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Iowa Contractor License Bonds

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How much does an Iowa contractors license bond cost?  

Iowa contractor license bond costs start at $75 annually. Your exact cost will vary depending on your license type and its required bond amount. Most local compliance bonds required by cities in the state cost $100 annually. A few contractor license classifications require a quick application review to determine your surety bond cost. 

How do you get an Iowa contractor license bond?

You can purchase your Iowa contractor license bond online 24/7. Choose the bond needed for your licensing requirements from the dropdown above or the table below. Information required for filing approval varies by licensing agency, but you'll typically provide your contractor or construction company name, physical business address, and license type. Once your order is processed, your Iowa contractor bond confirmation will be sent to your email. 

How fast can I get a contractors license surety bond? 

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

If you have questions about Iowa contractor bonds, call 1(800)308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through the construction bonding process so you can get back to running your business.

Bond Type
$25,000Division of Labor Out of State Contractor Tax Bond
$5,000Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board License Bond
$10,000City of Bettendorf Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Blue Grass Contractors Code Compliance Bond
$10,000City of Council Bluffs Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Davenport Street and Sewer Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Des Moines Waste Hauling Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Eldridge Contractor Bond
$5,000City of Fort Dodge Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Johnston Contractor Bond
$1,000-$25,000City of Newton Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Oelwein Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Sioux City Contractor Bond

What is an Iowa contractor license bond? 

Iowa contractor license bond” is a general term for the various surety bonds required for contractor licensing throughout the state. Exact terms and bond amounts vary depending on the city or state license type, but these bonds are generally used to ensure construction contractors work according to Iowa code or other licensing laws enforced by a municipality.

Iowa Code Chapter 91C requires nonresident contractors file the $25,000 “Out-of-State Contractor Bond” (form 600-02) before beginning construction work in the state. By filing this bond, nonresident contractors agree to pay all taxes in full and on time.

The Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board also enforces its own separate requirement for individuals licensed as a plumbing or mechanical contractor. You can purchase an Iowa plumbing and mechanical systems bond online 24/7 with instant bond delivery to your email!

Why are contractor bonds required in Iowa? 

By filing a bond, construction contractors agree to operate their businesses and complete projects as required by law. If they fail to do so, these bonds protect the city, state, and clients that suffer losses as a result of their noncompliance. Their surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the bonded contractor must then reimburse in full.

Who regulates licensing for contractors? 

The Iowa Division of Labor enforces licensing requirements for contractors applying for a state license. If you have questions about your application or the status of your current state license, the DOL advises you call the Contractor Registration Program at 1(515)242-5871.

Who needs an Iowa contractor license bond? 

Iowa surety bond requirements for contractor licensing vary depending on where you work and the type of construction performed. If you're a contractor in one of the cities listed below, you must file a separate bond with the city to fulfill their compliance requirements. If you need a surety bond for a city not listed below, call 1(800)308-4358.

  • Bettendorf 
  • Blue Grass
  • Council Bluffs
  • Davenport 
  • Des Moines
  • Eldridge
  • Fort Dodge
  • Johnston 
  • Newton
  • Oelwein 
  • Sioux City

Need a surety bond for a construction project in Iowa?

Iowa 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 Iowa, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I update or change my contractor bond form? 

If your licensing agency requires your bond documentation to be updated for any reason, 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 these bonds are updating the contractor or construction company name, physical business address, or license type.

How do I renew my contractor license bond? 

You must renew your Iowa contractor bond before its current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, renewal instructions will be emailed to you to keep your bond active for your next license term.

What are the license requirements for Iowa contractors?

You'll need to file your application with the Iowa Division of Labor before being approved for your state license. Review the documents required for DOL contractor registration before applying for your Iowa contractor license. 

  1. Fill out and sign your Contractor Registration Application/Renewal (Form 500-001).
  2. Register with the Iowa Workforce Development.
  3. Choose the type of license you need. 
  4. Request your unemployment insurance account number.
  5. Pay your $50 registration fee.
  6. Purchase and file a surety bond in the correct required bond amount, if applicable.

You must also be licensed and bonded with any city that enforces its own licensed contractor compliance registration requirements. Before starting a project in a new area, contact the local city government to verify their surety bond and licensing requirements. 

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