Georgia Contractor License Bonds

How much does a Georgia contractor bond cost?

Georgia contractor bond costs start at $100 annually. Your exact cost will vary depending on the license type you need and its required bond amount. Most city and county contractor bonds cost $100 annually while bonds required for state licensing require a quick application review to determine pricing. 

How do you get a Georgia contractor license bond?

You can purchase most Georgia contractor license bonds online 24/7. If an application review is required for pricing, you can apply online 24/7. Simply select which bond you need from the dropdown above or the table below. 

Your licensing authority determines what information is required for bond filing approval, but you'll typically need to provide your contractor or construction company name, physical business address, and license type. Once your order is processed, your bonding confirmation will be sent to your email. 

How fast can I get a contractor bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to offer free quotes and deliver your official Georgia contractor license bond faster than any other surety provider. SuretyBonds.com offers emailed document delivery for most Georgia contractor license bonds. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed delivery. If your licensing authority requires your official bond be physically issued and delivered to you, we'll ship it to your preferred mailing address.

What is a Georgia contractor license bond?

“Georgia contractor license bond” is a generic term for the various surety bonds required for contractor licensing at the state, county, or city level. These bonds ensure construction contractor work is performed according to any applicable laws that enforce building codes, contracted project completion, tax payments, and other regulations.

Georgia Code Statute 43-41 requires individuals file a $25,000 surety bond before being licensed as a residential contractor or general contractor in the state. Although the residential contractor and general contractor license bond is the most commonly requested, the state also enforces separate tax bond requirements for nonresident contractors. Cities and counties also enforce their own individual construction contractor bond requirements for licensing.  

Why do you need a Georgia contractor license bond?

By filing a bond, a construction contractor agrees to work and complete projects as outlined in the bond's terms. The bond protects the city, county, state, and/or individuals from financial loss resulting from contractor noncompliance. In the event of a claim, the issuing surety company will pay harmed parties up to the full bond amount, which the bonded contractor must reimburse in full.

Who regulates licensing for contractors?

The Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors regulates resident contractors at the state level. if you have questions about state licensing or bonding requirements, the State Licensing Board advises you submit an online contact form. The Department of Revenue authorizes nonresident contractors to work in the state, which requires a performance tax bond to be filed. 

City and county governments enforce their own licensing and bonding requirements, so you'll need to contact your local government office to determine what license and bond paperwork you need to file.

Who needs a surety bond for a Georgia contractor license?

At the state level, residential contractors, general contractors, and nonresident contractors must file surety bonds before being licensed statewide. 

If you work in one of the following cities or counties, you must file an additional bond with them directly before receiving your local contractor compliance license. If you need a surety bond for a city or county not listed below, call 1(800)308-4358. 

• Augusta/Richmond County
• Bibb County
• Columbia County
• Lincoln County
• McDuffie County
• Monroe County
• Newton County
• Douglasville
• East Point
• Grovetown
• Harlem
• Lincolnton
• Lilburn
• Kennesaw
• Smyrna
• Thomson
• Valdosta

Need a surety bond for a construction project in Georgia?

Georgia contractor bonds are required for 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 Georgia, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I update or change my surety bond documentation?

If your licensing agency requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your Georgia contractors bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are the contractor/construction company's name, address, or license type. 

How do I renew my contractor license bond?

You must renew your Georgia surety bond before its current term expires to maintain your active contractor license with your licensing authority. If SuretyBonds.com manages your contractor bond, we'll send you specific renewal instructions after you pay your renewal invoice.

How do I get a contractor license in Georgia?

The contractor license application process varies depending on the licensing agency and their individual requirements. The Georgia Secretary of State offers detailed instructions explaining how to apply for a general contractor license or residential contractor license at the state level. The Department of Revenue requires nonresidents to submit Contractor Performance Authorization Application ST-C 214-1. 

If you need to get a contractor license to work in a particular city or county, contact your local government agency to verify the license type and bond amount required for filing approval. 

How can Georgia contractors avoid bond claims?

To avoid claims against construction bonds, contractors should complete their work according to all applicable laws enforced by the state, county, and/or city. If your issuing surety company pays out any claims, you'll be required to reimburse them in full.