Massachusetts contractor license bond
No statewide bondMassachusetts has no state contractor license bond.
Massachusetts issues the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with no bond requirement. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration is $150 plus a one-time Guaranty Fund contribution on a sliding scale ($100 to $500), not a surety bond; the Fund compensates homeowners up to $25,000 per unpaid judgment. Only out-of-state contractors must post a Department of Revenue bond (6.25% of contract value) on projects over $20,000. [Source: Mass. OCABR / BBRS ↗]
Good to know
No surety bond is needed for the state CSL or HIC registration; HIC uses a Guaranty Fund contribution instead.
If your city requires a bond, estimate the cost
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 licensed in Massachusetts
- 1Massachusetts has no statewide contractor license, so start with the building department in the city or county where you'll work and ask what they require.
- 2Meet that jurisdiction's local license, bond, and insurance rules — amounts vary by city, so confirm them directly.
- 3If you do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, get the matching state trade license, which is issued separately.
- 4Keep your local registration and any trade licenses current as you renew.
Massachusetts contractor bond FAQ
Does Massachusetts require a contractor license bond?
No. Massachusetts doesn't require a surety bond to be a licensed contractor; its Construction Supervisor License needs no bond, and home improvement registration uses a Guaranty Fund instead.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Massachusetts?
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. Use the calculator above to estimate the premium for your bond amount.
Who regulates contractor licensing in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has no single statewide contractor licensing agency — general contractors are licensed by city and county building departments. No surety bond is needed for the state CSL or HIC registration; HIC uses a Guaranty Fund contribution instead.
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 Mass. OCABR / BBRS and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.