California Contractor Bond Requirements: Which Bonds You Need
Updated October 30, 2026
CSLB will not issue an active license, reactivate an inactive one, or renew an active one without the required bonds on file.
| Bond | Amount | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor's bond | $25,000 | Every active license |
| Bond of Qualifying Individual | $25,000 | An RME, or an RMO who owns less than 10% of the voting stock |
| LLC employee/worker bond | $100,000 | Every LLC license, on top of the contractor's bond |
| Disciplinary bond | Set by the Registrar, at least $25,000 | A license revoked for a violation, to reinstate or reissue it |
An RMO who owns 10% or more submits a Bond of Qualifying Individual Exemption Certification instead.
What makes a bond acceptable
- Written by a surety licensed through the California Department of Insurance
- On a form approved by the Attorney General's Office
- Signed by the surety's attorney-in-fact
- Business name and license number exactly matching CSLB's records
- Received at CSLB's headquarters within 90 days of the bond's effective date
If your bond is cancelled
Your license is suspended unless the surety rescinds the cancellation or a new bond reaches CSLB in time. See CSLB license suspended: what to do.
When you do not need a bond
An inactive license does not need to maintain bonds, workers' comp, or a qualifier, but you cannot contract with it. Going active again requires the bonds with your reactivation application.
Sources
- CSLB: Bond Requirements
- CSLB: Application for Original Contractor License, Examination Waiver (7065), form 13A-1a
- CSLB: Major Reasons for Suspension and How to Reinstate Your License
This guide is general information, not legal advice. CSLB rules and fees change; always confirm on cslb.ca.gov.