California contractor license bond
Bond requiredRequired to get and keep your license.
The $25,000 contractor's bond is a condition of holding a CSLB license and protects consumers and employees, not the contractor. If the surety pays a claim, you must repay it in full. LLC licensees also need a separate $100,000 bond protecting workers, and a non-owner qualifier adds a $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual. [Source: CSLB ↗]
Updated: Increased to $25,000 on January 1, 2023.
Good to know
The amount rose from $15,000 to $25,000 on January 1, 2023 (SB 607).
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 California
- 1Apply for your contractor license or registration with CSLB.
- 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.
California contractor bond FAQ
Does California require a contractor license bond?
Yes. California requires every licensed contractor to carry a $25,000 contractor's bond.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in California?
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 California'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 California?
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) sets the rules. The amount rose from $15,000 to $25,000 on January 1, 2023 (SB 607).
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 CSLB and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.