California Contractor License Bond (CSLB)

Get your $25,000 CSLB bond e-filed fast.

Need a CSLB contractor bond? We provide the required $25,000 California contractor license bond with tiered pricing by credit score and fast surety e-filing—typically 24–48 business hours after payment.

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Why Do I Need a California Contractor’s Bond?

A Contractor’s Bond must be on file before CSLB can issue an active license, reactivate an inactive license, or renew an active license (Business and Professions Code Section 7071.6).

This bond is filed for the benefit of consumers who may be damaged due to defective construction or other license law violations, and for the benefit of employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them.

Fast & Simple Bond Solutions

  • Surety e-filing: The surety company e-files your bond with CSLB.
  • Typical filing time: Allow 24–48 business hours after payment (no weekend/holiday processing).
  • Weekend/holiday effective dates: If the effective date falls on a weekend/holiday, expect filing to complete on the next business day.
  • What we need to issue: A CSLB license number or application fee number is required.

Bond Options You May Need

Contractor’s Bond (Required)

Required for CSLB to issue/activate, reactivate, or renew your license. Bond amount: $25,000.

Bond of Qualifying Individual (If required)

May be required if your license is qualified by an RME, or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of voting stock. Bond amount: $25,000.

Disciplinary Bond (If required)

If a license was revoked for a Contractors’ License Law violation, CSLB may require a disciplinary bond to reinstate/reissue. Amount is set by the Registrar.

Note: CSLB bond requirements include matching the business name/license number exactly to CSLB records and timely receipt/filing.

Bond Pricing

Tier Estimated Credit Score Range 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years
Tier 1 800+ $150 $263 $375
Tier 2 750–799 $183 $320 $458
Tier 3 690–749 $220 $385 $550
Tier 4 650–689 $500 $875 $1,250
Tier 5 625–649 $792 $1,386 $1,980
Tier 6 600–624 $1,125 $1,969 $2,813
Tier 7 575–599 $2,000 $3,500 $5,000
Tier 8 525–574 $2,500 $4,375 $6,250

Disclosure: Pricing shown is estimated and subject to surety underwriting approval. Final premium may differ based on underwriting review and the requested effective date.

Learn More

I am an ...

Most Obligee's require that the name on the Bond EXACTLY match your license or license application.
Type of Entity
Has the business or any of the owners been involved in:

If there are documents that you would like to upload for our review, please upload them below

By submitting this Application, the owners listed above hereby authorize BondAbility, (including any of its representatives affiliates, agents or designees) to conduct any and all investigative inquiries including but not limited to obtaining consumer credit reports. Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false, incomplete, or misleading information, or conceals information concerning any material fact whereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime punishable by incarceration, and shall also be subject to civil penalties

How To Get Your CSLB Bond Filed

  1. Provide your CSLB number: Send your license number or application fee number.
  2. Select your term: Choose 1, 2, or 3 years (if available).
  3. Pay the premium: Once payment is received, we’ll process issuance.
  4. Bond is e-filed: The surety e-files your bond with CSLB. Allow 24–48 business hours for filing completion.

Bond Details at a Glance

  • Bond Type: California Contractor License Bond (CSLB)
  • Required Bond Amount: $25,000
  • Who Requires It: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  • When It’s Needed: Before CSLB can issue an active license, reactivate an inactive license, or renew an active license
  • Filing Method: Surety e-files with CSLB (24–48 business hours after payment; no weekends/holidays)

FAQs

Do you need my license number to issue the bond?

Yes—either a CSLB license number or an application fee number is required to issue the bond.

How long does CSLB e-filing take?

After premium is paid, please allow 24–48 business hours for filing completion. CSLB does not accept filings on weekends or holidays.

What if my effective date is on a weekend or holiday?

If the effective date falls on a weekend/holiday, expect the bond to e-file as of the next business day.

Could I also need a Bond of Qualifying Individual?

Possibly. If your license is qualified by an RME, or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of voting stock, CSLB may require a $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual.

Ready to file your CSLB bond?

Send your CSLB license number or application fee number and your preferred effective date to get started.

Start My Bond

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