Pennsylvania Contractor License Bonds

How much does a Pennsylvania contractor license bond cost?

Most Pennsylvania contractor bonds cost $100 annually. You can save money by extending your contractor bond term for your local licensing requirement when submitting your order. 

How do I get a contractor license bond in Pennsylvania?

You can purchase your Pennsylvania contractor license bond online 24/7. Simply select the bond required for your contractors license and provide your construction contractor name, address, and license type for filing approval. Once your order has been processed, you'll receive your bonding confirmation by email. If your licensing authority requires your bond be physically issued and delivered, we'll ship it to your preferred mailing address. 

How long does it take to get a contractor license bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official Pennsylvania contractor license bond faster than any other surety provider. Some Pennsylvania licensed contractor bonds can be delivered instantly by email 24/7. Otherwise, orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are processed with same-day bond issuance. 

What is a Pennsylvania contractor license bond?

“Pennsylvania contractor license bond” is a broad term used for the various surety bonds required for contractor licensing in the state. You must file each bond with the specific licensing agency that requires it before becoming a licensed contractor in the area. Each licensing authority enforces its own regulations that contractors must comply with, but Pennsylvania contractor license bond form terms typically ensure contractors follow state and/or local laws when performing new construction work or providing construction improvement services. 

Why are contractor bonds required in Pennsylvania? 

Pennsylvania contractor bonds are required to enforce state and/or local contractor licensing compliance. By filing a licensed contractor bond in Pennsylvania, you agree to comply with applicable laws while working as a contractor. If you fail to do so, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to your full bond amount, which you must reimburse. 

Who enforces licensing requirements for contractors?

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry enforces licensing requirements for contractors at the state level. You can contact the DLI by calling 1(717)787-5279 or by submitting a general inquiry online. Most Pennsylvania contractor license requirements are enforced at the local level. If you don't know your city's license or surety bond requirements, contact your local licensing board.

If you work in a city or county listed in the dropdown or table above, you must file a specific surety bond with them directly before receiving your local contractor compliance license. If you need a surety bond for a city or county not listed, call 1(800)308-4358.

Need a surety bond for a construction project in Pennsylvania? 

Pennsylvania contractor bonds are required for licensing compliance. If you need a surety bond before you can begin work on an individual contracted project, you might need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond. If you work in states other than Pennsylvania, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I update or change my Pennsylvania contractor license bond?

If the obligee 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 requested are updating your building contractor name, address, or license type to match your existing contractors license or new licensing requirement application. 

How do I renew my contractor license bond form? 

You must renew your Pennsylvania 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 construction contractor license term.

What contractor licenses are issued in Pennsylvania?

Depending on where you work, you might need to be licensed as a contractor in one or more individual cities. For more information about local Pennsylvania contractor license requirements, review the Additional Resources section below. 

You only need a state license or certification for a few contractor types. 

Asbestos Contractor 

1. Fill out the Asbestos Contractor Certification Application.
2. Pay all required fees.
3. Mail all required documentation and payments.

PA Department of Labor & Industry
Certification, Accreditation & Licensing Division
651 Boas Street, Room 1606
Harrisburg, PA 17121

Crane Operator

1. Pass the state exam.
2. Pay the $170 license fee.

Home Improvement Contractor

1. Complete the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Application.
2. Pay the $50 application fee.
3. Submit your application and fee by mail.

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
15th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
ATTN: Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Home Installer

1. Fill out the application either online or on paper.
2. File a $10,000 bond. 
3. Complete a verified training program.
4. Purchase general liability insurance.
5. Complete all education and experience requirements, if applicable.
6. If you currently hold any other home installer licenses, you must submit a copy.
7. If you're completing a physical application, mail all required application paperwork.

Office of Manufactured Housing Installation Programs
C/O SEBA Professional Services, LLC 1325 G Street, NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005