Surety bonds • Iowa
Iowa Surety Bonds: Requirements and Costs by Bond Type
Iowa requires surety bonds for motor vehicle dealers, out-of-state contractors, and contractors on public improvements of $25,000 or more. Dealers need a $75,000 bond, out-of-state contractors need $25,000, and public improvement bonds must be at least 75% of the contract price. Iowa 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 Iowa, and a licensed agent can help you find and file the bond you need.
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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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Common Iowa surety bonds
| Bond | Who requires it | Required amount |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle dealer bond | Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division | $75,000 |
| Out-of-state contractor bond | Iowa Division of Labor | $25,000 |
| Public improvement bond | Public corporations (Iowa Code ch. 573) | At least 75% of contracts of $25,000+ |
Amounts are sourced in each linked guide.
Iowa notaries
Iowa notaries are not required to buy a surety bond. A commission lasts three years for Iowa residents, and errors and omissions insurance is optional (National Notary Association).
Federal bonds Iowa 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 Iowa bonds cost
The $75,000 dealer bond starts around $375 a year. Contractor and contract bonds are priced based on credit and finances. See our surety bond cost guide or the surety bond cost calculator.
Iowa surety bond FAQs
How much is an Iowa dealer bond?
$75,000 for a motor vehicle dealer license.
Do Iowa notaries need a bond?
No. Iowa does not require a notary bond.
When are bonds required on Iowa public improvements?
On contracts of $25,000 or more, with a bond of at least 75% of the contract price.
Related guides
- Iowa auto dealer bond
- Iowa contractor bond
- Iowa public works bond
- Illinois surety bonds
- Michigan surety bonds
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- License and permit bonds
- Iowa landscaping contractor insurance
- Iowa HVAC contractor insurance
- Iowa electrical contractor insurance
- Iowa plumbing contractor insurance
- Iowa roofing contractor insurance
- South Dakota surety bonds
- West Virginia surety bonds
- New Mexico surety bonds
- Nebraska surety bonds
- Kansas 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 Iowa bond you need, and a licensed agent will help you compare options, or start a bond quote online with our partner.
