Nevada Contractor License Bond: What It Is and How to Obtain One

If you’re planning to work as a licensed contractor in Nevada, securing a Contractor License Bond is a critical step in meeting state regulations and protecting your business. This guide explains what a Nevada Contractor License Bond is, why it’s required by the Nevada State Contractors Board, and the specific documentation and procedures you’ll need to follow to stay compliant.

You’ll find links to official board resources, learn how to gather the necessary paperwork, and get practical advice on where and how to purchase your contractor license bond—including what costs to expect and how to choose a reliable provider. With this information, you can confidently navigate Nevada’s bonding process and focus on growing your contracting business.

Does Nevada Require a Contractor’s License?

Yes, all contractors performing work in Nevada must obtain a contractor’s license. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) oversees and enforces all licensing requirements, including having to purchase a Surety bond.

Importance of Nevada Contractor Bonds

Contractor Bonds in Nevada hold contractors financially liable for upholding state and local licensing laws. They assure that contractors will fulfill their obligations and guarantee project completion, subcontractor and supplier payments, and adherence to contract terms. Bonds protect project owners, including government agencies, in the event a contractor fails to meet his or her obligations.

Nevada Contractor Bond Requirements

Individuals must file a Surety Bond with the NSCB to obtain a license. The bond protects the state and any person who suffers a loss due to a contractor's noncompliance with a construction contract. 

Who Needs a Nevada Contractor License Bond?

Contractors who work in the state must obtain a Contractor License Bond. According to the Nevada Administrative Code, there are three main classification categories for contractors:

• Classification A – General Contractor: Applies to general engineering contractors and “fixed works” that require specialized engineering expertise. This category includes projects such as bridges, highways, industrial piping, and residential pools. Contractors who work on pools or spas must file a Residential Pool and Spa License Bond in addition to the Contractor License Bond.
• Classification B – General Building Contractor: Covers general building construction, including new builds and remodels. Subclassifications exist for work such as commercial renovations, manufactured housing, and prefabricated steel structures.
• Classification C – Specialty Contractor: Includes a wide range of specialty trades, such as electrical, plumbing, heating, carpentry, masonry, roofing, siding, maintenance, and minor repairs.

There are 36 specialty classifications and several subclassifications for the type of contracting work being done. There is also an AB classification for those who plan to work under the general engineering and general building categories.

Types of Nevada Contractor Bonds

• Contractor’s License Bond: $1,000-$500,000
• Residential Pool and Spa Contractor Consumer Protection Bond: $10,000-$400,000
• Residential Improvement Bonds: $100,000
• Bid, Performance, and Payment Bonds

How to Get a Nevada Contractor License Bond

Application Process

When you’ve obtained the required paperwork, complete the license application form. Be sure to include your Nevada business ID number, business name, and contact information, license classification (Class A, B, C) based on the type of work you intend to perform, monetary limit or maximum contract value for a single client, and all persons who will be managers or members on the license. You must fulfill two “qualified individual” categories:

• Management Qualified Individual: Should be fit to oversee the day-to-day transactions of the business.
• Trade Qualified Individual: Will perform the actual contracting work for the business. He or she must show at least four years of work experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the specific trade category noted on the application. Training received in a program offered by an accredited college, university, or an equivalent program accepted by the NSCB may be used to satisfy up to, but no more than, 3 years of experience. Proof of transferable military training may also be used to satisfy the work experience requirement.
• One applicant is permitted to fulfill both of these roles, or you can apply with one person as the Management Qualified Individual and another as the Trade Qualified Individual.

Additionally, you must pass a general business and law or “CMS” examination and a trade examination specific to the license classification for which you have applied. More information on the exams can be found below.

Required Documentation

You must provide the following documents with your application:

• Resume and experience documentation
• All reference certificates
• Background disclosure statement and fingerprint background waiver
• Personal financial statement
• Copy of driver's license or other government-issued ID
• If a sole proprietor, child support information statement

Submit your application with payment ($300) to one of NSCB’s two offices. Applications cannot be accepted by email.

Southern Nevada Office
8400 W Sunset Rd., Suite 150
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Northern Nevada Office
5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102
Reno, NV 89511

After your application is approved, the board will notify you of the exact Surety Bond amount required based on their review.

• Purchase and file your contractor’s board license Surety Bond in the required bond amount.
• Provide proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance if you have employees.

Upon approval of your application, you will be required to pay a $600 biennial license fee.

Nevada Contractor License Bond Cost

The NSCB sets your bond amount. The cost to obtain your bond is usually 1% to 3% of the total bond amount.

Factors Affecting Nevada Contractor Bond Pricing

The contractor's credit score, business and industry experience, and past claims history determine pricing. The bond amount also directly impacts the premium, as it is a percentage of the bond's value. Other factors include the type of license, financial responsibility, and character, as reviewed by the NSCB during the initial application. 

Official Resources from the Nevada State Contractors Board

• Contractor License Application
• PSI Website: test prep info
• PSI Candidate Information Bulletins and Exam Content Outlines
• Assistant Programs: for military families to expedite the licensing application process

Note: Please review all applicable state laws and regulations or consult with your legal professional concerning your compliance as to your business operations.