South Carolina contractor license bond
Bond requiredRequired to get and keep your license.
Requirements split by track. Residential builders must post a $15,000 surety bond; licensed residential specialty contractors post $10,000 and registered specialty contractors $5,000. Commercial general and mechanical contractors generally don't post a bond at all, they qualify by submitting a financial statement proving the net worth for their license group (Group I up to $100,000 through Group V unlimited). [Source: SC LLR ↗]
Good to know
Whether you bond, and for how much, depends on track: residential builders bond ($15,000); commercial contractors prove net worth instead.
Estimate your premium
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $15,000 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 South Carolina
- 1Apply for your contractor license or registration with SC LLR.
- 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.
South Carolina contractor bond FAQ
Does South Carolina require a contractor license bond?
Yes. South Carolina residential builders must post a $15,000 surety bond; commercial contractors prove net worth instead.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina's $15,000 bond, most applicants with solid credit pay roughly $225–$450 a year. Use the calculator above for your own estimate.
Who regulates contractor licensing in South Carolina?
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) sets the rules. Whether you bond, and for how much, depends on track: residential builders bond ($15,000); commercial contractors prove net worth 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 SC LLR and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.