California Contractor License Bond

Before California licenses you for contracting work, you post a $25,000 bond. File it with the CSLB. Most contractors handle it fast.

Bond Amount
$25,000
Typical Premium
$175–$1,000/yr
Term
2 Years
Required By
CSLB (Contractors State License Board)
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What Is the California Contractor License Bond?

A California contractor bond is a money guarantee. It protects your customers, not you. If you wrong a customer, they can claim against it. The surety pays, then you repay the surety.

The California bond is set at $25,000.

Who Needs This Bond in California?

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

California contractor bond premiums are highly credit-driven. Most contractors with established business and clean credit pay near the floor of the range.

Credit ProfileAnnual PremiumApprox. Rate
Excellent Credit$175 – $2500.7% – 1%
Good Credit$250 – $4001% – 1.6%
Fair Credit$400 – $6251.6% – 2.5%
Credit Challenges$625 – $8752.5% – 3.5%
Past Credit Issues$875 – $1,000+3.5% – 4%+

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

  1. Begin your California license paperwork.
  2. Get your bond here — quick approval for most.
  3. File the bond with the CSLB.
  4. Receive your license and take on jobs.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

A California contractor license lasts two years. Do not let the bond lapse. A gap can suspend your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the California bond protect me?

No. The bond protects your customers and the state, not you. If a claim is paid, you repay the surety. It is not insurance for you.

How fast can I get bonded in California?

We shop several sureties for you, often within a day. Many bonds are issued the same day for good credit.

How much does the bond cost?

You pay a yearly premium — a small percent of the bond amount. Your rate depends mostly on your credit.

How a Surety Bond Works

A contractor bond is a type of surety bond. The picture below shows the three parties and what happens if someone files a claim.

Diagram of how a surety bond works: the obligee requires the bond, the principal applies and signs an indemnity agreement, and the surety issues the bond; if the principal fails, the obligee files a claim, the surety investigates and may pay, and the principal reimburses the surety.

Ready to get your California Contractor License Bond?

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This Contractor License Bond in other states
Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · Hawaii · Maryland · Michigan · Nevada · New Jersey · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Virginia
Other California surety bonds
Auto Dealer Bond · Budget and Credit Counseling Agency Bond · Debt Collector Bond · Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) · Insurance Broker's Bond · Notary Public Bond · Residential Mortgage Lender / Broker Bond

Related: All California surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated

Underwriting Disclosure. All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.