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Bureau of Land Management · 43 CFR 3104

BLM Oil & Gas Lease Bond

Rules as of Sep 29, 2026

Federal onshore operators must post a bond before operating on a BLM lease. The minimums rose in 2024.

Current BLM bond minimums

Bond typeMinimum amount
Individual lease bond$150,000
Statewide bond$500,000
Nationwide and unit operator bondsNo longer accepted. Existing ones had to be replaced by Jun 22, 2025.

These minimums took effect Jun 22, 2024. BLM adjusts them for inflation every 10 years.

Source: BLM bonding page (rules as of Sep 29, 2026).

Who needs this bond

The rule is in 43 CFR 3104. Federal onshore operators must post a bond before operating on a BLM lease. You are in this group if:

  • You are taking on a new BLM lease or becoming a new operator.
  • You already have a lease or statewide bond below the current minimums.
  • You relied on a nationwide or unit operator bond, which BLM no longer accepts.

Each case has its own option in the quote form, so you can say which one fits.

Sources: BLM bonding page and 43 CFR 3104 (rules as of Sep 29, 2026).

Deadline: raise existing bonds by June 22, 2027

If you already have a lease or statewide bond below the new minimums, you must raise it by Jun 22, 2027.

A Dec 18, 2025 direct final rule extended the statewide deadline to that date.

DateWhat happened
Jun 22, 2024New minimums took effect
Jun 22, 2025Deadline to replace nationwide and unit bonds
Dec 18, 2025Direct final rule extended the statewide deadline
Jun 22, 2027Deadline to raise existing bonds to the new minimums

Ask early. Start your request well before the deadline.

Source: Federal Register direct final rule, Dec 18, 2025 (rules as of Sep 29, 2026).

Start your increase now

The June 2026 proposed rollback: not final

  • On Jun 24, 2026, BLM proposed returning the minimums to $10,000 per lease and $25,000 statewide. It also asked whether to bring back nationwide bonds.
  • The 60-day comment period closed about Aug 24, 2026.
  • As of Sep 29, 2026, no final rule has been published. BLM's bonding page still shows the 2024 minimums.

Plan for $150,000 and $500,000 until a final rule says otherwise.

A proposal is not a rule. Until a final rule is published, the amounts in the table above are the ones that apply.

Source: Federal Register proposed rule, Jun 24, 2026 (rules as of Sep 29, 2026).

What the bond guarantees

The bond backs your promises on federal land. It covers:

  • Plugging wells when they stop producing.
  • Reclamation of the site after operations end.
  • Lease obligations you agreed to when you took the lease.

If an operator fails to do this work, the bond is there to cover it. The bond is a promise to the government. It is not insurance for you.

Lease bond or statewide bond: which fits?

  • Individual lease bond. Covers one lease. Minimum $150,000.
  • Statewide bond. Covers your operations across your BLM leases in one state. Minimum $500,000. (BLM bonding page, rules as of Sep 29, 2026.)

If you hold several leases in one state, ask which fits you better. Choose "Not sure" in the form and we will help you compare.

How to get your BLM bond

  1. Tell us what you need. Pick an individual lease bond or a statewide bond. Not sure? Choose "Not sure" and we will help.
  2. Same-day submission. We submit your request to the carrier the day it arrives.
  3. We email you the bond once the carrier issues it. Then you file it with the BLM state office.
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What a BLM bond costs

The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price.

We work with carriers that write challenged credit; the carrier decides.

Your cost is an estimate until the carrier approves your bond. It depends on the bond amount, your credit and your operating history. Get a quote to see your estimate.

State bonds you may also need

The BLM bond covers federal leases. State regulators bond wells separately, so an operator on both federal and state land may need more than one bond.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a BLM lease bond?

The minimum is $150,000 per lease. A statewide bond has a $500,000 minimum. These are the minimums BLM shows as of Sep 29, 2026 (BLM bonding page).

What is the difference between a statewide bond and an individual lease bond?

An individual lease bond covers one lease. A statewide bond covers your operations across your BLM leases in one state (BLM bonding page, rules as of Sep 29, 2026). The minimum is $150,000 for a lease and $500,000 for a statewide bond. If you hold several leases in one state, ask which fits you better.

Can I still use a nationwide bond?

No. BLM no longer accepts nationwide bonds. Existing ones had to be replaced by Jun 22, 2025. If you still rely on one, use the form and choose "Replacing a nationwide or unit bond."

Did BLM lower the bond amounts?

Not yet. BLM proposed lower minimums in June 2026, but no final rule had been published as of Sep 29, 2026. BLM’s bonding page still shows $150,000 and $500,000. Plan for those amounts.

When must I raise my existing bond?

By Jun 22, 2027, if your lease or statewide bond is below the current minimum.

When did the current minimums take effect?

Jun 22, 2024.

Does the bond protect me as the operator?

No. The bond is a promise to the government that plugging, reclamation and lease obligations will be met. It is not insurance for you.

Is my cost fixed?

No. Your cost is an estimate until the carrier approves your bond.

Sources (rules as of Sep 29, 2026)