California's contractor bond amount is $15,000, required by the CSLB for all licensed contractors in the state. SuretyBond Simple makes it fast and easy to get bonded in California — with competitive rates, same-day approvals, and no hidden fees.
Common California Surety Bonds
Here are the most frequently required surety bonds in California:
Contractor License Bond
Required for licensed contractors in California through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Required by the California DMV for all licensed motor vehicle dealers in California.
Notary Bond
Required by the CA Secretary of State for all notaries public in California.
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)
Federally required by the FMCSA for all licensed freight brokers operating in California and nationwide.
Mortgage Broker Bond
Required for licensed mortgage brokers and loan originators operating in California.
License & Permit Bond
Various California business licenses and permits require a surety bond as part of the licensing process.
California Bond Requirements at a Glance
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Issuing Agency | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $15,000 | California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) | Annual |
| Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond | $50,000 | California DMV | Annual |
| Notary Bond | $15,000 | CA Secretary of State | Multi-Year |
| Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | $75,000 | FMCSA (Federal) | Annual |
| Mortgage Broker Bond | $25,000–$75,000 | California Dept. of Financial Regulation | Annual |
How Much Does a California Surety Bond Cost?
You never pay the full bond amount — you pay a small annual premium, typically 1%–15% of the bond amount. Your rate depends primarily on your credit score:
| Credit Score | Typical Rate | $25,000 Bond | $50,000 Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750+ (Excellent) | 0.5%–2% | $125–$500/yr | $250–$1,000/yr |
| 700–749 (Good) | 1%–3% | $250–$750/yr | $500–$1,500/yr |
| 650–699 (Fair) | 2%–5% | $500–$1,250/yr | $1,000–$2,500/yr |
| 600–649 (Average) | 4%–8% | $1,000–$2,000/yr | $2,000–$4,000/yr |
| Below 600 (Poor) | 7%–15% | $1,750–$3,750/yr | $3,500–$7,500/yr |
Use our Bond Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.
How to Get a Surety Bond in California
Identify Your Bond Requirement
Find out which bond you need, the required amount, and the issuing agency in California.
Submit Your Application
Fill out our simple online form — takes less than 5 minutes. No hard credit pull required for most bonds.
Receive Your Quote
We shop across multiple A-rated carriers to find you the best rate. Most quotes are delivered same day.
Get Your Bond Certificate
Once approved, we issue your bond certificate digitally so you can complete your California license application.
California Surety Bond FAQ
How much does a surety bond cost in California?
California surety bond premiums typically range from 1%–15% of the bond amount, based on your credit score and bond type. Applicants with good credit (700+) generally qualify for rates of 1%–3%.
Can I get a California surety bond with bad credit?
Yes. Surety programs are available for all credit levels. You'll pay a higher premium (7%–15%), but bonds are available to almost everyone.
How fast can I get bonded in California?
Most standard California surety bonds can be issued same day. Submit your application and receive your bond certificate within hours.
Do I need to renew my California surety bond?
Most surety bonds in California are annual and must be renewed each year to keep your license active. We'll notify you before your bond expires.
Will applying for a bond affect my credit score?
Most surety companies perform a soft credit pull, which does NOT affect your credit score. Hard inquiries are rare and only used for very large bonds.
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