Missouri contractor license bond
No statewide bondMissouri has no state contractor license bond.
General contractors are licensed, if at all, at the municipal or county level (Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia each run their own programs), and any bond is set by that jurisdiction. The only statewide trade credential is an optional Statewide Electrical Contractor License, and even that doesn't impose a state bond; the contractor posts whatever bond each local subdivision requires. [Source: Missouri Div. of Professional Registration ↗]
Good to know
There's nothing to bond at the state level, so check the specific city or county where you'll work, since it sets both the license and any bond.
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 Missouri
- 1Missouri 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.
Missouri contractor bond FAQ
Does Missouri require a contractor license bond?
No. Missouri has no statewide general contractor license and no statewide contractor bond; licensing and any bond are set locally by each city or county.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri has no single statewide contractor licensing agency — general contractors are licensed by city and county building departments. There's nothing to bond at the state level, so check the specific city or county where you'll work, since it sets both the license and any 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.
Ready for an exact quote?
Get a free bond quote →Contractor bonds in other states
Bond requirements and amounts are set by Local jurisdictions and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.