Washington requires a $12,000 bond for general contractors and a $6,000 bond for specialty contractors through L&I. SuretyBond Simple makes it fast and easy to get bonded in Washington — with competitive rates, same-day approvals, and no hidden fees.
Common Washington Surety Bonds
Here are the most frequently required surety bonds in Washington:
Contractor License Bond
Required for licensed contractors in Washington through the Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Required by the Washington DOL for all licensed motor vehicle dealers in Washington.
Notary Bond
Required by the WA Secretary of State for all notaries public in Washington.
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)
Federally required by the FMCSA for all licensed freight brokers operating in Washington and nationwide.
Mortgage Broker Bond
Required for licensed mortgage brokers and loan originators operating in Washington.
License & Permit Bond
Various Washington business licenses and permits require a surety bond as part of the licensing process.
Washington Bond Requirements at a Glance
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Issuing Agency | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $6,000–$12,000 | Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I) | Annual |
| Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond | $30,000 | Washington DOL | Annual |
| Notary Bond | $10,000 | WA Secretary of State | Multi-Year |
| Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | $75,000 | FMCSA (Federal) | Annual |
| Mortgage Broker Bond | $25,000–$75,000 | Washington Dept. of Financial Regulation | Annual |
How Much Does a Washington 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 Washington
Identify Your Bond Requirement
Find out which bond you need, the required amount, and the issuing agency in Washington.
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 Washington license application.
Washington Surety Bond FAQ
How much does a surety bond cost in Washington?
Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington?
Most standard Washington surety bonds can be issued same day. Submit your application and receive your bond certificate within hours.
Do I need to renew my Washington surety bond?
Most surety bonds in Washington 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 Washington Surety Bond?
Free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Same-day approval available for most Washington bonds.
Get My Free Washington Bond Quote →