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Last reviewed: Next review due: Reflects current Texas surety bond requirements
2026 Requirements Verified
Texas Surety Bonds

Texas Surety Bonds-- City-by-City Rules, One Source

Correction: Many websites list the Texas auto dealer bond at $25,000. The correct amount is $50,000 per TxDMV under Transportation Code § 503.033. Travel trailer and semitrailer dealers remain at $25,000. Verify at txdmv.gov.

Texas bonds nothing like any other state. There is no statewide contractor license, no single regulatory body for construction, and no uniform bonding framework. Instead, Houston runs one system, Dallas another, San Antonio a third -- each with different bond amounts for different trades. Layer on TDLR trade regulation, TxDMV dealer bonds, Secretary of State filings, Comptroller tax bonds, TABC alcohol bonds, Railroad Commission environmental bonds, and a court system spanning 254 counties, and you need a surety partner that tracks every jurisdiction.

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Editorial correction

Eleven Texas citations corrected in this audit

  • Auto dealer bond = $50,000 per Transp. Code §503.033 (many competitor pages still list the outdated $25,000 figure from the pre-2019 statute).
  • Notary bond = $10,000 under SB 693 (2017), up from the old $2,500 requirement still cited on some directories.
  • Used Auto Parts Recycler (Occ. Code Ch. 2309) requires a $50,000 surety bond or letter of credit, not the $25,000 figure some pages repeat.
  • Mover of household goods (Transp. Code Ch. 643) requires TxDMV cargo/liability insurance — no statewide surety bond, despite outdated listings.
Phantom bonds marketed but not required

Five Texas bonds competitors sell that Texas does not require

  • Surplus Lines Agent Bondrepealed by SB 1564 (2005). TDI no longer requires it. Any broker still quoting one is selling a bond that does not exist.
  • TDLR HVAC / Electrician / Plumber bond — TDLR requires liability insurance, not a surety bond, for statewide licensure. City-level permit bonds may still apply.
  • Tow Truck Operator bond (Occ. Code Ch. 2308) — TDLR mandates insurance, not a surety bond.
  • General “Texas Contractor License Bond” — Texas has no statewide GC license, so no statewide bond exists. Requirements are municipal (Houston, Dallas, etc.).
  • “Texas Cannabis / CUP bond” — the Compassionate Use Program has no surety bond requirement under H&S Code Ch. 487.

See the full phantom-bond list below with citations.

Official Texas Requirements

"An applicant for a general distinguishing number must... file with the department a surety bond in the amount of $50,000."
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)Transp. Code § 503.033
$50K
Auto Dealer Bond
100+
Bond Types
No State
Contractor License
1 Day
Typical Approval

Texas Contractor Bonds: City-by-City Requirements

Texas has no statewide contractor license or bond. TDLR regulates electricians, HVAC, and plumbers but requires insurance, not surety bonds for most trades. Construction bonding happens at the municipal level, and every major city runs its own system. If you need a refresher on bonding basics, see our what is a surety bond guide.

CityBond AmountsTrades / Notes
Houston$2,000 -- $25,000Varies by trade via Houston Permitting Center. General building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical each separate.
Dallas$120 reg fee + $5K -- $10K$120 registration fee. $10,000 paving bond; $5,000 water/wastewater bond. Trade-specific.
San Antonio$5,000 -- $45,000$5,000 demolition; $5,000 sidewalk; $45,000 billboard/sign contractor bond.
Austin$10,000Right-of-way (ROW) bond required for work in the public right-of-way.
Fort Worth$10,000 -- $25,000Parkway and street work bonds. Amounts depend on project scope and trade.

Important: City requirements change independently of state law. Smaller cities (Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Round Rock) may also impose bonding requirements. Always verify with the local building or permitting department before starting work. Request a quote for your specific city.

Most-Required Texas Bonds by Category

Organized by regulating agency -- not alphabetically

TxDMV Bonds

Dept. of Motor Vehicles
  • Auto Dealer Bond -- $50,000 (Transp. Code § 503.033). New, used, and wholesale. 2-year term.
  • Travel Trailer / Semitrailer Dealer -- $25,000 (Transp. Code § 503.033). Exception to the $50K rule.
  • Salvage Vehicle Dealer -- $25,000 (salvage-only); $50,000 if also rebuilds.
  • Vehicle Title Bond -- 1.5x vehicle value (Transp. Code § 501.053). 3-year term.
Auto Dealer Bonds

Secretary of State Bonds

SOS-Filed Bonds
  • Notary Bond -- $10,000 (Gov. Code § 406.010). 4-year term. 2026 education req (SB 693).
  • Health Spa -- $20K-$50K (Occ. Code § 702.151)
  • Credit Services Org -- $10K/location (Finance Code Ch. 393)
  • Debt Collector -- $10K (Finance Code § 392.101)
  • Telephone Solicitation -- $10K (B&C Code § 302.107). SMS expanded Sept 2025.
  • Athlete Agent -- $50K/$100K (Occ. Code Ch. 2051)
  • Business Opportunity Seller -- $25K
Texas Notary Bonds

Financial & Mortgage Bonds

TX-SML, OCCC, Dept of Banking
  • Mortgage Company -- $1,000,000 (Fin. Code § 156.205(b)). Registered financial services companies only. Standard residential mortgage loan companies participate in a Recovery Fund instead.
  • Mortgage Servicer -- $25K (≤$25M volume) / $50K (>$25M) (Fin. Code § 158.055)
  • Money Transmitter -- Greater of $300K or 1% of yearly volume, up to $2M (Fin. Code § 152.352, SB 895 2023)
  • Currency Exchange -- $2,500 in-person; up to $1M online/interstate (Fin. Code § 152.5353)
  • Credit Access Business (CSO) -- $10K/location (Fin. Code § 393.302, SOS Form 2802)
  • Debt Management Services -- $50K not holding funds; variable if holding (Fin. Code § 394.206, OCCC)
  • Property Tax Lender -- Commissioner-determined (Fin. Code § 351.102, OCCC)
License Bonds

TDLR & Professional Bonds

Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, DPS
  • Driver Education School -- $10K + $5K per branch
  • Hearing Instrument Fitter -- $10K (Occ. Code § 402.404)
  • PEO (Professional Employer Org) -- Only required for PEOs with negative working capital (Labor Code § 91.014)
  • Auctioneer -- $5,000 by TDLR rule (Occ. Code § 1802.054)
  • Private Investigator/Security -- $10K-$20K by DPS rule (Occ. Code § 1702.123)

Note: TDLR requires insurance (not bonds) for most regulated trades including electricians, HVAC, and plumber contractors.

Industry Bonds

TDHCA, TDA, Federal
  • Manufactured Housing -- Manufacturer $100K (+$100K out-of-state without TX facility); Retailer $50K; Broker $50K; Installer-only $25K (Occ. Code § 1201.106, TDHCA)
  • Grain Warehouse Operator -- $0.10/bushel of capacity ($35K-$500K). (Agric. Code Ch. 14, TDA)
  • Public Weigher -- $10,000 (Agric. Code, TDA)
  • Freight Broker -- $75K federal (FMCSA BMC-84)

Court & Public Works

Gov. Code Ch. 2253
All Court Bonds

Why Texas Contractor Bonding Is Different

Most states regulate contractors through a single licensing board -- see our contractor license bond requirements guide for how other states work. Texas splits the responsibility between TDLR (trade regulation) and individual cities (construction permits and bonds). Here is how the system works.

TDLR: State Trade Regulation

What TDLR Covers
Electricians (master and journeyman), air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, plumbers, and other specialty trades
What TDLR Requires
Primarily insurance, not surety bonds. TDLR-regulated trades typically need general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
What TDLR Does Not Cover
General contractors, roofers, foundation repair, painting, and most residential renovation work are not regulated or bonded at the state level.

Cities: Local Construction Bonds

Independent Systems
Each city sets its own bond amounts, trade classifications, and renewal rules. A Houston bond does not satisfy Dallas requirements.
Multi-City Contractors
Contractors working across metro areas (DFW, Houston metro, I-35 corridor) may need separate bonds in each city where they pull permits.
Unincorporated Areas
Some unincorporated county areas have no contractor bonding requirement at all, though public works projects still trigger state-level performance and payment bond rules.

Texas Tax Bonds

Formula-based bonds administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, TABC, and other agencies. Amounts scale with taxpayer liability. These fall under the broader category of commercial surety bonds.

Sales Tax Bond

Greater of $100,000 or 4× average monthly liability. Itinerant vendors $500 minimum. Filed on Comptroller Form 01-752.

Tax Code Ch. 151; 34 TAC § 3.327

Motor Fuel Tax Bond

2× maximum monthly accrual. $30,000 minimum ($10,000 dyed diesel only), $600,000 maximum. Form AP-111.

Tax Code Ch. 162

Mixed Beverage Tax Bonds (TWO required)

Mixed beverage min $3,750; private club $2,250; private club exempt $1,500. Max $100,000 or 4× monthly average. Forms 67-102 and 67-105.

Tax Code §§ 183.025, 183.043

Cigarette Tax

Trust fund mechanism -- not a traditional surety bond. Distributors must hold cigarette tax stamps in trust for the state.

Tax Code § 154.051

Sexually Oriented Business Fee Bond

4× quarterly average fees collected. Required for establishments collecting mandatory fees under B&C Code.

B&C Code § 102.052

Texas Insurance Industry Bonds

Required by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and related agencies for insurance professionals, adjusters, administrators, and self-insured groups. These are a type of license bond. If a claim is filed against one, the surety investigates and pays valid claims up to the bond amount.

TDI-Filed Bonds

Insurance Agency Bond$25,000
Ins. Code § 4001.106, TDI Form FIN505
Public Insurance Adjuster$10,000
Ins. Code Ch. 4102, TDI Form FIN509
TPA Fidelity Bond$10K-$500K
Ins. Code § 4151.055. Min $10K, max lesser of 10% funds or $500K
MGA Bond$25,000
Ins. Code Ch. 4053
Title Insurance Agent$10K-$100K
Ins. Code § 2651.101

Workers' Comp & Specialty

WC Self-Insurance Group: Admin Fidelity$250,000
Labor Code Ch. 407A
WC Self-Insurance: Service Co Performance$250,000
Labor Code Ch. 407A
WC Self-Insurance: Security Deposit≥$300K or 25% of incurred liabilities
Labor Code Ch. 407A. Greater of $300,000 or 25% of incurred liabilities.
Reinsurance Intermediary -- Broker$100,000
28 TAC § 19.1403
Reinsurance Intermediary -- Manager$250,000
28 TAC § 19.1403

Repealed: Surplus Lines Agent Bond was repealed by SB 1564 (2005). Some websites and compliance services still incorrectly list this bond as required.

Texas Alcohol & Beverage Bonds (TABC)

Required by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for retailers, bars, restaurants, and brewers operating under TABC permits. These are license bonds that guarantee compliance with TABC regulations and can be forfeited for violations.

TABC Conduct Surety Bond

$5,000 if establishment is >1,000 ft from a school; $10,000 if within 1,000 ft. Required for retailers without a Food & Beverage Certificate.

Alc. Bev. Code §§ 11.11, 61.13

TABC Performance Bond

$2,000 initial; $4,000 after first forfeiture; $6,000 after second. Only required in Bexar, Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant counties.

Alc. Bev. Code § 11.61(23)(b-1)

Brewer's Bond

$30,000 surety bond required for Texas brewers holding a brewer's permit.

16 TAC § 33.45

Texas Environmental & Energy Bonds

Required by the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), TCEQ, and other agencies for oil and gas operators, mining companies, and waste management facilities. These are among the largest surety bonds issued in Texas, with oil and gas blanket bonds reaching $250,000 and environmental closure bonds running into the millions.

Oil & Gas Well Plugging Bonds (RRC)

NRC Ch. 91; 16 TAC § 3.78. Required for all oil and gas operators with wells, pipelines, or facilities.

Individual Well Bond$2/ft × aggregate depth
Blanket: 1-10 wells$25,000
Blanket: 11-99 wells$50,000
Blanket: 100+ wells$250,000
Bay Well Supplement+$60,000 per well
Offshore Well Supplement+$100,000 per well

TCEQ & Mining Bonds

Surface Coal Mining≥$10,000/acre
NRC Ch. 134, under SMCRA
Solid Waste Facility / LandfillSite-specific (TCEQ)
H&SC § 361.085
Solid Waste Transporter$50,000
30 TAC Ch. 330 (TCEQ)
UST Corrective Action$1,000,000/occurrence
Water Code Ch. 26, § 26.3467
UST Third-Party Liability$500K-$1M/occurrence
Water Code Ch. 26, § 26.3467

Retail Electric Provider (REP) Financial Assurance

Letter of credit: $750,000 (<50K customers) or $1,500,000 (50K+ customers). Regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Note: This is typically a letter of credit, not a traditional surety bond.

Util. Code § 39.352; 16 TAC § 25.107 | PUCT

Texas Public Official Bonds

Most elected and appointed county officials in Texas must post surety bonds before taking office. Bond amounts are set by statute and vary by position and county size. These are fiduciary bonds that protect the public against misuse of office. Learn more about how surety bonds work.

OfficeBond AmountStatute
County Judge$1,000-$10,000GC § 26.001
County Commissioner$3,000LGC § 81.002
County Clerk$5,000-$500,000LGC § 82.001
District Clerk$5,000-$100,000GC § 51.302
County Treasurer$5,000-$500,000LGC § 83.002
Sheriff$5,000-$30,000LGC § 85.001
Tax Assessor-Collector (State)$2,500-$100,000Tax Code § 6.28
Tax Assessor-Collector (County)$2,500-$100,000Tax Code § 6.28
Constable$500-$1,500LGC § 86.002
Justice of the PeaceUp to $5,000GC § 27.001
County Auditor$5,000 minLGC § 84.007
County Attorney$2,500GC § 45.001
District Attorney$5,000GC § 43.002
Statutory Probate Judge$500,000GC § 25.00231

Note: LGC § 88.008 allows counties to self-insure for some positions. State officers are covered by the State Employee Bonding Act (Gov't Code Ch. 653) rather than individual surety bonds. The State Treasurer office was abolished in 1996; the Comptroller and Land Commissioner are covered by the state's self-insurance framework.

Texas Court & Judicial Bonds

Court bonds are required across Texas's 254 counties. Bond amounts are set by statute or determined by the presiding judge. The appeal bond cap of $25M is among the highest in the nation. See our bond requirements guides for more on how bond amounts are determined.

Note: We don’t serve the bail bond industry — that includes bail agent licensing bonds, bail permittee bonds, and criminal bail bonds themselves.

Litigation Bonds

Appeal/Supersedeas BondDamages + interest + costs
CPRC Ch. 52, § 52.006; TRAP Rule 24. Capped at lesser of 50% net worth or $25,000,000. Alt security for substantial economic harm (§ 52.007).
Attachment BondCourt-set
CPRC § 61.023
Injunction BondCourt-set
TRCP Rule 684
TRO BondCourt-set
TRCP Rules 680/684
Cost BondsCourt-set
TRCP Rules 143-149

Fiduciary & Estate Bonds

Administrator/Executor BondPersonal property + 1yr revenue
Estates Code Ch. 305, § 305.153
Guardian BondPersonal property + 12mo income
Estates Code Ch. 1105, § 1105.154. Cannot be waived for estate guardian.
Receiver BondCourt-set
CPRC § 64.023
Trustee BondCourt-set
Prop. Code § 113.058
Lost Instrument BondInstrument value
B&C Code § 3.309
Sequestration / Replevin / GarnishmentCourt-set
CPRC Ch. 62 (seq.), Ch. 63 (garn.)

Texas Construction & Public Works Bonds

Texas Government Code Chapter 2253 mandates performance and payment bonds on public works projects. Additional construction-related bonds serve specific functions. For more detail, see the Miller Act guide (federal) and performance bond requirements guide.

Performance Bond (Public Works)

Required on public works contracts exceeding $100,000. Must be 100% of contract amount.

Gov. Code § 2253.021

Payment Bond (Public Works)

Required >$25K (non-municipal) or >$50K (municipal). Protects subcontractors and suppliers.

Gov. Code § 2253.021

Bid Bond

Typically 5-10% of bid amount on public construction projects. Guarantees the bidder will enter into the contract if awarded.

Project-specific

Oversize/Overweight Permit Bond

$10,000. Annual term Sept 1 - Aug 31. Required for transporting oversized or overweight loads on Texas highways.

Transp. Code § 623.093, TxDMV Form 439

Mechanic's Lien Indemnity Bond

Double the lien amount. If total liens >$40K: greater of 1.5× lien or $40K + lien amount. Used to release mechanic's liens on property.

Prop. Code §§ 53.171-53.175

City Contractor Bonds

$2K-$45K depending on city and trade. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth each set independent requirements.

Municipal ordinances (no state statute)

How to Get Your Texas Surety Bond

1

Specify Your Bond and Location

Tell us the bond type, your trade, and where you operate. Texas requirements vary by agency (TxDMV, SOS, TDLR, Comptroller, RRC, TABC, TCEQ) and by city -- we identify exactly which bond you need and at what amount.

2

Get Approved the Same Day

Notary bonds are instant with no credit check. Dealer bonds, city contractor bonds, tax bonds, and SOS-filed bonds are typically quoted and approved the same business day through our A-rated Texas-authorized sureties.

3

Receive and File

Download your bond formatted for the correct Texas agency or municipality. We can file directly with the Secretary of State, TxDMV, TDHCA, Comptroller, RRC, TABC, TCEQ, or your local permitting office.

Texas Notary Bonds: $10,000 Bond + 2026 Education Rule

Every Texas notary public must file a $10,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State under Government Code Section 406.010. The bond term matches the 4-year commission. Starting January 2026, SB 693 adds a mandatory education requirement for new notary applicants. For a full breakdown of requirements in every state, see our notary bond requirements guide.

Bond Details

  • Bond amount: $10,000
  • Premium: $40-$65 for full 4-year term
  • No credit check required
  • Instant approval and delivery
  • Payable to the Governor of Texas
  • Not void on first recovery -- successive claims permitted

SB 693 -- Effective Jan 2026

  • New notary applicants must complete an approved education course
  • Existing notaries may need to meet requirement at renewal
  • Bond amount remains $10,000 -- unchanged
  • Check SOS website for approved course list

Texas Bonds That Do NOT Exist (Common Misconceptions)

Some compliance services and aggregator websites list bonds that Texas does not actually require. Before paying for a bond, verify it against the actual statute. Here are the most common errors we see.

HVAC Contractor Bond
TDLR requires insurance, not a bond (Occ. Code trade chapters)
Electrician Bond
TDLR requires insurance, not a bond
Plumber Bond
TDLR requires insurance, not a bond
Surplus Lines Agent Bond
Repealed by SB 1564 (2005)
Tow Truck Operator Bond
Insurance required, not bond (Occ. Code Ch. 2308)
Used Auto Parts Recycler Bond
Insurance required, not bond (Occ. Code Ch. 2309)
Vehicle Storage Facility Bond
License required, not a bond
Property Tax Consultant Bond
No bond in Occ. Code Ch. 1152
Immigration Consultant Bond
No state statute requires a bond
Precious Metals Dealer Bond
No statewide requirement
Pawnbroker Bond
Fin. Code § 371.056 authorizes but does not mandate
Premium Finance Company Bond
Ins. Code Ch. 651 has no bond requirement
Vehicle Title Service Bond
No such license category exists in Texas

Texas Bond Quick Reference

Every major bond type, amount, statute, and filing agency -- all verified against current Texas law

Bond TypeAmountStatute
Auto Dealer (New/Used/Wholesale)$50,000Transp. Code § 503.033
Travel Trailer / Semitrailer Dealer$25,000Transp. Code § 503.033
Salvage Vehicle Dealer (Salvage Only)$25,000Transp. Code § 503.033
Salvage Vehicle Dealer (Rebuilds)$50,000Transp. Code § 503.033
Bonded Vehicle Title1.5× vehicle valueTransp. Code § 501.053
Oversize/Overweight Permit$10,000Transp. Code § 623.093
Notary Public$10,000Gov. Code § 406.010
Health Spa$20,000-$50,000Occ. Code § 702.151
Credit Services Organization$10,000/locationFin. Code Ch. 393
Debt Collector (Third-Party)$10,000Fin. Code § 392.101
Telephone Solicitor$10,000B&C Code § 302.107
Athlete Agent$50,000-$100,000Occ. Code Ch. 2051
Business Opportunity Seller$25,000B&C Code Ch. 51
Auctioneer$5,000Occ. Code § 1802.054
Private Investigator/Security$10,000-$20,000Occ. Code § 1702.123
Driver Education School$10,000+$5K/branchEduc. Code Ch. 1001
Hearing Instrument Fitter$10,000Occ. Code § 402.404
PEO (Negative Working Capital)VariableLabor Code § 91.014
Performance Bond (Public Works)≥100% of contractGov. Code § 2253.021
Payment Bond (Public Works)≥100% of contractGov. Code § 2253.021
City Contractor Bonds$2,000-$45,000Municipal ordinances
Mechanic’s Lien Indemnity2× lien (or 1.5× if >$40K)Prop. Code §§ 53.171-53.175
Mortgage Company (Registered FSC)$1,000,000Fin. Code § 156.205(b)
Residential Mortgage Servicer (≤$25M)$25,000Fin. Code § 158.055
Residential Mortgage Servicer (>$25M)$50,000Fin. Code § 158.055
Money Transmitter≥$300K or 1% volume (max $2M)Fin. Code § 152.352
Currency Exchange (In-Person)$2,500Fin. Code § 152.5353
Currency Exchange (Online/Interstate)Up to $1,000,000Fin. Code § 152.5353
Credit Access Business (CSO)$10,000/locationFin. Code § 393.302
Debt Management Services$50,000+ (variable)Fin. Code § 394.206
Property Tax LenderCommissioner-setFin. Code § 351.102
Title Insurance Agent$10,000-$100,000Ins. Code § 2651.101
Insurance Agency Bond$25,000Ins. Code § 4001.106
Public Insurance Adjuster$10,000Ins. Code Ch. 4102
TPA Fidelity Bond$10,000-$500,000Ins. Code § 4151.055
MGA Bond$25,000Ins. Code Ch. 4053
WC Self-Insurance: Admin Fidelity$250,000Labor Code Ch. 407A
WC Self-Insurance: Service Co$250,000Labor Code Ch. 407A
WC Self-Insurance: Security≥$300K or 25% liabilitiesLabor Code Ch. 407A
Reinsurance Intermediary -- Broker$100,00028 TAC § 19.1403
Reinsurance Intermediary -- Manager$250,00028 TAC § 19.1403
Sales Tax Bond≥$100K or 4× monthly avgTax Code Ch. 151
Motor Fuel Tax Bond$30K-$600K (2× monthly)Tax Code Ch. 162
Mixed Beverage Tax (Bond 1)$3,750-$100,000Tax Code § 183.025
Mixed Beverage Tax (Bond 2)$2,250-$100,000Tax Code § 183.043
Sexually Oriented Business Fee4× quarterly avgB&C Code § 102.052
TABC Conduct Surety Bond$5,000-$10,000Alc. Bev. Code §§ 11.11, 61.13
TABC Performance Bond$2,000-$6,000Alc. Bev. Code § 11.61(23)(b-1)
Brewer’s Bond$30,00016 TAC § 33.45
Oil & Gas Well Plugging (Individual)$2/ft × depthNRC Ch. 91; 16 TAC § 3.78
Oil & Gas Well Plugging (Blanket 1-10)$25,00016 TAC § 3.78
Oil & Gas Well Plugging (Blanket 11-99)$50,00016 TAC § 3.78
Oil & Gas Well Plugging (Blanket 100+)$250,00016 TAC § 3.78
Surface Coal Mining≥$10,000/acreNRC Ch. 134 (SMCRA)
Solid Waste Facility / LandfillSite-specificH&SC § 361.085
Solid Waste Transporter$50,00030 TAC Ch. 330
UST Financial Assurance$500K-$1M liability; $1M correctiveWater Code § 26.3467
REP Financial Assurance (LOC)$750K-$1.5MUtil. Code § 39.352
County Judge$1,000-$10,000 (≥$500K probate)GC § 26.001
County Commissioner$3,000LGC § 81.002
County Clerk$5,000-$500,000LGC § 82.001
District Clerk$5,000-$100,000GC § 51.302
Sheriff$5,000-$30,000LGC § 85.001
Tax Assessor-Collector$2,500-$100,000Tax Code § 6.28
County Treasurer$5,000-$500,000LGC § 83.002
Constable$500-$1,500LGC § 86.002
Justice of the PeaceUp to $5,000GC § 27.001
County Auditor$5,000 minLGC § 84.007
County Attorney$2,500GC § 45.001
District Attorney$5,000GC § 43.002
Statutory Probate Judge$500,000GC § 25.00231
Manufactured Housing: Manufacturer$100,000 (+$100K out-of-state)Occ. Code § 1201.106
Manufactured Housing: Retailer$50,000Occ. Code § 1201.106
Manufactured Housing: Broker$50,000Occ. Code § 1201.106
Manufactured Housing: Installer$25,000Occ. Code § 1201.106
Grain Warehouse Operator$35,000-$500,000Agric. Code Ch. 14
Public Weigher$10,000Agric. Code
Freight Broker (Federal)$75,00049 USC § 13906
Appeal/Supersedeas Bond≤50% net worth or $25MCPRC Ch. 52
Administrator/Executor BondPersonal property + 1yr revEstates Code Ch. 305
Guardian BondPersonal property + 12mo incomeEstates Code Ch. 1105

Serving Every Texas Metro and County

Bonds accepted by every Texas municipality, court, and state agency

Houston
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Dallas
Austin
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Arlington
Corpus Christi
Plano
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Irving
Amarillo
Grand Prairie
McKinney
Frisco
Brownsville
Round Rock

Texas Surety Bond Questions

Dealer bonds, city contractor rules, tax bonds, environmental, insurance, public official bonds, and more

Why is the Texas auto dealer bond $50,000 and not $25,000?
The Texas motor vehicle dealer bond is $50,000 under Transportation Code Section 503.033, filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This applies to franchised (new) dealers, independent (used) dealers, and wholesale dealers. Some older sources incorrectly list $25,000 -- that figure is outdated. The $50,000 bond protects consumers from dealer fraud, title transfer failures, and other statutory violations. Exception: travel trailer and semitrailer dealers remain at $25,000 under the same statute.
Does Texas require a statewide general contractor license or bond?
No. Texas is one of the few large states with no statewide contractor licensing or bonding requirement. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates specific trades -- electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers -- but requires insurance rather than surety bonds for most of those trades. Construction bonding in Texas happens at the city level. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth each run independent licensing systems with their own bond amounts, which range from $2,000 to $45,000 depending on the city and trade.
What contractor bond do I need in Houston?
Houston requires contractor bonds through the Houston Permitting Center. Bond amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on your trade classification. General building contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, and mechanical contractors each have separate bond requirements. These city bonds are completely separate from any TDLR requirements. Contact the Houston Permitting Center or request a quote from us specifying your trade and Houston as your work location.
How much does a Texas notary bond cost?
A Texas notary bond costs $40-$65 for the full 4-year commission term. The bond amount is $10,000 as required by Government Code Section 406.010(a). The bond is payable to the governor and deposited with the Secretary of State. Importantly, the bond is not void on first recovery -- successive recoveries are permitted until the bond is exhausted. No credit check is needed and approval is instant. Starting in January 2026, new notary applicants must also complete an education requirement under SB 693 before the Secretary of State will issue the commission.
What is the new Texas notary education requirement (SB 693)?
Senate Bill 693, effective January 2026, requires all new notary public applicants in Texas to complete an approved education course before receiving their commission from the Secretary of State. Existing notaries renewing their commissions may also need to meet this requirement. The $10,000 bond amount remains unchanged. Contact the Texas Secretary of State for current course approval details.
Does Texas require performance and payment bonds on public works?
Yes. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 2253, performance bonds are required on public works contracts exceeding $100,000. But most contractors miss the two lower payment bond thresholds: $25,000 for non-municipal entities and $50,000 for municipalities. Both bonds must be issued by a surety authorized to do business in Texas and listed on the U.S. Treasury Department's Circular 570. See our full Texas performance bond guide (buysuretybonds.com/performance-bonds/texas/) for the three-tier threshold breakdown and subcontractor claim deadlines.
What Texas tax bonds does the Comptroller require?
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts requires several tax bonds. Sales tax bonds (Tax Code Ch. 151, 34 TAC Section 3.327) are the greater of $100,000 or 4 times average monthly liability, with a $500 minimum for itinerant vendors. Motor fuel tax bonds (Tax Code Ch. 162) require 2 times maximum monthly accrual, with a $30,000 minimum ($10,000 for dyed diesel) and $600,000 maximum. Mixed beverage tax requires TWO separate bonds (Tax Code Sections 183.025 and 183.043). Cigarette tax uses a trust fund mechanism rather than a traditional surety bond.
What bonds do Texas public officials need?
Texas requires bonds for most elected county officials. County judges need $1,000-$10,000, but the bond jumps to at least $500,000 if the judge presides over probate (Government Code Section 26.001). County commissioners need $3,000 (LGC Section 81.002). County clerks need 20% of maximum fees, capped between $5,000 and $500,000. Sheriffs need $5,000-$30,000. Note: Local Government Code Section 88.008 allows self-insurance for some positions, and state officers are covered by the State Employee Bonding Act (Government Code Chapter 653).
What environmental bonds does Texas require for oil and gas wells?
The Texas Railroad Commission requires oil and gas well plugging bonds under Natural Resources Code Chapter 91 and 16 TAC Section 3.78. Individual well bonds are $2 per foot times aggregate depth. Blanket bonds are $25,000 for 1-10 wells, $50,000 for 11-99 wells, or $250,000 for 100+ wells. Bay wells add $60,000 each, and offshore wells add $100,000 each. The TCEQ also requires bonds for solid waste facilities, landfills, and underground storage tanks.
Does Texas require an insurance agency bond?
Yes. Texas Insurance Code Section 4001.106 requires a $25,000 insurance agency bond, filed on TDI Form FIN505. Public insurance adjusters need a $10,000 bond (Insurance Code Chapter 4102, Form FIN509). Third-party administrators need a fidelity bond of $10,000 minimum up to the lesser of 10% of handled funds or $500,000. Note: the surplus lines agent bond was repealed by SB 1564 in 2005 -- some websites still incorrectly list it as required.
What TABC bonds does Texas require for alcohol licenses?
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) requires conduct surety bonds under Alcoholic Beverage Code Sections 11.11 and 61.13. The bond is $5,000 if the establishment is more than 1,000 feet from a school, or $10,000 if within 1,000 feet. This is required for retailers without a Food and Beverage Certificate. TABC also requires performance bonds in Bexar, Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant counties: $2,000 initially, $4,000 after the first forfeiture, and $6,000 after the second. Brewers need a $30,000 bond under 16 TAC Section 33.45.
Can I get a Texas surety bond with bad credit?
Yes. Notary bonds require no credit check at all. For auto dealer bonds, city contractor bonds, and other license bonds, applicants with credit scores below 600 can still get approved through specialty sureties. Expect to pay 5-10% of the bond amount annually rather than the 1-3% that applicants with strong credit pay. We work with multiple carriers that specialize in higher-risk applicants.
Does Texas require a bond for HVAC contractors, electricians, or plumbers?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about Texas bonding. TDLR regulates HVAC contractors, electricians, and plumbers but requires insurance (general liability and workers' compensation), not surety bonds, for these trades. However, individual cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio may require their own contractor bonds separate from TDLR. Similarly, tow truck operators need insurance under Occupations Code Chapter 2308, not a surety bond, and vehicle storage facilities need a license but not a bond.
What bonds does the Texas Secretary of State require?
The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) requires bonds for several business types: notary publics ($10,000 under Government Code Section 406.010), health spas ($20,000-$50,000 under Occupations Code Section 702.151), credit services organizations ($10,000 per location under Finance Code Chapter 393), third-party debt collectors ($10,000 under Finance Code Section 392.101), telephone solicitors ($10,000 under Business & Commerce Code Section 302.107), athlete agents ($50,000-$100,000 under Occupations Code Chapter 2051), and business opportunity sellers ($25,000).

Official Texas Resources

Government sources for Texas bond requirements

TxDMV -- Dealer Licensing & $50,000 Bond

Official auto dealer bond amount, application, and filing requirements

Texas Secretary of State -- Notary Public

$10,000 notary bond requirements and commission application process

Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)

Trade licensing, insurance requirements, and regulated professions

Gov. Code Ch. 2253 -- Public Work Performance & Payment Bonds

Texas statute requiring performance bonds (>$100K) and payment bonds (>$25K) on public works

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Sales tax bonds, motor fuel tax bonds, mixed beverage tax bonds, and other Comptroller-administered bonds

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

Conduct surety bonds, performance bonds, and brewer bonds for alcohol permit holders

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)

Oil and gas well plugging bonds, surface coal mining bonds, and pipeline bonds

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Solid waste facility bonds, landfill bonds, UST financial assurance, and waste transporter bonds

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)

Insurance agency bonds, public adjuster bonds, TPA fidelity bonds, and MGA bonds

TDHCA -- Manufactured Housing Division

$25K-$100K bonds for manufactured housing brokers, retailers, installers, and manufacturers

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond List

Federal listing of Treasury-certified surety companies authorized to write bonds for U.S. government contracts

Nick Thoroughman, Editorial Director
Reviewed by Nick Thoroughman, Editorial Director
Eric Drummond, Surety Specialist
Surety review by Eric Drummond, Surety Specialist
Nevada DOI license pending issuance

All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and verified before publication. BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-certified, A- minimum rated surety carriers serving all 50 states.

Verification Methodology

All bond amounts and statute citations on this page have been verified against current Texas statutes (statutes.capitol.texas.gov), the Texas Administrative Code (txrules.elaws.us), and the official websites of each regulating agency. Money transmitter amounts reflect SB 895 (2023) changes to Finance Code § 152.352. Manufactured housing amounts are per Occupations Code § 1201.106 as administered by TDHCA. Public official bond amounts are per the cited sections of the Government Code, Local Government Code, and Tax Code. The surplus lines agent bond repeal (SB 1564, 2005) was confirmed through legislative history. This page was last verified against source statutes on April 12, 2026. If you find any discrepancy between this page and a current statute, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.

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