Alaska contractor license bond
Bond requiredRequired to get and keep your license.
Under AS 08.18.071, a contractor must file a surety bond (and carry liability insurance) before the state will register them. The bond is $25,000 for a general contractor, $20,000 for a general contractor doing only residential work, $10,000 for a mechanical or specialty contractor, and $5,000 for a handyman (jobs of $10,000 or less). This is a true statewide registration requirement, not an optional substitute for a financial test. [Source: DCBPL ↗]
Good to know
The bond amount depends on which registration class you file under, so confirm your class before buying the bond.
Estimate your premium
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $25,000 bond.
Estimate only. Your real rate is set by the surety after a quick credit check, and the premium is typically nonrefundable once the bond is issued.
How to get bonded and licensed in Alaska
- 1Apply for your contractor license or registration with DCBPL.
- 2Buy your surety bond from a licensed surety — the premium is a small percentage of the bond amount, based on your credit.
- 3Submit proof of the bond (and any required insurance) with your application.
- 4Keep the bond active and renew it to keep your license in good standing.
Alaska contractor bond FAQ
Does Alaska require a contractor license bond?
Yes. Alaska requires a surety bond to register as a contractor: $25,000 for a general contractor, down to $5,000 for a handyman.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Alaska?
You don't pay the full bond amount. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, usually around 1–3% with good credit and more while your credit is still building. On Alaska's $25,000 bond, most applicants with solid credit pay roughly $375–$750 a year. Use the calculator above for your own estimate.
Who regulates contractor licensing in Alaska?
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing sets the rules. The bond amount depends on which registration class you file under, so confirm your class before buying the bond.
What does a contractor license bond protect?
A contractor license bond protects your customers and the licensing authority, not you. It guarantees you'll follow the state's contractor laws; if you break them and someone is owed money, they can file a claim against the bond, and you must repay the surety.
Is the bond premium refundable?
Generally no. Once the bond is issued, the premium is earned by the surety and is typically nonrefundable, even if you never have a claim. Most bonds run one to two years, and you renew to keep your license active.
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Bond requirements and amounts are set by DCBPL and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.