Where do I submit my California contractor bond?
All bonds must be received at the CSLB's Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.
What requirements must my surety company meet?
The bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance and must be written on a form approved by the Attorney General's Office.
Does my bond replace liability insurance?
No, a contractor bond is not insurance for you. It's a guarantee that protects consumers and employees. You should also carry liability insurance to protect your business.
How quickly must my bond be filed with CSLB?
Your bond must be received at CSLB's Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.
Who is protected by the contractor's bond?
The bond protects two groups: consumers who may be damaged by defective construction or other license law violations, and employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them.
What happens if my surety company is on the blanket endorsement list?
If your surety company is on the list provided by CSLB, your bond will automatically be adjusted to the current $25,000 amount. However, you should still contact your surety to confirm the increase has been processed.
When do I need to file a contractor bond?
You must have a contractor's bond in place before CSLB can issue an active license, reactivate an inactive license, or renew an active license. The bond must be on file continuously while your license is active.
How much does a California contractor bond cost?
While the bond amount is $25,000, the actual premium cost varies based on your credit, financial strength, and experience. Contractors with good credit typically pay a small percentage of the bond amount annually.
