California Collection Agency Bond at a glance
| Bond amount | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Required by | California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) |
| Statute | Cal. Fin. Code § 100000 et seq. (Debt Collection Licensing Act) |
| Where we’re licensed | California — and all 50 states |
Requirements last reviewed September 2026. Amounts are set by the authority above and can change — we confirm the current figure before you bond.
What California requires
If you are licensed in California, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) requires a collection agency bond of $25,000.
What a collection agency bond guarantees
The bond protects two groups: creditors, who are owed the funds you collect on their behalf, and consumers, who are entitled to lawful treatment under state collection law. If you fail to remit collected funds or violate the licensing statute, a claim can be made against the bond. It is separate from federal FDCPA compliance, which is not bonded.
Requirements and amounts vary by state
Roughly a third to half of states license and bond collection agencies, and the rules are inconsistent nationally. Amounts commonly range from about $5,000 to $50,000, sometimes scaled by in-state collection volume or the number of collectors. Small bonds are frequently flat-rated. We confirm whether your state requires one and the current amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a collection agency bond in California?
The bond amount in California is $25,000, set by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). You do not pay that amount — you pay a premium, a small percentage of it, based on your credit and the bond required. We confirm the current figure and quote it across multiple surety markets.
Who requires a collection agency bond in California?
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) requires it under Cal. Fin. Code § 100000 et seq. (Debt Collection Licensing Act). The bond protects the public and the state — not your business — and if the surety pays a claim, you must reimburse it.
How do I get a collection agency bond in California?
Request a quote or contact our team. We verify the current requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in California and all 50 states.
← Collection Agency Bond (national overview) · Business insurance in California
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.