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Columbus Contractor Bonds

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Term Length: 1 year
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How much does a Columbus Ohio contractor bond cost?

The Columbus Ohio contractor bond for city construction licensing costs $250 annually. You can save money by choosing our multi-year discount to extend your bond term during checkout. If you need a Columbus stormwater control practice construction bond, your invoice will be provided after a quick application review.  

How do I get a contractor bond in Columbus Ohio?

You can purchase your Columbus Ohio contractor bond online 24/7. Simply choose your preferred term and provide your individual contractor name and construction company name for Department of Building and Zoning Services filing approval. Once your payment has been processed, your official Columbus contractors bond will be delivered to your email instantly.

How fast can I get a contractor license bond?

SuretyBonds.com offers instant Columbus Ohio contractor license bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official Columbus contractors bond delivered in minutes by email. 

Bond Type
$25,000Columbus Contractor Bond
$10,000Columbus Stormwater Control Practice Construction Bond

What is a Columbus Ohio contractor license bond?

Columbus Building Code 4114.515 requires individuals file a $25,000 surety bond before they can be issued a contractor license to work in the Columbus area. The city's official form is titled the “Contractor License/Registration Bond Form” and specifically protects the city from losses or damages to people or property resulting from a contractor's construction work. The city also requires a separate $10,000 surety bond if you perform stormwater control practice construction in the Columbus area. These bonds are also known as the city's “contractor license bond,” “general contractor bond” or just “contractor bond."

Why does Columbus require surety bonds?

Columbus requires contractors file surety bonds to protect itself and its citizens from losses or damages that result from construction work. If you file a Columbus contractor license bond and a valid claim is filed against it, your issuing surety company will pay harmed clients up to your full bond amount. You must reimburse your surety company for construction project claims resulting from harm caused by you, your construction company, or your employees.

Who regulates contractor licensing in Columbus? 

The Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services enforces licensing requirements for contractors and subcontractors working in the Columbus OH area. You can contact the department by calling 1(614)645-6090 or 1(614) 645-7433. Note that the city's official bond form specifically requires contractors file their own surety bond forms directly with the city along with their other contractor license application paperwork in a single submission.  

The Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services requires this bond for city contractor licensing. If you work as a contractor in central Ohio, other surrounding areas, or the rest of the state, we also offer other Ohio contractor license bond types.  

How do I update or change my contractor bond form?

If the Department of Building and Zoning Services requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your individual contractor or construction company name to match your existing license or new licensing application.

How do I renew my Columbus contractor bond?

You must renew your Columbus contractor license 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 city contractor license term. 

How do you become a licensed contractor in Columbus Ohio?

You can submit your Columbus Ohio contractor license application by email to [email protected] or by mail. 

City of Columbus 
Department of Building & Zoning Services
111 N Front Street 
Columbus, Ohio 43215 

How do you become a licensed general contractor in Columbus?

Complete the following steps to apply to perform general contracting for a construction project in Columbus.

  1. Fill out your General Contractor Application and get it notarized.
  2. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  3. Get a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
  4. Pay the $350 registration fee.

How do you become a licensed home improvement contractor in Columbus?

Complete these steps to apply for your Columbus home improvement contractor license

  1. Complete your Home Improvement Contractor Application and get it notarized.
  2. Pass the 767 exam with a 70% or higher. You don't have to take the exam if you're a limited contractor.
  3. Verify you have completed the contract work experience requirements.
  4. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  5. Pay the $185 filing fee.

How do you become a licensed demolition contractor in Columbus?

Complete the following steps to apply for your Columbus demolition contractor license.

  1. Complete your Demolition Contractor Application and get it notarized.
  2. Pay the $185 registration fee.

How do you become a licensed sign erector in Columbus?

Complete the following steps to apply for your Columbus sign erector license.

  1. Complete your Sign Erector License Application Form and get it notarized.
  2. Go to the Sign Erectors Board Meeting.
  3. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  4. Pay the $185 registration fee.

How do you become a licensed sewer water contractor in Columbus?

To become a licensed sewer water contractor, applicants must first get certification from the Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Applicants must also meet one of the following qualifications required by the city. Once one of these qualifications are met, you'll need to submit the following.

  1. Complete your Water and Sewer Contractor Application Form and get it notarized.
  2. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  3. Get a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
  4. Participate in an in-person interview.
  5. Verify your application and board approval letter has been approved by the Department of Public Utilities.
  6. Pay the $350 registration fee.

How do you become a licensed fire contractor in Columbus?

Individuals must be licensed by the Ohio State Fire Marshal before applying for a fire contractor license. Once that is done, Columbus fire contractors must follow the steps below.

  1. Complete your Fire Contractor Application Form and get it notarized.
  2. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  3. Pay the applicable $350 or $550 registration fee.

How do you become licensed with the Ohio Construction Industry in Columbus?

Electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, and plumbing applicants must be licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Then the contractor can apply for a license to work specifically in Columbus.

  1. Complete your OCILB Contractor Application and get it notarized.
  2. Purchase and file a $25,000 surety bond.
  3. Pay the $350 registration fee.

Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert