South Carolina requires bonds for all general and mechanical contractors licensed through the Contractor's Licensing Board. SuretyBond Simple makes it fast and easy to get bonded in South Carolina — with competitive rates, same-day approvals, and no hidden fees.
Common South Carolina Surety Bonds
Here are the most frequently required surety bonds in South Carolina:
Contractor License Bond
Required for licensed contractors in South Carolina through the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board.
Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Required by the SC DMV for all licensed motor vehicle dealers in South Carolina.
Notary Bond
Required by the SC Secretary of State for all notaries public in South Carolina.
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)
Federally required by the FMCSA for all licensed freight brokers operating in South Carolina and nationwide.
Mortgage Broker Bond
Required for licensed mortgage brokers and loan originators operating in South Carolina.
License & Permit Bond
Various South Carolina business licenses and permits require a surety bond as part of the licensing process.
South Carolina Bond Requirements at a Glance
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Issuing Agency | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $10,000–$25,000 | South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board | Annual |
| Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond | $15,000 | SC DMV | Annual |
| Notary Bond | $1,000 | SC Secretary of State | Multi-Year |
| Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | $75,000 | FMCSA (Federal) | Annual |
| Mortgage Broker Bond | $25,000–$75,000 | South Carolina Dept. of Financial Regulation | Annual |
How Much Does a South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Identify Your Bond Requirement
Find out which bond you need, the required amount, and the issuing agency in South Carolina.
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 South Carolina license application.
South Carolina Surety Bond FAQ
How much does a surety bond cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Most standard South Carolina surety bonds can be issued same day. Submit your application and receive your bond certificate within hours.
Do I need to renew my South Carolina surety bond?
Most surety bonds in South Carolina 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.
Ready to Get Your South Carolina Surety Bond?
Free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Same-day approval available for most South Carolina bonds.
Get My Free South Carolina Bond Quote →