Surety bonds • South Carolina
South Carolina Surety Bonds: Requirements and Costs by Bond Type
South Carolina requires surety bonds for vehicle dealers and wholesalers, offers a bond in place of a financial statement for licensed general contractors, and requires performance and payment bonds on state construction contracts. Most dealers need a $50,000 bond, and contractor license bonds run from $20,000 to $350,000 by license group. South Carolina notaries do not need a bond.
Each bond links to a detailed guide with official sources. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in South Carolina, and a licensed agent can help you find and file the bond you need.
Request a South Carolina bond quote
Tell us the bond you need and who requires it, and a licensed agent will follow up. Submitting the form does not bind coverage.
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Get a surety bond quote online, without waiting for a call back. Many license and permit bonds can be issued the same day.
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Common South Carolina surety bonds
| Bond | Who requires it | Required amount |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle dealer bond | SC Department of Motor Vehicles | $50,000 ($25,000 motorcycle, $15,000 wholesale auction) |
| General contractor license bond | Contractor’s Licensing Board | $20,000 to $350,000 by license group |
| Public works bonds | State agencies (S.C. Code § 11-35-3030) | 100% performance and payment |
Amounts are sourced in each linked guide.
South Carolina notaries
South Carolina notaries are not required to buy a surety bond. A commission lasts 10 years, and errors and omissions insurance is optional (National Notary Association).
Federal bonds South Carolina businesses often need
- Freight broker bond (BMC-84): $75,000, filed with FMCSA.
- ERISA bond: at least 10% of plan funds handled.
- Bid bonds and Miller Act bonds on federal construction.
What South Carolina bonds cost
The $50,000 dealer bond starts around $375 a year, and contractor license bonds start around $200 a year. Contract bonds are priced based on credit and finances. See our surety bond cost guide or the surety bond cost calculator.
South Carolina surety bond FAQs
How much is a South Carolina dealer bond?
$50,000 for retail, wholesale, and RV dealers on the current SCDMV form.
Do South Carolina notaries need a bond?
No. South Carolina does not require a notary bond.
Do South Carolina general contractors need a bond?
A bond is an alternative to the financial statement requirement, in the amount set for the license group.
Related guides
- South Carolina auto dealer bond
- South Carolina contractor license bond
- South Carolina public works bond
- North Carolina surety bonds
- Georgia surety bonds
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- License and permit bonds
- South Carolina landscaping contractor insurance
- South Carolina HVAC contractor insurance
- South Carolina electrical contractor insurance
- South Carolina plumbing contractor insurance
- South Carolina roofing contractor insurance
- South Dakota surety bonds
- West Virginia surety bonds
- New Mexico surety bonds
- Nebraska surety bonds
- Kansas surety bonds
- Iowa surety bonds
- Oklahoma surety bonds
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
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.
Your next step
Tell us the South Carolina bond you need, and a licensed agent will help you compare options, or start a bond quote online with our partner.
