Contractor Bonds in Los Angeles, California

California requires all licensed contractors to maintain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond filed with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This bond is not optional — it is a mandatory requirement for holding a California contractor license in any classification. The bond protects consumers who suffer financial harm from a licensed contractor's fraud, dishonesty, failure to pay wages, or code violations.

The $25,000 CSLB contractor license bond typically costs $100–$200 per year depending on your credit score. Applicants with good to excellent credit qualify for the lowest rates. Even applicants with poor credit can get bonded, though at higher premiums. Our online bond portal provides competitive rates and fast issuance for the California CSLB bond.

The CSLB bond is the statewide license requirement. However, specific projects may require additional bonds. Public works contracts (LA City, LA County, MWD, Metro) require payment and performance bonds for contracts above $25,000. Large private developers and commercial owners sometimes require performance bonds as a condition of contract. Altamira can obtain both the CSLB license bond and project-specific bonds.

If a consumer files a valid claim against your CSLB bond — for example, because you failed to complete a job, committed fraud, or violated building codes causing financial harm — the surety may pay the claim up to $25,000. As the contractor (principal on the bond), you are obligated to reimburse the surety. Claims on your CSLB bond are reported to the CSLB and can result in disciplinary action against your license.