California contractor license bonds
Keep your CSLB license moving with the $25,000 bond it requires.
Start your request online, share your contractor and license details, and get clear next steps. If your request needs review, a real person can help.
Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, pricing, issuance, or acceptance by CSLB.
A straightforward start
Three steps to move your request forward
Accurate information helps the review process and reduces avoidable follow-up.
Start your request
Provide your business name, CSLB license number or application details, requested effective date, and contact information.
Complete the review
Your information is used to determine eligibility, underwriting needs, available terms, and pricing.
Receive next steps
If approved, you’ll receive instructions for payment, bond issuance, documents, and any applicable filing steps.
Common questions
Before you start
These answers are general information. Your specific requirement and eligibility can depend on your license record and the surety’s review.
Is the $25,000 bond amount the price I pay?
No. The $25,000 figure is the bond’s penal sum—the required bond amount—not necessarily your premium. Pricing depends on the application, eligibility, underwriting, term, and available surety program.
Does every California contractor need this bond?
California contractors generally must maintain the required contractor license bond for an active CSLB license. Other or additional bond requirements can apply depending on the entity, qualifier, disciplinary history, or license status. Confirm the current requirement for your CSLB record.
How quickly can the bond be issued?
Timing varies. Some complete, eligible requests may move quickly; others require additional information or underwriting review. A submitted request is not an issued bond.
Will my bond be filed with CSLB automatically?
Filing methods and timing vary by surety and transaction. Do not assume filing is complete until you receive confirmation. You remain responsible for confirming that CSLB has received and accepted the bond needed for your license.
Does starting a request guarantee approval or a specific price?
No. Approval, pricing, terms, payment eligibility, issuance, and availability remain subject to the applicant information, surety review, underwriting rules, and program requirements.
Ready to start your California contractor bond request?
Use the secure online request or call if you need help identifying the right next step.
Important: NowBonds is not a government agency, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), or a surety carrier. This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, pricing, terms, availability, payment acceptance, bond issuance, filing, or acceptance by CSLB. Requests are subject to eligibility, underwriting review, approval, payment, documentation, and any required filing steps. Bond requirements can change and can vary by applicant and license status; confirm your current requirement directly with CSLB. The $25,000 amount shown is the bond amount, not necessarily the premium or price you will pay.