California Pharmacy Wholesaler or Nonresident Wholesaler Bond

How much does a California pharmacy wholesaler bond cost? 

California pharmacy wholesaler bond costs start at $250 annually for the $25,000 bond amount or $1,000 annually for the $100,000 bond amount. Your personal California surety bond premium will be provided after a quick application review.

How do you get a California pharmacy wholesaler bond?

You can apply for your California pharmacy wholesaler bond online 24/7. Simply provide the following information for California State Board of Pharmacy filing approval. 

• name 
• service address
• license type
• license number

Once your order has been processed, your official prescription drugs license bond will be delivered to your mailing address.

How fast can I get a pharmacy wholesaler bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official California pharmacy wholesaler or nonresident wholesaler bond faster than any other surety company. The California State Board of Pharmacy requires your official surety bond be physically issued and delivered to you. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed and shipped same-day. Choose overnight shipping at checkout if you're in a rush! 

What is a California pharmacy wholesaler bond? 

California Business and Professions Code Section 4162 and Section 4162.5 require privately owned pharmacy wholesalers and nonresident wholesalers file a surety bond or other form of financial security before they will be licensed to sell pharmaceuticals to businesses. The state's official $100,000 bond form is titled “Wholesaler or Nonresident Wholesaler Surety Bond Business and Professions Code Sections 4162, 4162.5” while the state's $25,000 bond form is titled “Wholesaler or Nonresident Wholesaler Surety Bond for Entities with Gross Annual Receipts of $10,000,000 or Less Business and Professions Code Sections 4162, 4162.5.” These bonds are more commonly known as the “pharmacy wholesaler or nonresident wholesaler bond,” “prescription drug wholesaler bond,” or just “pharmacy wholesaler bond.” 

Why is the California prescription drug wholesaler or nonresident wholesaler bond required?

Privately owned pharmacy wholesalers (both resident and nonresident) must file this bond to fulfill state licensing requirements. By filling this bond, resident and nonresident pharmacy wholesalers specifically agree to comply with California Business and Professions Code Division 2 Chapter 9. If they fail to do so, this license bond can be used to secure payment of any administrative fines imposed on the applicant by the California State Board of Pharmacy.

Who regulates pharmacy wholesalers and nonresident wholesalers?

The California State Board of Pharmacy regulates licensing for both resident and nonresident pharmacy wholesalers, including the $25,000 and $100,000 surety bond amount requirement. If you have questions about licensing laws, your existing license renewal, or a new licensing application, you can contact the Board by calling 1(916)518-3100 or emailing [email protected]. 

What is the coverage amount of a pharmacy wholesaler bond in California? 

Your pharmacy wholesaler or nonresident wholesaler bond amount depends on your gross annual receipts. 

• Gross annual receipts $10 million or less: $25,000 bond amount
• Gross annual receipts more than $10 million: $100,000 bond amount

Can you operate as a nonresident pharmacy wholesaler in California without a bond? 

Although there are a few exceptions, most nonresident pharmacy wholesalers must be legally licensed and bonded before operating in the state. Government-owned nonresident pharmacy wholesalers do not need to be bonded. Privately owned nonresident pharmacy wholesalers can choose to provide the state with another form of financial security (such as a letter of credit) in lieu of a surety bond. 

How do I update my pharmacy wholesaler bond form? 

If the California State Board of Pharmacy requires your bond form to be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes for these bonds include updating the following personal information. 

• name 
• address
• license type
• license number

How do I renew my pharmacy wholesaler bond?

Your must renew your California pharmacy wholesaler bond before its current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, instructions will be provided to keep your bond active for your next license term. 

How do I get licensed as a California pharmacy wholesaler or nonresident wholesaler?

Complete the steps below to apply for your California pharmacy wholesaler license. 

1. Complete the California Wholesaler License Application or California Nonresident Wholesaler License Application and provide all required supporting documentation.
2. Pay the $820 processing fee.  
3. Purchase and file a California surety bond in the correct required bond amount (if applicable). 
4. Complete fingerprints through Live Scan (nonresidents are permitted to use fingerprint cards provided by the Board). 
5. Provide the related corporation paperwork based on your business structure.

Mail your application and documentation to address below.

California State Board of Pharmacy
2720 Gateway Oaks Drive
Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95833

How are claims handled for pharmacy bonds?

If a pharmacy wholesaler violates their bond agreement or associated industry regulations, their issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full $25,000 or $100,000 bond amount, which the wholesaler must reimburse.