California Surety Bonds

California Contractor
License Bond (CSLB)

The $25,000 surety bond required by the Contractors State License Board — issued fast, filed directly with the CSLB.

Get a Bond Quote (435) 272-8042
Dedicated Account Support
Independent Broker
Fast Certificate Issuance
Competitive Rates
Top Insurance Markets
Financing Available

$25,000

Required Bond Amount

$109–$300

Typical Annual Premium

Same Day

Bond Issuance

CSLB

Filed Directly

CSLB Requirement

What Is a California Contractor License Bond?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires every licensed contractor in the state to carry a $25,000 contractor license bond — also called a CSLB bond or California contractor surety bond.

This bond is not insurance for your business. It's a guarantee to the public that you will operate lawfully and pay for damages if you fail to complete a job, violate licensing laws, or cause harm. If a valid claim is made against your bond, the surety pays the claimant and you repay the surety.

Without an active bond on file, the CSLB will suspend your contractor license — which means you cannot legally bid on or perform work in California.

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SB 607 Update: Effective January 1, 2023, California Senate Bill 607 increased the required bond amount from $15,000 to $25,000. All active CSLB licensees must carry the updated $25,000 bond.

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Required for All CA Licensed Contractors

Every contractor — from sole proprietors to large firms — must maintain this bond.

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Filed Directly with the CSLB

Your bond is electronically filed with the Contractors State License Board.

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Must Remain Active

If your bond lapses or is cancelled, your license is automatically suspended.

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Very Affordable

Most contractors pay $100–$300/year. Good credit gets you the lowest rate.

Simple Process

How to Get Your CSLB Bond

We make it easy — most bonds are issued the same day.

01

Request a Quote

Fill out our short form or call us. We just need basic info about your business and license.

02

Get Your Bond

We shop top surety markets to find you the best rate — usually the same day.

03

Bond Filed with CSLB

Once issued, your bond is filed directly with the Contractors State License Board.

04

Stay Licensed

We track your renewal date and send reminders so your license never lapses.

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Know the Difference

Bond vs. Insurance — Do You Need Both?

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Contractor License Bond

  • ✓ Required by the CSLB to hold a CA license
  • ✓ Protects consumers and the public
  • ✓ $25,000 bond amount
  • ✓ Typically $100–$300/year
  • ✓ Pays claims; you repay the surety
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General Liability Insurance

  • ✓ Protects your business from covered claims
  • ✓ Required by most GCs and job sites
  • ✓ Covers bodily injury & property damage
  • ✓ Typically $500–$2,000+/year
  • ✓ Pays claims on your behalf

Most California contractors need both. Altamira can handle both in one place.

Get a Quote for Bond + Insurance
Why Altamira

Why California Contractors Choose Altamira

We specialize in contractor insurance and bonds — not personal auto or homeowners. Every client we work with is a contractor, which means we know exactly what you need and how to get it done fast.

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Same-Day Issuance

Most bonds are issued the same business day. No waiting around.

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CSLB Filing Included

We file your bond directly with the CSLB — one less thing for you to worry about.

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Renewal Reminders

We track your expiration and remind you before it lapses so your license stays active.

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Bundle & Save

Bundle your bond with GL, workers comp, or commercial auto for a better overall rate.

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Real People

You talk to a licensed agent, not a chatbot. We answer questions and get things done.

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Contractor Specialists

We work exclusively with contractors — we know the CSLB requirements inside and out.

Common Questions

California Contractor Bond FAQ

What is a California contractor license bond?
A California contractor license bond — also called a CSLB bond or contractor surety bond — is a $25,000 bond required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for all licensed contractors in California. It protects consumers if a contractor causes damages, fails to pay subcontractors or suppliers, or violates state licensing laws.
How much does a California contractor bond cost?
Most California contractors pay between $100 and $300 per year for their $25,000 CSLB bond. The exact premium depends on your credit score and business history. Contractors with good credit typically pay at the lower end of that range.
Is the $25,000 contractor bond required in California?
Yes. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires all licensed contractors in California to maintain a $25,000 contractor license bond at all times. If your bond lapses, your license is automatically suspended until the bond is reinstated and filed with the CSLB.
What is the difference between a contractor bond and contractor insurance?
A contractor bond (surety bond) protects your clients and the public — if you fail to complete a job or cause damages, the bond pays the claim and you repay the surety company. Contractor insurance (like general liability) protects your business from covered losses. Most California contractors need both.
How do I get a CSLB contractor bond in California?
You purchase a contractor license bond through a licensed insurance agency or surety company. Once issued, the bond is filed directly with the CSLB. Altamira Insurance Agency can issue and file your CSLB bond quickly — contact us for a quote.
What happens if my California contractor bond expires?
If your CSLB bond expires or is cancelled, the CSLB will suspend your contractor license immediately. You will not be able to legally bid, contract, or perform work in California until a new bond is filed. Altamira sends renewal reminders so your license never lapses.
Do I need a contractor bond if I'm an owner-operator with no employees?
Yes. Every California licensed contractor — regardless of size — is required to maintain a $25,000 CSLB bond. There are no exemptions based on business size or number of employees.
Can I get a California contractor bond with bad credit?
Yes. Surety companies do run a soft credit check, but there are markets available for contractors with less-than-perfect credit. Premiums will be higher for lower credit scores, but you can still get bonded. Altamira works with multiple surety carriers to find competitive options for all credit tiers.
Why did the California contractor bond increase to $25,000?
Under California Senate Bill 607 (SB 607), the required contractor license bond amount increased from $15,000 to $25,000 effective January 1, 2023. All CSLB licensees were required to update their bonds to the new $25,000 amount by that date.
What is a Bond of Qualifying Individual in California?
A Bond of Qualifying Individual (also called a RME/RMO bond) is an additional $12,500 bond required when the person qualifying a contractor license — a Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) — is not an owner of the company. It is separate from the standard $25,000 contractor license bond.
How long does it take to get a CSLB contractor bond filed?
The CSLB requires the bond to be received at their headquarters within 90 days of the bond effective date. At Altamira, most bonds are issued the same business day and filed electronically with the CSLB shortly after — well within that window.

Ready to Get Your California Contractor Bond?

Fill out our quick form and a licensed agent will get back to you with a quote — usually the same day.

Get a Bond Quote (435) 272-8042

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We work with top-rated carriers across the markets that matter most for your line of business.

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