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General Contractor Bonds

Get your general contractor license bond with same day approval. Fast processing for urgent deadlines, competitive rates, and expert support for all states.

A+ Rated Carrier
Licensed in 50 States
Same Day Approval
48
States Require
Instant
Approval
$1K-$1M+
Bond Amounts
0.5%-3%
Annual Premium

📋 Get Your General Contractor Bond Quote

Fast approval • Competitive rates

✓Fast approval•✓A- rated carriers•✓All 50 states
Consumer Protection
All Construction Trades
Fast Processing

What Are General Contractor Bonds?

General contractor bonds are surety bonds required by state licensing boards for general construction contractors. These bonds protect consumers and ensure contractors comply with state laws, building codes, and licensing requirements.

Need your bond fast? We specialize in quick turnaround for contractors facing urgent deadlines. Our streamlined process delivers same day bonds for qualifying applicants, helping you meet licensing requirements without delays.

Government Resources

U.S. Treasury - Surety Bond ProgramSBA.gov - Business Licenses & Permits

Why General Contractors Need Bonds

Consumer Protection

Protects property owners from contractor fraud, incomplete work, or code violations

Legal Compliance

Required by state law for general contractor licensing in 48 states

Business Credibility

Demonstrates financial responsibility and professionalism to clients

Project Access

Required for bidding on many commercial and government projects

General Contractor Bond Requirements by State

Note: General contractor license requirements vary significantly by state. Some states have no general contractor licensing, while others require extensive experience and high bond amounts.

StateBond AmountLicense RequiredSpecial Requirements
California$25,000CSLB License RequiredFinancial statements required
TexasNo State License*Local Requirements OnlyNo statewide licensing/bonding
Florida$10,000DBPR License RequiredHurricane experience preferred
New York$10,000DOS License RequiredNYC additional requirements
Illinois$50,000IDFPR License RequiredHighest bond requirement
Nevada$100,000NSCB License RequiredExtensive experience required

How to Get Your General Contractor Bond

Simple application process with fast approval

1

Apply Online

Complete our simple application with your business details

2

Get Approved

Same day approval for qualifying applicants

3

Start Working

Receive your bond and begin your projects

Ready to Bid on Larger Projects?

Your license bond gets you legal. Contract bonds get you federal work.

The Construction Bond Trilogy

1. Bid Bond

Required to submit proposals on bonded projects

2. Performance Bond

Guarantees you'll complete the project

3. Payment Bond

Guarantees you'll pay your subs and suppliers

Get Both Performance & Payment Bonds Together

Most federal projects require all three bonds. Get pre-qualified for P&P bonds now. Rates from 0.5%.

General Contractor Bond FAQs

How much is a general contractor bond?â–¼
A general contractor bond costs $100 to $3,000 annually depending on the required bond amount and your credit. Most states require $10,000-$100,000 bonds. With excellent credit (740+), expect to pay 0.5-1% of bond amount ($50-$1,000/year). Good credit (680-739) pays 1-3% ($100-$3,000/year). Poor credit pays 3-10% ($300-$10,000/year). State examples: California $25,000 ($125-$2,500/year), Illinois $50,000 ($250-$5,000/year), Nevada $100,000 ($500-$10,000/year).
What's the difference between general contractor bonds and specialty contractor bonds?â–¼
General contractor bonds cover all construction trades and allow you to perform any type of construction work within your license scope. Specialty contractor bonds (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing) restrict work to specific trades only. General contractors can pull permits for all trades, while specialty contractors are limited to their licensed specialty. Bond amounts for general contractors are typically higher ($25,000-$100,000 vs $5,000-$25,000 for specialty trades).
What is a general contractor bond and why is it required?â–¼
A general contractor bond is a surety bond required by state licensing boards to ensure contractors comply with state laws, building codes, and licensing requirements. It protects consumers from contractor fraud, incomplete work, or code violations. Required in 48 states for general contractor licensing.
How much does a general contractor license bond cost?â–¼
General contractor bonds typically cost 0.5% to 3% of the bond amount annually. For a $25,000 bond, costs range from $125 to $750 per year depending on credit score, experience, and financial strength. Contractors with excellent credit and strong financials qualify for the lowest rates.
What is the difference between a general contractor bond and a performance bond?â–¼
A general contractor license bond is required for state licensing and protects consumers from licensing violations. A performance bond is project-specific and guarantees completion of a particular construction contract. Most general contractors need both types for different purposes.
Can I get a general contractor bond with bad credit?â–¼
Yes, contractors with challenged credit can still obtain bonding. While credit affects the premium rate, most applicants can get approved. Expect to pay 3-10% of the bond amount with lower credit scores. Working with specialized surety carriers helps secure bonding for higher-risk applicants.

Related Contractor Bonds

Electrical Contractor Bonds

Surety bonds for licensed electricians and electrical contractors.

Learn More →

Plumbing Contractor Bonds

License bonds for plumbers and plumbing contractors.

Learn More →

HVAC Contractor Bonds

Surety bonds for HVAC contractors installing heating and cooling systems.

Learn More →

Get Your General Contractor Bond Today

Join thousands of general contractors who trust us for their bonding needs

📋 Get Your General Contractor Bond Quote

Fast approval • Competitive rates

✓Fast approval•✓A- rated carriers•✓All 50 states
Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.
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