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California Contractor License Bond

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How much does a California contractor bond cost?

California contractor bond costs start at $193 annually. Your personal premium will be provided after an instant online application review. Apply online now to get your free quote in minutes!

How do you get a California contractor license bond?

You can apply for your California contractor license bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide your license classification and license number or application fee number for Contractors State License Board filing approval. After your payment is received, your bonding confirmation will be delivered to your email instantly.

How fast can I get a CSLB surety bond? 

Every surety company requires underwriting to determine your California contractor license bond premium, but SuretyBonds.com is the only surety provider that offers instant online quote approval AND instant emailed bond delivery 24/7. Apply online now and pay your invoice to receive your official bonding confirmation within minutes!

Bond Type
$25,000Contractor License Bond

What is a California contractor license surety bond?

California Business and Professions Code Sections 7071.6 and 7071.8 requires individuals file a $25,000 surety bond before the state will issue their contractors license. State form 13B-1 is officially titled the "Contractors Bond," and it specifically requires contractors comply with California Business and Professions Code Chapter 9 Division 3, which is also known as the "Contractors State License Law." 

This page provides information about the CSLB California surety bond required for statewide contractor licensing. We also offer specific information about the California qualifying individual bond, California contractor disciplinary bond, and California farm labor contractor bond

Why do you need a California contractor license bond?

You need a $25,000 California contractor license bond to fulfill statewide licensing requirements. By filing this bond, you agree to complete construction work and operate your business according to applicable California laws. If you fail to do so, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims to harmed parties up to the full $25,000 bond amount, which you must then reimburse in full.

Who regulates California contractor licensing?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) enforces license and bond requirements for contractors who work in the state. If you have questions about becoming a licensed contractor or your current active license, you can call the CSLB's 24-hour licensing line at 1(800)321-2752. If you have questions about the contractors license bond, you can email [email protected].

Who needs a California contractors license bond?

The CSLB requires every contractor who works in the state file a $25,000 surety bond before issuing a new license, reactivating a previous license, or renewing an active license. Your bond protects consumers who could be harmed by defective construction or other license noncompliance as well as any employees you fail to pay for work provided. 

What are the requirements for a contractor license bond in California?

To apply for the CSLB's contractor license bond, existing contractors must provide their license number. New contractor license applicants who do not have an existing license number will provide their application fee number. Applicants must also provide their license classification. You'll also need to submit your contractor or construction company name and address to your surety bond company as provided to the CSLB. 

When did the California contractor license bond amount increase to $25,000?

Effective January 1, 2023, the CSLB contractor license bond and qualifying individual bond amounts increased to $25,000. This change was passed as a part of California Senate Bill 607, which was signed into law September 28, 2021. For more information on how this change affects you and your CSLB license, contact your surety provider.

Learn more about the California contractor license bond increase effective January 1, 2023.

How do contractors file bonds with the California CSLB?

Your surety bond company will file your contractors license bond directly with the CSLB on your behalf. Contractors do not file their own surety bonds with the CSLB.

Need a surety bond for a construction project in California?

California contractor bonds are required for state licensing compliance. If you need a surety bond before you can begin work on an individual contracted project, you might need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond. If you work in states other than California , we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I change information filed on my contractor bond form?

If the California Contractor State License Board requires you to update any bond information, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.

The most common changes requested for California contractors license bonds are updating the following to match your CSLB contractors license.

  • contractor/construction company name
  • physical business address
  • license classification
  • contractor license number or application fee number

How do you renew your contractor bond in California?

You must renew your California contractors bond before its current term expires. If your original contractors bond was issued and filed by SuretyBonds.com, we'll provide you with renewal instructions after you pay your renewal invoice to keep your active license in good standing with the CSLB.

What do you need to apply for a California contractor license?

Learn How to get a California Contractor License by reviewing our comprehensive guide.

Complete the following steps to apply as a licensed contractor with the California Contractors License Board. 

  1. Verify your CSLB contractor licensing classification.
  2. Complete your Application for Original Contractor License online.
  3. Pay all application fees. 
  4. Pass the required exams.

Once the CSLB accepts your complete application, they will send you further instructions for fingerprinting requirements.

We also offer a separate How to get a California CSLB Limited Liability Company License guide for LLC contractor licensing.

Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert