South Carolina Contractor License Bonds
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How much does a contractor license bond cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina contractor license bond costs start at $50 annually. Your exact cost will vary depending on the license type and bond amount required by your licensing authority. Most bonds purchased for state licensing require a quick application review to determine pricing while most bonds purchased for city licensing cost $100 for all applicants.
How do you get a South Carolina contractor license bond?
You can purchase or apply for your South Carolina contractor bond online 24/7. Choose the contractor bond required for your license from the dropdown above or the table below. Information requirements for your bond form depend on your licensing authority, but you typically need to provide your contractor or construction company name, physical business address, and license type for filing approval. Once your order is processed, your official bond will be sent to your email.
How fast can I get a contractors license bond?
Our industry-leading technology and expert customer service team allow us to deliver your official South Carolina surety bond faster than any other surety company. SuretyBonds.com offers digital delivery for all South Carolina contractor license bonds. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed bond delivery.
If you have questions about South Carolina contractor license bonds, call 1(800)308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through the contractor bond process so you can get back to running your business.
What is a South Carolina contractor license bond?
“South Carolina contractor license bond” is a general term for the various surety bonds required before a state or city contractor business license can be issued. Before becoming a licensed contractor for certain trades, individuals must file a surety bond as a guarantee they'll complete their construction work according to any applicable state or local laws. If the state, city, or individual consumers are harmed as a result of a contractor's noncompliance, the issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the contractor must then reimburse.
The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission enforces a separate, specific South Carolina residential builder bond requirement for individuals licensed to work as a residential builder in the state. South Carolina residential builder bonds can be purchased online 24/7 with instant email delivery.
Who regulates licensing for contractors?
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Contractor's Licensing Board regulates licensing for general and mechanical contractors in the state. If you have any questions about licensing for mechanical contractors or general contractors, you can contact the board by calling 1(803)896-4686 or emailing [email protected].
Some cities in South Carolina also enforce their own contractor license laws and bond requirements.
Who needs a South Carolina contractor license bond?
You must purchase and file a surety bond with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation if you work as a general contractor, mechanical contractor, residential specialty contractor, or residential builder. If you work in one of the cities listed below, you must file an additional bond with the city to fulfill local licensing requirements. If you need a surety bond for a city not listed below, call 1(800)308-4358.
- Columbia requires demolition contractors to file a $5,000 bond for 1 and 2-family residential structures or a $15,000 bond for multi-family or commercial structures.
- Dillon requires individuals licensed as a general, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical contractor to file a $5,000 bond.
- Forest Acres requires local contractors to file a $2,000 bond.
- North Augusta requires local contractors to file a $1,000 bond.
- Surfside Beach requires licensed contractors to file a bond amount as determined by the Surfside Beach Planning, Building, and Zoning Department.
Need a surety bond for a construction project in South Carolina?
South Carolina 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 South Carolina, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.
How do I update or change my contractor bond?
If the LLR or your local licensing authority requires your bond form to be updated, contact your surety company to explain the needed change. If you purchased your South Carolina contractor bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
The most common changes requested for these surety bonds are updating the contractor or construction company name, physical business address, or license type.
How do I renew my contractor bond in South Carolina?
You must renew your South Carolina surety bond before its current term expires to maintain your bonding status as required for your city or state license. 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.
Renewal expiration dates vary by bond type, but they typically run concurrently with your business license. General contractor bonds expire October 31st of even years. Mechanical contractor bonds expire October 31st of odd years. Residential builder and local compliance surety bonds are issued for 1-year terms.
How do I become a licensed general or mechanical contractor in South Carolina?
You must do the following to apply for your general or mechanical South Carolina contractor license with the LLR Contractor's Licensing Board.
- Complete the General & Mechanical Contractor's License Initial Application (Document #165).
- Register your construction business with the Secretary of State online or by calling 1(803)734-2158. (Sole proprietors and general partnerships do not have to register.)
- Pass any required examinations as outlined in the LLR application instructions.
- Purchase your general contractor bond or mechanical contractor bond in the correct required amount.
- Pay all required license fees.
You can submit your state license application packet by emailing [email protected] or by mailing it.
South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
PO Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211-1329
How do I get a locally required contractor license?
If you work in Columbia, Dillon, Forest Acres, North Augusta, or Surfside Beach, contact the city licensing office for instructions on getting your contractors license to work in the area.
Have Questions?
Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert today.
