California Contractor License Bonds — Apply Online
Every active California contractor license needs a $25,000 bond on file with CSLB, and many also need a qualifier bond or an LLC employee/worker bond. If you know which bond you need, apply online below. Not sure? Call us and we’ll sort it out.
Choose Your Bond and Apply Online
Contractor License Bond
Required for every active CSLB license — new licenses, renewals and reactivations. Protects consumers and employees owed wages.
Apply Online →Bond of Qualifying Individual
Required when your license is qualified by an RME, or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company’s voting stock. Each qualifier needs their own.
Apply Online →LLC Employee / Worker Bond
Required for every license held by a limited liability company, in addition to the contractor license bond. Protects employees owed wages and benefits.
Apply Online →Applications open in our secure bond portal, operated by Altamira Insurance Agency. Pricing is based mainly on the owner’s credit; your final premium is shown before you pay.
How It Works
- Pick your bond and apply. Enter your business and owner information online.
- See your price. The quote is based mainly on credit and shown before you buy.
- Pay and sign. Your bond is filed electronically with CSLB — no paper bond to mail.
Before You Apply
- Your business name exactly as it appears on CSLB records — CSLB rejects bonds that don’t match
- Your CSLB license number
- For a qualifier bond, the qualifying individual’s name exactly as CSLB has it
- Owner information for the credit-based quote
CSLB must receive a bond within 90 days of its effective date. Replacing a cancelled bond? Choose an effective date that matches the cancellation date so there’s no gap.
Hudson cancelled your bond?
Hudson Insurance Company cancelled a block of California contractor bonds effective September 1, 2026. Follow the Hudson bond replacement checklist, then apply for your replacement license bond above.
A Bond Is Not Insurance
Your license bond protects consumers and employees and lets CSLB keep your license active — it does not protect your business. Claims paid by the surety are owed back by you. You still need general liability, and workers’ comp if you have employees. Read CSLB bond vs. general liability.
Credit issues, a disciplinary bond, or not sure what you need?
Call (949) 415-4567 and a licensed broker will sort it out with you. Need general liability or workers’ comp too? Request an insurance quote.
Common Questions
How much does a California contractor license bond cost?
Pricing is based mainly on the owner’s personal credit. The online application shows your price before you buy.
Who needs a Bond of Qualifying Individual?
CSLB requires a $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual when a license is qualified by a Responsible Managing Employee (RME), or by a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) who owns less than 10% of the voting stock. An RMO who owns 10% or more files an exemption certification instead.
Does an LLC need more than one bond?
Yes. A license held by an LLC needs the $25,000 contractor license bond plus a $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker bond. LLC licenses must also carry general liability insurance, which we can quote.
How long do I have to get my bond to CSLB?
CSLB must receive the bond within 90 days of its effective date. Bonds purchased through our online portal are filed electronically with CSLB.
Does the license bond replace general liability insurance?
No. The bond protects consumers and employees, and any claim the surety pays is owed back by you. General liability protects your business from property damage and injury claims.
Bond requirements summarized from CSLB (Business and Professions Code sections 7071.6, 7071.6.5 and 7071.9). Bonds are subject to surety underwriting; general information, not legal advice.