Results are estimates — always verify
Bond amounts are based on publicly available licensing board information and may not reflect the most recent changes. Always confirm the exact amount required with your state licensing board before purchasing a bond. Requirements can change and vary by license subclass.
How to Use These Results
Once you have your required bond amount from the lookup above, the process to get bonded is straightforward:
- Confirm with your state board — use the board link in the result to verify the exact current requirement
- Apply with a licensed surety — provide your name, SSN or EIN, business name, state, and license type
- Consent to a credit pull — soft pull for quotes, hard pull for binding
- Pay your annual premium — download your bond certificate immediately after
- Submit to your licensing board — attach the bond certificate to your license application
For standard applicants with good credit, the full process from application to certificate takes under an hour. Full timeline guide →
Understanding Your Premium Estimate
The premium range shown is calculated as a percentage of the required bond face value based on your credit tier. The range accounts for variation between different surety companies — getting multiple quotes is always advisable. Full premium calculation guide →
Tool FAQ
Why does my state show "local requirements vary"? +
Some states — including Texas, Colorado, New York, Georgia, and Illinois — do not have uniform statewide general contractor licensing. In these states, contractor licensing and bonding requirements are set at the city or county level. The tool shows the state-level specialty trade bond where one exists, and flags states where you need to research local requirements specifically. Search "[your city/county] contractor registration requirements" and contact the local building department directly.
What if my license type isn't listed? +
The tool covers the most common contractor license types. For specialty trades not listed — fire sprinkler, swimming pool, elevator, sign contractor, and others — the bonding process is the same; the specific bond amount varies by state. Contact your state licensing board directly for the required bond amount for your specific classification, then apply with any admitted surety.
Does the tool account for different license classes within a state? +
The tool shows the most common bond amount for each license type in each state. Many states have multiple classes — for example, Virginia's Class A ($50,000 bond) vs. Class B ($15,000 bond) vs. Class C ($2,500 bond). If your state has tiered licensing, verify your specific class requirement with the licensing board, as the tool defaults to the most common middle-tier amount.