Texas Contractor License Bonds

How much do Texas contractor bonds cost? 

Texas contractor bond costs start at $100 annually. Your exact cost will vary depending on the city where you work, the license type you need, and the required bond amount. Contractor license bonds for most cities in Texas cost $100 annually. Bonds for a few cities require a quick application review to determine pricing. 

How do I get a Texas contractor license bond?

You can purchase your Texas contractor license bond online 24/7. Choose your city's contractor bond from the dropdown above or the table below. Information requirements vary by city, but you typically need to provide your contractor or construction company name, physical business address, and license type for filing approval. Once your order has been processed, your bonding confirmation will be sent to your email. 

How fast can I get a contractor license surety bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official Texas contractor license bond faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed bond delivery. Additionally, official Texas contractor bonds for many cities can be delivered directly to your email instantly 24/7 once your payment is submitted.

What is a Texas contractor license bond?

“Texas contractor license bond” is a blanket term for the various surety bonds required by cities across the state. Each bond must be filed with the appropriate city licensing authority before a contractor license will be issued for an individual or company to perform construction work within city limits. These bonds reinforce licensing compliance by requiring contractors to work according to any applicable construction laws like adhering to building codes.

How does a Texas contractor license bond work?

By filing these bonds, contractors agree to fulfill their professional obligations as a licensed contractor within a specific city. These bonds protect the city and consumers who suffer damages as a result of a contractor's noncompliance. The issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the contractor must then reimburse. 

Who regulates licensing for contractors? 

Contractors in Texas are not licensed at the state level. Texas government code requires contractors file surety bonds before they can be licensed in various cities across the state. If you're unsure if your city enforces contractor license or surety bond requirements, contact your local licensing agency. 

Who needs a Texas contractor license bond? 

Depending on the city you work in, you might need to purchase and file a surety bond before you can be licensed to perform construction work as a general contractor, prime contractor, or HVAC contractor. If you work in one of the cities or counties listed in the dropdown above or table below, 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 Texas?

Texas contractors sometimes need to file permit bonds for municipal 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 types of contract bonds. If you perform construction work in states other than Texas, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I update or change my bond form? 

If your city requires you to update your Texas surety bond documentation for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your Texas contractor bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.

The most common changes requested for Texas contractor bonds include:

• contractor or construction company's name
• business address
• contractor license type 

How do you renew your Texas contractor license bond?

Texas contractor license bonds must be renewed whenever the current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, you'll receive specific renewal instructions.

How do you become a licensed and bonded contractor in Texas?

Texas does not license contractors at the state level, however you must comply with all local licensing laws. Licensing requirements and application processes vary by city, so visit your city's website for local guidelines.

You should expect to provide the following when applying for your contractor license.

• contractor license application
• proof of general liability insurance
• surety bond in the correct required amount
• payment of all required fees

You should always verify your license classification and required bond amount with your city before purchasing your surety bond.