Texas Commercial Sign Operator Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure highway billboards meet state and local standards
- Who Needs It: Commercial sign operators that erect or maintain outdoor advertising in Texas
- Regulating Body: The Texas Department of Transportation – Right of Way Division
- Bond Amount: $2,500 per county or $10,000 for 4+ counties
- Premium Price: $100–$200, depending on the bond amount
What Is a Texas Commercial Sign Operator Bond?
A Texas commercial sign operator bond, formerly known as an outdoor advertising bond, is required for any contractor that builds or maintains billboards.
| Bond Amount | Number of Counties |
|---|---|
| $2,500 Bond | 1 County |
| $5,000 Bond | 2 Counties |
| $7,500 Bond | 3 Counties |
| $10,000 Bond | 4+ Counties |
How Much Do Commercial Sign Operator Bonds Cost in Texas?
Texas sign and billboard operator bonds cost a low flat rate of $100–$200 based on the bond amount you need.
- The $2,500 bond for a billboard in 1 county costs $100.
- The $5,000 bond for billboards in 2 counties costs $100.
- The $7,500 bond for billboards in 3 counties costs $150.
- The $10,000 bond for billboards in 4+ counties costs $200.
You can also select a 25% multi-year term discount for any of these bond amounts. Buy your Texas sign operator bond online now!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Sign Operator Bond Work?
This type of outdoor advertising bond creates a legal contract between three parties.
- Principal: The bonded commercial sign operator
- Obligee: The Texas Department of Transportation – Right of Way Division
- Surety: The issuing surety provider
This contract holds you responsible for upholding the Commercials Signs Licensing and Permitting (CSLAP) license requirements plus other state and country regulations.
If you put up or maintain billboards that don’t meet standards, the DOT can file bond claims to recover the cost of removing illegal signs.
How Do I Get the Bond?
You can get your Texas sign operator in minutes. Just enter your information using the form on this page and checkout. We’ll email you the bond form right away.
Remember to file the bond with the Right of Way Division as instructed.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
You can select a one-year, two-year or three-year sign operator bond term. When it is nearing expiration, we’ll send out renewal reminders. To extend your bond for another term, just pay your renewal premium.
As long as there are no bond claims, the sign operator bond will stay active.
