Surety bonds • California
California Surety Bonds: Requirements and Costs by Bond Type
California requires surety bonds for licensed contractors, notaries, motor vehicle dealers, and contractors on many public works projects. The CSLB contractor bond is $25,000, LLC contractors need an extra $100,000 worker bond, notaries need $15,000, and most dealers need $50,000. This guide lists the most common California bonds, who requires them, and what they cost.
Each bond links to a detailed guide with official sources. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in California, and a licensed agent can help you find and file the bond you need.
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Common California surety bonds
| Bond | Who requires it | Required amount |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor’s bond | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) | $25,000 |
| Bond of qualifying individual | CSLB (RME, and RMO owning under 10%) | $25,000 |
| LLC employee/worker bond | CSLB (LLC licensees) | $100,000 |
| Notary bond | Filed with the county clerk | $15,000 |
| Motor vehicle dealer bond | California DMV | $50,000 ($10,000 motorcycle/ATV only) |
| Public works payment bond | Public entities | Required on contracts over $25,000 |
Payment bond threshold from Cal. Civil Code § 9550. Other amounts are sourced in each linked guide.
California public works bonds
Under Cal. Civil Code § 9550, a direct contractor awarded a public works contract over $25,000 must provide a payment bond, approved by the public entity, before starting work. Contracts with state entities follow separate rules in the Public Contract Code. See our payment bond and performance bond guides.
Federal bonds California businesses often need
- Freight broker bond (BMC-84): $75,000, filed with FMCSA.
- ERISA bond: at least 10% of plan funds handled.
- Court and appeal bonds, set by the court.
What California bonds cost
Notary bonds start around $50 for four years and the $25,000 contractor bond starts around $193 a year with good credit. Dealer bonds and larger bonds are priced as a percentage of the bond amount based on credit and finances. See our surety bond cost guide or use the surety bond cost calculator.
California surety bond FAQs
What surety bonds are required in California?
Common ones include the CSLB contractor’s bond, the bond of qualifying individual, the LLC employee/worker bond, the notary bond, the DMV dealer bond, and public works payment bonds.
How much is a contractor bond in California?
The CSLB contractor’s bond is $25,000. Published premiums start around $193 a year with good credit.
Do California LLC contractors need extra bonding?
Yes. LLC licensees need a $100,000 employee/worker bond in addition to the $25,000 contractor bond, plus liability insurance.
Related guides
- California contractor license bond
- California notary bond
- California auto dealer bond
- Texas surety bonds
- Arizona surety bonds
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- License and permit bonds
- South Dakota surety bonds
- West Virginia surety bonds
- New Mexico surety bonds
- Nebraska surety bonds
- Kansas surety bonds
- Iowa surety bonds
- Oklahoma surety bonds
- South Carolina surety bonds
- Alabama surety bonds
- Tennessee surety bonds
- Washington surety bonds
- Michigan surety bonds
- Pennsylvania surety bonds
- New Jersey surety bonds
- Illinois surety bonds
- Georgia surety bonds
- Virginia surety bonds
- North Carolina surety bonds
- Ohio surety bonds
- New York surety bonds
- Florida 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
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