Surety bonds • California
California Contractor License Bond: CSLB $25,000 Bond and Cost
California requires every active contractor license to have a $25,000 contractor’s bond on file with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Some licenses also need a $25,000 bond of qualifying individual, and LLCs need a $100,000 employee/worker bond. Published premiums for the $25,000 contractor bond start around $193 a year with good credit.
This guide covers each CSLB bond, who needs it, filing rules, the cash alternative, and costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, and a licensed agent can help you compare options.
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CSLB bond requirements
| Bond | Who needs it | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor’s bond | All active licenses (issue, reactivation, and renewal) | $25,000 |
| Bond of qualifying individual | Licenses qualified by an RME, or by an RMO owning less than 10% of voting stock | $25,000 |
| LLC employee/worker bond | LLC licensees | $100,000 |
| Disciplinary bond | Reinstating a revoked license | $25,000 to $250,000, set by the Registrar |
Sources: CSLB; LLC bond from CSLB. RMOs owning 10% or more file an exemption certification instead of the qualifier bond.
What the contractor bond protects
According to the CSLB, the contractor’s bond is for consumers harmed by defective construction or other license law violations, and for employees owed unpaid wages. The LLC worker bond protects employees and workers if the LLC fails to pay wages or related benefits. If the surety pays a claim, the contractor must repay it.
Filing rules
- The surety must be licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
- The bond must be on an Attorney General–approved form and signed by the surety’s attorney-in-fact.
- The business name and license number must match CSLB records exactly.
- CSLB headquarters must receive the bond within 90 days of its effective date.
Source: CSLB.
Cash alternative
CSLB accepts a cashier’s check or bank-certified check in place of a bond, but no longer accepts certificates of deposit. Cash deposits are held until three years after the license expires or is inactivated, canceled, or revoked, and longer if a complaint is pending (CSLB).
How much a California contractor bond costs
| Bond | Published starting price |
|---|---|
| $25,000 contractor’s bond | From $193 a year |
| $25,000 bond of qualifying individual | From $193 a year |
| $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond | From $2,000 |
Prices published by SuretyBonds.com; final rates depend on credit, and multi-year terms may cost less per year.
LLC insurance requirement
In addition to the bonds, California LLC contractors must carry liability insurance of at least $1 million when five or fewer people are listed on the license, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5 million (CSLB). See our general liability insurance guide.
California contractor bond FAQs
How much is a California contractor bond?
The CSLB contractor’s bond is $25,000. Published premiums start around $193 a year with good credit.
What is a bond of qualifying individual?
A $25,000 bond required when a license is qualified by a Responsible Managing Employee, or by a Responsible Managing Officer who owns less than 10% of the voting stock.
Do California LLC contractors need a different bond?
Yes. LLCs need a $100,000 employee/worker bond in addition to the $25,000 contractor’s bond, plus liability insurance.
Can I use cash instead of a bond?
CSLB accepts a cashier’s check or bank-certified check, held until three years after the license ends.
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Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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