Texas Surety Bonds
Energy Capital & Manufacturing Hub Specialists
Get your Texas surety bond with instant approval. We specialize in energy sector bonds, manufacturing operations, border commerce, and major infrastructure projects.
Get Your Texas Bond Fast
Most bonds approved in 2 hours • Digital delivery • A- minimum rated carriers
Contractor License
$1K-$25K • Starting at $100/year
For city licensing
Auto Dealer
$50K • Starting at $375/year
For vehicle sales
Notary Public
$10K • Starting at $50/year
4-year term
Performance Bond
Contract value • Starting at $500/year
Public projects
Which describes your situation best?
Not Sure Which Bond You Need?
Answer a few quick questions to find your exact bond requirement
Specialized Texas Industry Bonds
Texas leads the nation in energy and border commerce. We provide specialized bonds for these unique industries.
Energy & Manufacturing Bonds
Performance bonds for oil and gas operations ensuring proper well plugging and environmental compliance
Who needs this: Oil & gas operators
Required for pipeline construction and operations across Texas energy infrastructure
Who needs this: Oil & gas operators
Required for solar, wind, and other renewable energy installations across Texas
Who needs this: Energy companies
Required for petroleum refinery operations and environmental compliance
Who needs this: Manufacturing facilities
Required for major manufacturing operations and industrial facilities
Who needs this: Manufacturing facilities
Border Commerce & Trade Bonds
Federal requirement for customs brokers operating at Texas border crossings and ports
Who needs this: Import/export businesses
Required for freight brokers handling cross-border and interstate commerce
Who needs this: Freight companies
Required for foreign trade zone operations and international commerce
Who needs this: Import/export businesses
Required for international transportation and logistics operations
Who needs this: Logistics companies
Required for maquiladora manufacturing operations along the Texas-Mexico border
Who needs this: Import/export businesses
Traditional Texas Business Bonds
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Starting Rate | Authority | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas Contractor License Bond Required for general contractor licenses in Texas municipalities | $1,000 - $25,000 | $100/year | Various Texas Municipalities | |
Texas Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Required for motor vehicle dealer licenses (increased from $25,000 in 2021) | $50,000 | $375/year | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | |
Texas Performance Bond Required for public projects over $100,000 (Texas Gov Code Ch. 2253) | Full Contract Value | $500/year | Texas Department of Transportation / Local Governments | |
Texas Payment Bond Texas Little Miller Act protection for subcontractors | Full Contract Value | $500/year | Texas Department of Transportation / Local Governments | |
Texas Bid Bond Required for public project bidding, electronic submission via iCX | 5-10% of Bid Amount | $100/year | Texas Department of Transportation | |
Texas Notary Public Bond Required for notary public commission (4-year term) | $10,000 | $50/year | Texas Secretary of State | |
Texas Mortgage Broker Bond Required for mortgage broker licenses | $50,000 | $500/year | Texas Department of Banking | |
Texas Auto Title Bond Required when vehicle title is lost, stolen, or never received | 1.5x Vehicle Value | $100/year | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | |
Texas Money Transmitter Bond Required for money services businesses | $300,000 - $2,000,000 | $3000/year | Texas Department of Banking | |
Texas TABC Conduct Bond Required for certain alcohol beverage licenses | $25,000 | $250/year | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | |
Texas Medicaid Provider Bond Required for healthcare providers accepting Medicaid | $50,000 | $500/year | Texas Health and Human Services | |
Texas Collection Agency Bond Required for collection agency licenses | $25,000 | $250/year | Texas Secretary of State |
Texas Bond Application Process
Our streamlined process makes getting your Texas surety bond fast and simple. Most applications are approved within 24 hours with instant digital delivery.
Complete our streamlined online application with basic business information
- Enter business name and address
- Select bond type and amount
- Provide contact information
- Upload required documents
- Review application accuracy
Our underwriters review your application and determine eligibility
- Soft credit check and financial analysis
- Business verification process
- Risk assessment evaluation
- Premium calculation
- Carrier selection and approval
Upon approval, your bond is issued and ready for submission
- Electronic bond document generation
- Official seal and signature application
- Digital delivery to your email
- State agency notification (if required)
- Certificate of insurance provided
Submit your bond with your license application to the state agency
- Download bond certificate
- Submit to appropriate state agency
- Track application status
- Receive license confirmation
- Begin operating legally in Texas
Texas Bond Requirements
Understanding what documents and information you need helps streamline your application process. Requirements vary by bond type and amount, but these are the most common needs.
- Valid Texas business license or registration
- Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) number
- Texas Secretary of State filing confirmation
- Business bank account statements (3 months)
- Personal and business financial statements
- Personal credit report authorization
- Business credit report (if applicable)
- Tax returns for past 2-3 years
- Bank statements for business accounts
- Professional license or certification
- Industry experience documentation
- Trade references (3-5 required)
- Insurance certificates (liability, workers comp)
- Bonding history and claims information
- Completed surety bond application
- Indemnity agreement signature
- Power of attorney form
- Specific state agency forms
- Bond amount determination worksheet
Texas Bond Cost Factors
Bond premiums in Texas are determined by several factors. Understanding these elements helps you prepare for the application process and potentially secure better rates.
Higher credit scores result in lower premiums, typically 1-5% of bond amount
Tips to Optimize:
- Maintain credit score above 700 for best rates
- Pay down existing debts before applying
- Correct any errors on credit reports
- Consider business credit building
Strong financial statements demonstrate ability to honor bond obligations
Tips to Optimize:
- Maintain positive cash flow
- Keep debt-to-income ratio low
- Show consistent revenue growth
- Separate personal and business finances
Larger bond amounts typically have lower percentage rates
Tips to Optimize:
- Verify minimum required bond amount
- Consider business growth projections
- Evaluate cost vs. benefit of higher amounts
- Review state-specific requirements
Experienced professionals in their field may qualify for better rates
Tips to Optimize:
- Document relevant work history
- Provide trade references
- Highlight specialized training
- Show continuous industry involvement
Typical Texas Bond Costs
Texas Surety Bond FAQ
What changed with Texas auto dealer bonds in 2021?
The bond amount increased from $25,000 to $50,000 for motor vehicle dealers, reflecting increased consumer protection requirements. This affects all dealers selling 5+ vehicles annually.
How does the Texas Little Miller Act work?
Texas Government Code Chapter 2253 requires payment bonds on public projects over $25,000-$50,000 to protect subcontractors and suppliers. Specific notice requirements must be met by the 15th day of the 3rd month.
What are Chapter 53 bonds?
Optional private project payment bonds under Texas Property Code Chapter 53 that eliminate the 10% retainage requirement and protect property owners from mechanic's liens.
What is the TxDOT iCX system?
Texas Department of Transportation's electronic bidding system that requires digital submission of bid bonds for state construction projects over $100,000.
How much do Texas bonds cost?
Rates typically range from 0.5-10% annually based on credit score, bond type, and industry risk factors. Most license bonds cost 1-5% of the bond amount.
Which Texas cities require contractor bonds?
Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso all have contractor bonding requirements ranging from $1,000-$25,000 depending on trade and project size.
What are P-5 oil and gas bonds?
Performance bonds required by the Texas Railroad Commission for oil and gas operations. Coverage of $2/foot or blanket amounts up to $500,000 to ensure proper well plugging.
How long does Texas bond approval take?
Most Texas bonds are approved within 24 hours. Simple applications may receive instant approval, while complex bonds requiring additional documentation take 2-3 business days.
Texas Energy Capital & Border Commerce Hub
Texas produces 40% of U.S. crude oil and 25% of natural gas, requiring specialized bonding for drilling, pipeline, and environmental compliance.
Texas handles 70% of U.S.-Mexico trade through major border crossings and port facilities, creating unique bonding needs for international commerce.
Massive population growth and economic expansion drive unprecedented infrastructure development across Texas.
Texas Bond Market Leadership
Texas Regional Bond Markets
Energy capital with extensive oil & gas, petrochemical, and port bonding
Business hub with major transportation, finance, and technology bonding
State capital with government contracting and tech sector bonds
Military and healthcare hub with specialized bonding requirements
Texas Surety Bond Regulatory Framework
"Exceptionally thorough guide covering all aspects of surety bonds, including definitions, types, FAQs, and practical guidance"— Texas Department of Insurance Official Resource
This is the most comprehensive single state resource explaining surety bonds across multiple industries and applications in Texas. The Texas Department of Insurance provides detailed guidance on bond requirements, regulations, and practical applications for businesses operating in Texas.
Coverage Includes:
- • Complete bond definitions and terminology
- • Industry-specific bond requirements
- • Regulatory compliance guidance
- • Frequently asked questions
Perfect For:
- • First-time bond applicants
- • Understanding Texas-specific requirements
- • Regulatory compliance questions
- • Bond type selection guidance
Texas Surety Bond Pricing Analysis
Bond Type Variations:
- • Contract Bonds: 0.5-3% (decreases with size)
- • License Bonds: 1-5% annually
- • Court Bonds: 0.5-3% based on risk
- • Commercial Bonds: 1-10% based on type
Texas Bonding Authorities
Real Texas Bonding Success Stories
Bob Moore Construction secured bonds at 1.5% rates for major Design/Build projects exceeding $1 million, demonstrating how established contractors benefit from competitive pricing.
Bond Amount: $1M+
Outcome: Successful completion of multiple major projects
New Houston-area dealership navigated the increased $50,000 bond requirement with detailed business plans, securing bonding at 2.5% despite startup status.
Bond Amount: $50,000
Outcome: Successful dealership launch and operation
Railroad Commission used bond proceeds to plug over 760 orphaned wells when operators failed to meet obligations, demonstrating critical environmental protection.
Bond Amount: Various
Outcome: 760+ wells properly plugged
Western Texas clinic obtained required $50,000 Medicaid provider bond despite unfamiliarity with surety process, expediting opening timeline.
Bond Amount: $50,000
Outcome: Timely clinic opening and Medicaid participation
The U.S. Small Business Administration maintains an official directory of authorized surety bond agencies across all 50 states. These agencies can help with various bond types including Texas-specific bonds, contractor bonds, and other professional surety bonds.
- Valid Texas business license or professional registration
- Completed surety bond application with accurate information
- Financial statements and credit authorization (bonds over $50,000)
- Proof of professional liability insurance (construction bonds)
- Compliance with specific Texas regulatory requirements
- Payment of required licensing fees to the obligee agency
Our Texas-licensed bond specialists understand the state's complex regulatory environment across all 254 counties. Expert guidance for navigating municipal requirements and state-specific bonding needs.
Get Your Texas Surety Bond Today
Join thousands of Texas businesses who trust us for their bonding needs. Fast approval, competitive rates, and expert support across all 254 counties.
Licensed in Texas • A-Rated Carriers • Same-Day Approval Available