California Cannabis License Surety Bond
$5,000 Bond – $100 Flat, No Credit Check
General Information
The California Cannabis License Surety Bond — also called the California cannabis license bond, the California commercial cannabis bond, the DCC cannabis bond, the California marijuana license bond, the cannabis licensee bond, the Form 8113 bond, the $5 or the 000 cannabis surety bond — is a $5,000 surety bond required by State of California — Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) for applying for an annual commercial cannabis license in California. It guarantees payment of the state's costs if cannabis or cannabis products must be destroyed due to a licensing violation, and backs the licensee's compliance with California cannabis law under Section 15002. The price is a flat $100 for the full 1 year, tracking the annual cannabis license cycle; renews with the license, stays active until cancelled (30-day notice) term, with no application and no credit check, and your bond is prepared and emailed directly to you, typically by the end of the next business day, ready for signature.
| Bond | Bond Amount | Premium | Term | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis License Bond (per premises) | $5,000 | $100 | 1 year, tracking the annual cannabis license cycle; renews with the license, stays active until cancelled (30-day notice) | Buy Now |
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Who Needs This Bond?
Every applicant for an annual commercial cannabis license — cultivators, manufacturers, retailers (storefront and delivery), distributors, testing laboratories, microbusinesses, and cannabis event organizers — for each licensed premises, both medicinal and adult-use. A business holding multiple licenses may file a single aggregated bond rather than a separate $5,000 bond for each license.
Why California Requires This Bond
California requires every applicant for an annual commercial cannabis license to file a surety bond of at least $5,000, payable to the State of California, for each licensed premises. The bond is filed with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), the agency that licenses and regulates all commercial cannabis activity in the state under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. Its specific purpose is narrower than most license bonds: it guarantees payment of the costs the state incurs if it has to destroy cannabis or cannabis products because of a licensing violation.
The bond protects the state and the public, not the licensee. If a violation forces the destruction of cannabis goods and the licensee doesn't cover the state's costs, the DCC can claim against the bond, and the surety pays valid claims up to the $5,000 amount. The licensee must then reimburse the surety in full. Because the required amount is modest and fixed, this is one of the more straightforward bonds in the licensing process — but it's mandatory, and the DCC won't issue or renew a license without it.
The requirement comes from California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Division 19, Section 15002; framework: MAUCRSA (Bus. & Prof. Code Section 26000 et seq.).
The $5,000 bond amount is the coverage guaranteed to State of California — Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) — it is not a cost to you. What you pay is the premium, the flat $100.
How to Get Your California Cannabis License Surety Bond
- Confirm your bond details. You need the $5,000 bond with a 1 year, tracking the annual cannabis license cycle; renews with the license, stays active until cancelled (30-day notice) term — no choices to agonize over.
- Complete the form below. We need the name exactly as it should appear on the bond and your business address. No application and no credit check.
- Choose your delivery. Standard email delivery by the end of the next business day is included at no extra cost; faster options are available.
- Sign and file. Your bond arrives ready for signature — sign it and file it with State of California — Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).
Bond Details at a Glance
- Bond Name: California Cannabis License Surety Bond
- Also Known As: California cannabis license bond, California commercial cannabis bond, DCC cannabis bond, California marijuana license bond, cannabis licensee bond, Form 8113 bond, $5, 000 cannabis surety bond
- Bond Amount: $5,000
- Premium: $100 flat
- Term: 1 year, tracking the annual cannabis license cycle; renews with the license, stays active until cancelled (30-day notice)
- Obligee: State of California — Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), Bond payable to the State of California, filed with the Department of Cannabis Control; bond changes: licensechange@cannabis.ca.gov
- Governing Law: California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Division 19, Section 15002; framework: MAUCRSA (Bus. & Prof. Code Section 26000 et seq.)
- Underwriting: None — no credit check or application
- Delivery: Emailed directly to you, ready for signature
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the California cannabis license bond cost?
It's $100 for the $5,000 bond, with no application and no credit check. The $5,000 is the coverage guaranteed to the state, not a cost to you. Many providers charge $150 to $325 and run a credit check; this is a flat $100 with neither.
Who requires this bond?
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), which licenses and regulates all commercial cannabis activity in the state. The bond requirement is set by Section 15002 of the state cannabis regulations.
What does the cannabis bond actually guarantee?
Specifically, it covers the state's costs if cannabis or cannabis products must be destroyed because of a licensing violation. More broadly, it backs the licensee's compliance with California cannabis law.
I hold several cannabis licenses — do I need a bond for each?
Not necessarily. California requires a $5,000 bond per licensed premises, but the DCC allows an aggregated bond covering multiple licenses held by the same business. If you hold more than one license, ask about aggregating before buying separate bonds.
Do I need a credit check?
No. This bond is issued at a flat $100 with no application, no credit check, and no underwriting. It's emailed to you once issued — turnaround is quick, though not always same-minute instant.
Which cannabis businesses need this bond?
All annual license types: cultivators, manufacturers, retailers (storefront and delivery), distributors, testing labs, microbusinesses, and cannabis event organizers — both medicinal and adult-use.
Does the $5,000 state bond cover my city's requirement too?
No. The $5,000 bond satisfies the state (DCC) requirement. Some cities and counties — such as Coalinga, Los Angeles, Shasta Lake, and Yolo County — require their own separate cannabis bonds on top of the state bond. Check your local jurisdiction.
How long is the bond good for?
One year, matching the annual cannabis license cycle. You renew it alongside your license to stay compliant; a lapse puts your license out of compliance with state regulations.
Do I qualify for an exemption from this bond?
Possibly — not everyone has to post it. The $5,000 bond satisfies the state (DCC) requirement, but it does not cover local requirements. Some cities and counties — such as Coalinga ($25,000), Los Angeles ($5,000), Shasta Lake ($5,000), and Yolo County ($10,000) — require their own separate cannabis bonds on top of the state bond, so check your local jurisdiction. A business holding multiple state licenses may not need multiple bonds: the DCC allows one aggregated bond to cover them. If you qualify, you don't need to buy the bond at all; check with State of California — Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) before purchasing.