Knoxville Contractor License Bond

What Is the Knoxville Contractor License Bond?

Knoxville licenses its building trades each year. Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and gas contractors each post a $10,000 bond with the Department of Plans Review and Building Inspections. The bond protects the public if your work breaks code; if a claim is paid, you repay the surety.

Who Needs It?

• Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and gas contractors are licensed by the city each year and post the $10,000 bond.
• General (building) contractors register by showing their Tennessee state license.
• Out-of-state contractors post a separate sliding bond, from $500 up to $10,000.

City vs. State

Tennessee licenses general (building) contractors at the state level. Knoxville's $10,000 bond is for the building trades (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas), which the city licenses on top of any state credential.

How to Get Bonded

1. Click “Get Your Bond Now” and enter a few details plus your ZIP code.
2. Buy your bond online at secure checkout.
3. File the bond with the City of Knoxville Department of Plans Review and Building Inspections and pull your permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Knoxville contractor bond?

$10,000 for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and gas contractors, filed with Plans Review and Building Inspections.

Do general contractors need it?

General contractors register with the city by showing their Tennessee state license. The $10,000 bond is for the building trades.

How long does it last?

One year. Knoxville licenses trade contractors annually, so you renew the bond each year.

Amounts and rules are set by Knoxville and can change. Confirm the current requirement with the city before you buy.

Related: All local bonds in Tennessee · All Tennessee surety bonds