Obtaining an Oregon Contractor License Bond is a crucial step for anyone looking to launch or grow a construction business in the state. This guide will help you navigate the licensing requirements specific to Oregon, explaining who typically needs a contractor license, the steps involved in securing one, and how the bonding process fits into your overall compliance. You’ll discover where and how to purchase an Oregon Contractor License Bond, what to expect in terms of pricing, and how to compare your options for both bonds and insurance coverage. 
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an established contractor, this resource will provide clear, up-to-date information to ensure you meet state regulations and operate your business with confidence. 

Does Oregon Require a Contractor License?

Yes, Oregon requires that contractors obtain a license to work in the state. You will be fined, and your ability to work on projects will be hindered without a contractor’s license. 

Importance of Oregon Contractor Bonds

Oregon Contractor Bonds, which are a part of the licensing process, help protect homeowners and project owners by guaranteeing that contractors adhere to state laws, building codes, and contract terms. The bonds also provide financial recourse if a contractor fails to complete the work properly, commits fraud, or causes damage.

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and ensuring that bond requirements are met. There are also local authorities that oversee contractor licensing.

Oregon Contractor Bond Requirements

The state of Oregon has specific Contractor Bond requirements based on the type of work you perform. The bond amount varies based on the type of work and endorsement level; for example, residential and commercial contractors have different required bond limits.

You can obtain your Oregon Contractor Bond with CCIS Bonds. 

Who Needs an Oregon Contractor License Bond?

Most contractors involved in residential, commercial, and public works are required to obtain an Oregon contractor license and a surety bond. Here are some typical examples:
 

  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Painting
  • Carpentry
  • Floor Covering
  • Concrete
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Tree Servicing
  • Home Inspection
  • Repair of Attached Appliances
  • Manufactured Dwelling Installation
  • Land Development 
  • Handyman
  • Chimney Inspection/Sweeps
  • Most Construction and Repair Services

Types of Oregon Contractor Bonds

The following are the types of Oregon Contractor Bonds available:

  • Residential General Contractor Bond
  • Residential Specialty Contractor Bond
  • Commercial Level 2 General Contractor Bond
  • Residential Limited Contractor Bond
  • Commercial Level 1 Specialty Contractor Bond
  • Commercial Level 1 General Contractor Bond
  • Commercial Level 2 Specialty Contractor Bond
  • Commercial Contractor Disciplinary Bond
  • Commercial Developer Bond
  • Construction Flagging Contractor Bond
  • Landscape Contractor Bond performing projects $10,000 or less
  • Landscape Contractor Bond projects for more than $10,000 and less than $25,000
  • Landscape Contractor Bond projects for more than $25,000, but less than $50,000, or the business is probationary
  • Landscape Contractor Bond projects for $50,000 or more
  • Residential Contractor Disciplinary Bond
  • Residential Developer Bond
  • Residential Home Energy Performance Score Contractor Bond
  • Residential Home Services Contractor Bond
  • Residential Inspector Services Contractor Bond
  • Residential Locksmith Services Contractor Bond
  • Residential Restoration Contractor Bond
  • Statutory Public Works Bond
  • Landowner's Water Well Bond
  • Department of Transportation Performance Permit Bond
  • Department of Transportation Performance Permit Bond
  • City of Salem Street Opening Bond
  • Washington County Public Improvement Contract Performance Assurance Bond
  • City of Milwaukie Tree Protection Bond
  • City of Portland Warranty Bond
  • Construction Labor Contractor Bond
  • Farm Labor Contractor Bond
  • Farm Labor Contractor Bond
  • Farm Labor Contractor Bond
  • City of Portland Street Opening Bond

How to Get an Oregon Contractor License Bond

You can apply for an Oregon Contract Bond by submitting an online request form to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board here. You must be at least 18 years of age and free of construction debt to be a contractor.

Application Process

  • The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues each license to only one business.
  • Set up a business and choose the structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC). 
  • Select a business name. Check name availability with the Oregon Secretary of State at www.filinginoregon.com.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 
  • Register your business online at: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/register.aspx.
  • Complete the 16-hour pre-license training and take the exam.
  • Designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) and determine your endorsement type (more detailed information on endorsement types here). The RMI may be an owner, officer, partner, or employee of the business applying for the license. The RMI must have management or supervisory authority over the business's construction activities. The RMI may only be listed on one license at a time as the RMI employee.
  • Submit a CCB surety bond in the required amount(s): Under current law, minimum bond amounts for contractors licensed by the CCB range between $15,000 and $80,000.
  • Purchase and provide proof of General Liability insurance in the required amount.
  • Obtain Workers’ Compensation insurance if you have employees.
  • Obtain employer account numbers. 
  • Complete and submit the application, which must include the following:  
    • Bond with Power of Attorney (do not submit separately)
    • Certificate of Insurance (do not submit separately)
    • Copy of the Test Score Report
    • $400 fee for a Two-Year License

Required Documentation

The following is the documentation you must submit along with your contractors license application:

  • Surety Bond 
  • Certificate of General Liability insurance 
  • Proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance, if applicable
  • Proof of passing the Oregon Contractor Exam
  • Disclosure of No EIN or Social Security
  • Organizational Structure Chart, if applicable (required only if another business entity is listed as an owner/officer/member/or partner)
  • Certification & Signatures

Oregon Contractor License Bond Cost

Bond rates are typically around 1–5% of the total bond amount. 

Factors Affecting Oregon Contractor Bond Pricing

Several key factors affect how much an Oregon Contractor Bond will cost. One of the most significant factors is the contractor’s credit score, as surety companies use it to assess financial reliability and risk. The bond amount required by the state (which varies by license type and endorsement level) also directly impacts price. Additionally, a contractor’s business history, claims record, and years of experience can impact the cost, as well as whether they have had past bond or licensing violations. 

Maintaining and Renewing Your Oregon Contractor Bond

General contractors in Oregon are required to renew their licenses every two years from the date of issuance. You can renew your license up to eight weeks before your expiration date. The fee is $325, and continuing education is required for most contractors to renew their licenses. You can manage your CCB license information, review and complete your continuing education, and renew your license online with the Oregon CCB.

You can find information on continuing education requirements here. 

Contracting businesses must maintain a current surety bond and bodily injury/property damage insurance, and submit proof of these, plus the renewal fee, with their application. Oregon Secretary of State.

If a license is renewed more than two years after expiration, it cannot be renewed or reissued; the contractor must apply for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Contractor License Bonds

How quickly can I get proof of my Oregon Contractor License Bond through CCIS Bonds?

Our prompt, professional service makes it easy to get bonds and insurance for Oregon contractors.

Does the Oregon Contractor License Bond renew automatically, or will CCIS Bonds remind me when it's time?

You must renew your license every two years. CCIS Bonds offers an online form, making the bond renewal process easy as well.

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