get the license bonds you need to operate legally — you can start a surety bond quote online, with fast quotes on qualifying bond types.

Fast
Quotes
50
States
Get License Bond Quote
Quick answer
License and permit bonds are required by government agencies to make sure businesses comply with licensing laws and regulations. The amount depends on the bond type and the agency. You pay a premium that is a small percentage of the bond amount, not the full amount (any cost here is an estimate; the surety sets the final price).
  • Who requires it: The state or local licensing agency for your trade, for example a contractor board, notary commission or motor vehicle regulator.
  • Amount: Varies by type: contractor license bonds $1,000-$100,000, notary bonds $500-$50,000, auto dealer bonds $10,000-$100,000 and freight broker BMC-84 bonds $75,000.
  • Typical cost (estimate): most license bonds cost $100-$1,500 annually: notary bonds $50-$100, contractor license bonds $100-$300 for amounts up to $25,000, and auto dealer bonds $500+. Rates typically run 1-15% of the bond amount by credit. The surety sets the final price.
  • Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
Get a license bond quote
Fast
Quotes
50-State
Requirement Guides
Fast
Processing
$100+
Starting Cost

Types with Fast Quote

Fast quotes on notary bonds and a quick review for contractor bonds. Perfect for quick licensing needs.

Contractor Bonds
License bonds up to $25K - quick review, most within one business day (except CA)
Bond Amount:

$1K - $25K

Coverage:

Varies by State

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Fast Quote
Notary Bonds
Fast quote, many notary bonds don’t require a credit check
Bond Amount:

$500 - $50K

Coverage:

30 States Require

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Types Requiring Underwriting

These bonds require application review and underwriting but offer competitive rates.

Underwriting Required
Auto Dealer Bonds
DMV dealer licensing - underwriting required
Bond Amount:

$10K - $100K

Coverage:

All 50 States

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Underwriting Required
Freight Broker Bonds
BMC-84 federal requirement - underwriting required
Bond Amount:

$75K

Coverage:

Federal (All States)

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License Bond Categories

License bonds span dozens of industries. Each category below links to detailed requirements, costs, and state-by-state guides for that bond type.

Contractor License Bonds

50-state requirements

Auto Dealer Bonds

DMV licensing requirements

Notary Bonds

Fast quote, many notary bonds don’t require a credit check

Mortgage Broker Bonds

State NMLS requirements

Freight Broker Bonds

Federal BMC-84 requirement

Sales Tax Bonds

Tax compliance bonds

ERISA Bonds

Employee benefit plan bonds

Permit Bonds

Municipal permit requirements

No Payment Until Your Bond Is Issued

Every license bond we place is written on the form your state licensing authority requires and issued by a Treasury-listed carrier. No payment until your bond is issued · No obligation. Fast quotes on qualifying bonds, most others within one business day.

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Frequently Asked Questions About License Bonds

What license and permit bonds are required for businesses?

License and permit bonds are required by government agencies to ensure businesses comply with licensing laws and regulations. Common requirements include contractor license bonds ($1,000-$100,000), notary bonds ($500-$50,000), auto dealer bonds ($10,000-$100,000), freight broker BMC-84 bonds ($75,000), and various professional license bonds. Requirements vary by state, industry, and license type.

Can I get license bonds with fast quote?

Yes, many license bonds qualify for fast quotes, and many notary bonds don’t require a credit check. Notary bonds in all states and public official bonds up to $10,000 offer a fast quote. Contractor license bonds up to $25,000 (except California) get a quick review, most within one business day. Bonds requiring underwriting, like auto dealer bonds and freight broker bonds, go through a full carrier review.

How much do license bonds cost?

License bond costs range from $100-$1,500 annually for most bonds. Notary bonds cost $50-$100, contractor license bonds cost $100-$300 for amounts up to $25,000, and auto dealer bonds cost $500+ depending on bond amount and credit. Rates typically range from 1-15% of bond amount based on credit score, bond type, and underwriting requirements.

What is the difference between license bonds and permits?

License bonds are surety bonds guaranteeing compliance with licensing laws and protecting consumers from violations, while permits are government authorizations to conduct specific activities. License bonds are financial guarantees backed by surety companies, whereas permits are regulatory approvals. Many licenses require both a permit application and a surety bond as separate requirements.

Do license bonds renew automatically?

Most license bonds require annual renewal to maintain compliance with licensing requirements. Some bonds auto-renew with automatic premium billing, while others require manual renewal before expiration. Bond renewal timing should align with license renewal periods to avoid lapses. Failing to renew bonds can result in license suspension or revocation by licensing authorities.

What is the difference between a license bond and a permit bond?

A license bond is an ongoing requirement to maintain your professional or business license — it stays active for as long as you hold that license. A permit bond is tied to a specific project or activity and expires when the project is completed and approved. For example, a contractor license bond protects consumers statewide over time, while a construction permit bond protects a specific municipality during a single project.

Can I get a license bond with bad credit?

Yes. Many license bonds under $25,000 can be quoted quickly online. For larger bonds that require underwriting, applicants with lower credit scores can still be approved — the premium rate will simply be higher (typically 5-15% of the bond amount instead of 1-3%). We work with multiple carriers to find coverage for all credit profiles.

Related Bond Types

Contractor Bonds
All trade licenses
Notary Bonds
30 states require
Instant Bonds
4 types available

Browse All License Bond Subtypes

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Government Resources for License Bonds
Official sources for licensing and bonding requirements
U.S. Treasury - Surety Bond Program →

Treasury-listed surety companies for federal bonds

Small Business Administration →

Federal surety bond program for small businesses

Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
Reviewed by
Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
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All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.

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Fast
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50-State
Requirement Guides
$100+
Starting Cost
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