California Contractor License Bond at a glance
| Bond amount | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Required by | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) |
| Statute | Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7071.6 |
| 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 Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires a contractor license bond of $25,000. Mandatory contractor’s bond for all licensees; raised from $15,000 to $25,000 effective Jan 1, 2023.
What a contractor license bond actually guarantees
A contractor license bond is a three-party agreement. You (the principal) are guaranteeing to the licensing authority (the obligee) — and, through it, to the public — that you will operate lawfully. A surety company backs that promise. If you abandon a job, violate building codes, fail to pull required permits, or otherwise breach the licensing statute, a harmed customer or the board can make a claim.
Here is the part contractors most often miss: the bond protects your customers and the state, not you. If the surety pays a valid claim, you are legally required to pay the surety back in full. It is a credential and a consumer-protection tool — not a substitute for general liability or workers' compensation.
License bond vs. performance and payment bonds
These get confused constantly, and the difference matters:
- A contractor license bond is a *one-time* requirement to get and keep your license. It covers your general conduct as a licensed contractor.
- Performance and payment bonds are *per-project* — required by a specific project owner (usually on public or large private work) to guarantee that one job is finished and its subs and suppliers are paid.
A licensed contractor carries a license bond continuously, then obtains project bonds as individual jobs require them.
Local city & county requirements
The state is only part of the picture. Many cities and counties require their own contractor license bond — sometimes in addition to a state bond, and in states with no statewide requirement, licensing and bonding are handled entirely at the local level. Amounts and rules vary by locality. Tell us where you operate and we will confirm the exact state and local bonds you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a contractor license bond in California?
The bond amount in California is $25,000, set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). 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 contractor license bond in California?
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires it under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7071.6. 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 contractor license 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.
← Contractor License 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.