$25,000 Columbus Contractor License Bond

How much does a $25,000 contractor license bond cost in Columbus, Ohio?

A $25,000 contractor license bond in Columbus, Ohio, costs $250 per year and is issued instantly. Simply click Buy Now to purchase your bond online via our secure bond checkout. In just a few minutes you can be on your way to getting bonded as a contractor in Columbus, Ohio.

Why do I need a contractor license bond in Columbus, Ohio?

The city of Columbus requires contractors to post a $25,000 license and permit surety bond to ensure principals (contractors) operate in accordance with the laws of the city and state including adhering to all building codes and paying all taxes.

Contractor bonds protect the city and/or any individual who is harmed as a result of the principal’s non-compliance from financial loss up to the full amount of the bond. The surety will pay for the full cost of the claim up to the total bond amount, but the principal must reimburse the surety for all damages paid out.

Need a surety bond for a construction project?

Payment bonds and performance bonds are often required for specific construction projects. No matter the state, SuretyBonds.com can get you the bond you need for your next job.

Terms of contractor license bonds

Contractor license bonds run continuously and must renewed annually unless they are claimed against or canceled. However, the surety must give the obligee 30 days’ written notice before the cancellation takes effect.

How to get a contractor license in Columbus, Ohio

The city of Columbus issues different licenses depending on the specific trade of the contractor including general contractors, home improvement contractors, demolition contractors, Ohio Construction Industry Licensed contractors, sign erectors, sewer and water contractors, and fire contractors.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Columbus

General contractors are permitted to perform construction of all new structures or buildings and structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing commercial or multi-family dwellings.

To become a licensed general contractor in Columbus, Section 4114 of the Columbus Code requires the following be presented in person or by mail to: Contractor Registration City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services 111 N Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215:

• Completed and notarized General Contractor Application Form
• $25,000 surety bond
• A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the limits of liability no less than $300,000 listing City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services as a certificate holder, written by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Ohio
• $350.00 registration fee via check to the Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Applicants must submit their application and fee to the board of Home Improvement and General Contractors no later than 1 week prior to the next scheduled board meeting.

Further details on general improvement contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed home improvement contractor in Columbus

Home improvement contractors work with repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, or addition.

To become a licensed home improvement contractor in Columbus, applicants must first meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of 3 full years of hands-on installation experience in the 1, 2, and 3 family dwelling improvement field
• Complete and pass the Ohio Home Improvement Contractor – 767 Examination administered by an approved testing agency

If those requirements are met, the applicant must submit the following to the City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services: 111 N Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 to become licensed:

• A copy of passing score (70% or higher) on 767 examination (Home Improvement Limited Contractor License applicants are not required to take the test)
• $25,000 surety bond
• Completed and notarized Home Improvement Contractor Application Form
• $185.00 registration fee via check made payable to Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Applicants must submit their application and fee to the Board of Home Improvement and General Contractors no later than 1 week prior to the next scheduled board meeting.

Further details on home improvement contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed demolition contractor in Columbus

Demolition contractors are permitted to perform work involving the demolition of any building. To become a licensed demolition contractor in Columbus, applicants are required to have a minimum of 3 full years of experience in the demolition field immediately preceding the date of application. If the applicant meets this requirement, they must then:

• Complete and notarize the Demolition Contractor Application Form
• Pay the $185.00 registration fee

Applicants must submit their application and fee to the Board of Home Improvement and General Contractors no later than 1 week prior to the next scheduled board meeting.

Further details on demolition contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed Ohio Construction Industry Licensed Contractor in Columbus

Electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, and plumbing applicants must be licensed by the State of Ohio. Once properly licensed, the contractor can apply for a license to work specifically in Columbus by:

• Completing and notarizing the OCILB Contractor Application Form
• $25,000 surety bond
• Pay the $350.00 registration fee via check to the Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Further details on demolition contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed sign erector in Columbus

To become a licensed sign erector in Columbus, the applicant must do the following:

• Complete and notarize the Sign Erector License Application Form
• $25,000 surety bond
• Pay the $185.00 registration fee via check made payable to Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Applicants must submit their application and fee to the Board of General and Limited Sign Erectors no later than 1 week prior to the next scheduled board meeting. They are also required to attend the Sign Erectors Board meeting which takes place at the Department of Building & Zoning Services.

Further details on sign erector licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed sewer water contractor in Columbus

To become a licensed sewer, water, or sewer and water contractor, applicants must first obtain certification from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Applicants must also meet one of the following qualifications:

• Have a minimum 3 years of cumulative work experience, under the supervision of a Columbus or other recognized jurisdiction’s licensed contractor, on sewer lines, water systems (including water service lines and taps), or combined sewer and water lines or systems
• Hold a current, valid license as a contractor in another recognized city, county, or state to work on sewer, water, or combined sewer/water lines or systems
• Have a minimum of 2 full years of experience working on sewer lines, water systems, or combined sewer and water lines or systems

In addition, applicants must successfully pass an in-person interview conducted by an appointed DPU review panel at the DPU administrative offices located at 910 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Once one of these qualifications are met, the license applicant needs to submit the following:

• Completed and notarized Water and Sewer Contractor Application Form
• $25,000 surety bond
• Certificate of Liability Insurance listing city of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services as a certificate holder
• Approved application and board approval letter from Department of Public Utilities
• $350.00 registration fee via check made payable to Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Applicants must submit their application and fee to the Board of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors no later than 15 days prior to the next scheduled board meeting.

Further details on sewer water contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

How to become a licensed fire contractor in Columbus

Before applying to work in Columbus as a Fire Certified Individual Installer or Fire Contractor Company, applicants must be licensed by the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Licensing and Certification. In addition, contractors must do the following:

• Complete and notarize the Fire Contractor Application Form
• Post a $25,000 surety bond
• Pay registration fee via check made payable to Columbus City Treasurer in person or by mail

Further details on fire contractor licensing can be found on the Columbus, Ohio website.

Ready to get started?

Additional Resources

City of Columbus Contractor License Registration

General Contractor Licensing Information

Contractor License Resources

Columbus City Treasurer

How to Become a Licensed Journeyperson Plumber in Columbus