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State-by-state requirement guides

Surety Bonds by State— Requirements in All 50 States

Find surety bonds and their requirements by state, or buy a surety bond online in minutes with instant quotes for contractor, notary, auto dealer, and court bonds.

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Quick answer
A surety bond is a three-party agreement in which a surety company stands behind your promise to an obligee, such as a government agency, that you will meet an obligation. Which bond you need, and the amount, depends on your state and on who requires it. Pick your state below for amounts and statutes.
  • Who requires it: The obligee sets the requirement, typically a state licensing board, a court or a contracting agency.
  • Typical cost (estimate): about 0.5% to 15% of the bond amount per year, depending on bond type, credit score and financial strength. The surety sets the final price.
  • Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
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Understanding Surety Bond Requirements Across America

With thousands of different surety bond requirements across the United States, finding the right bond for your business can be overwhelming. This comprehensive directory organizes all bond types by state and category, making it easy to find exactly what you need.

Why Surety Bonds Matter

Surety bonds protect consumers and ensure businesses comply with regulations. Federally funded construction, including projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), generally requires performance and payment bonds. The U.S. Treasury maintains the official list of certified surety companies authorized to write federal bonds.

Federal Programs Driving Bond Demand

  • IIJA: $1.2T for federal infrastructure ($550B new spending)
  • IRA: clean energy project funding
  • CHIPS Act: $52B for semiconductor manufacturing

Browse Bonds by Type

Find the right surety bond for your business needs

License & Permit Bonds

Required for professional licenses and permits across all industries

High volume

License bonds protect consumers from business malpractice. Premium rates typically range from 0.5% to 10% based on credit score and bond amount.

Premium: 1-3%
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Contract & Construction

Performance, payment, and bid bonds for construction projects

Largest segment

Contract bonds are the largest surety market segment. Well-qualified contractors often secure rates below 1.5% for federal projects.

Premium: 0.5-4%
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Commercial Bonds

Business operation and compliance bonds for various industries

Growing segment

Commercial bonds ensure business compliance with regulations. Notary bonds vary dramatically from $500 in some states to $50,000 in Alabama.

Premium: 1-5%
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Court Bonds

Judicial proceedings and legal matters requiring financial guarantees

Specialized

Court bonds guarantee faithful performance in legal proceedings. Appeal bonds typically require 150% of the judgment amount.

Premium: 1-3%
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How to Get Your Surety Bond

Simple 4-step process to secure your bond

01

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02

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03

Secure Payment

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04

Receive Bond

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Browse Bonds by State

State-specific requirements and bond types

State Bond Requirements Vary Dramatically

Each state sets its own bond types and amounts. California, for example, raised its contractor license bond to $25,000 in 2023. Check your state guide for the bonds your license or permit requires.

Most Popular Surety Bond Types

Commonly requested bond types

Often about $100/year

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Often about $300/year

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Often about $750–$3,000/year

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Notary Bond

44 states

Often about $40/year

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Often about $500/year

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Court Bonds

50 states

Often about $100/year

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Popular State Bond Guides

Common bond types in four large states

Quick Bond Search

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Surety Bond Resources

Learn more about surety bonds and requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about surety bonds

What is a surety bond and how does it work?
A surety bond is a three-party agreement where a surety company guarantees to an obligee (government or business entity) that a principal (you) will fulfill an obligation. If the principal fails to meet their obligation, the surety pays claims up to the bond amount and seeks reimbursement from the principal. Common types include license bonds, contract bonds, court bonds, and commercial bonds.
How much do surety bonds cost?
Surety bond premiums typically range from 0.5% to 15% of the bond amount annually, depending on bond type, credit score, and financial strength. For example, a $10,000 contractor license bond might cost $100-$300 per year for applicants with good credit. Contract bonds for construction projects usually cost 0.5-4% for well-qualified contractors.
What are the different types of surety bonds?
The four main categories are: Contract & Construction Bonds (the largest segment) including performance and payment bonds, License & Permit Bonds for professional licenses, Commercial Bonds for business operations, and Court Bonds for legal proceedings. The US surety market reached $19.62B in 2024 with contract surety bonds as the dominant segment.
How do I know which surety bond I need?
Surety bond requirements are determined by the obligee - typically a government agency, court, or business requiring the bond. Check with your state licensing board, contracting agency, or the entity requiring the bond. You can also browse our directory by state or bond type, or contact our licensed team to identify your specific requirements.
How long does it take to get a surety bond?
Smaller bonds (notary, small contractor license, public official bonds under $10K) can be applied for online anytime, with instant quotes on qualifying bonds. Standard bonds requiring underwriting are typically submitted to carriers the same day. Large contract bonds or complex specialty bonds may take 2-5 business days for underwriting review.
Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
Reviewed by
Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer

All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.

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