Vermont contractor license bond
No statewide bondVermont has no state contractor license bond.
Residential contractors performing work estimated at $10,000 or more (labor and materials) must register with the Office of Professional Regulation. Registration requires no exam, no experience proof, and no surety bond, but it does require liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Fees are $75 for individuals and $250 for businesses. Electrical and plumbing trades are licensed separately. [Source: Vermont OPR ↗]
Updated: Statewide residential contractor registration has been mandatory since April 1, 2022.
Good to know
No state contractor bond exists in Vermont; registration hinges on $1M/$2M liability insurance, not a 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 Vermont
- 1Vermont 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.
Vermont contractor bond FAQ
Does Vermont require a contractor license bond?
No. Vermont requires residential contractors on larger jobs to register but doesn't require a surety bond.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Vermont?
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 Vermont?
Vermont has no single statewide contractor licensing agency — general contractors are licensed by city and county building departments. No state contractor bond exists in Vermont; registration hinges on $1M/$2M liability insurance, not a 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 Vermont OPR and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.