Licensed contractors working in Los Angeles must meet a range of requirements before taking on projects, and securing the proper bond is one of them. Whether you're applying for a license, bidding on public work, or pulling a city permit, contractor bonds play a key role in protecting the public and keeping your business in compliance. At CCIS, we make it easy for Los Angeles contractors to get bonded quickly, affordably, and in full accordance with city and state regulations.

Contractor Bond Application

Why Are Contractor License Bonds Required in Los Angeles?

In California, every licensed contractor is required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to hold an active license bond. For contractors operating in Los Angeles, this means securing a $25,000 contractor license bond to remain in good standing with the state and be eligible to perform regulated construction work within the city.

This bond helps ensure that contractors meet their legal obligations and provides a layer of financial protection for clients, employees, suppliers, and vendors. If a contractor violates license law, by failing to pay for materials, abandoning a job, or performing work outside their classification, the bond can be used to compensate the harmed party. It also shows prospective clients and regulators that you operate with integrity and accountability.

How Los Angeles Contractor Bonds Work

Every contractor license bond issued in Los Angeles is a binding agreement between three parties:

  • The Principal: The licensed contractor obtaining the bond
  • The Obligee: The CSLB, which requires the bond as part of the licensing process
  • The Surety: The bonding company that guarantees the claim and backs the bond

If a claim is made against your bond and proven valid, the surety will pay the claimant, up to the full bond amount of $25,000, and then require reimbursement from the contractor. This is why surety companies review your credit and business history before issuing coverage.

In addition to license bonds, contractors may also need:

  • Contractor Permit Bonds: Required when pulling building permits issued by local authorities like the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), for work that affects public property or infrastructure.
  • Contractor Bid Bonds: Often required when bidding on government or municipal projects to demonstrate good faith
  • Contractor Contract Bonds: Used to guarantee performance and payment on public or private construction contracts

CCIS can help you identify which type of bond is required for your project or business activity in Los Angeles.

What Does a Los Angeles Contractor License Bond Cost?

Bond pricing depends on several factors, including your credit score, license history, and contractor classification. While the CSLB mandates a $25,000 bond amount, the premium you pay is just a small percentage of that total, often between 0.5% and 10%.

Here’s a general look at how pricing breaks down:

Tier Estimated Annual Cost*
Ultra-Preferred $109
Preferred $165
Standard $275+
High-Risk Credit $1,500+

*Actual rates vary by applicant and market conditions.

CCIS works with multiple A-rated surety carriers, giving you access to competitive pricing across all credit tiers. And if you have past credit issues, we can still help you get bonded with flexible underwriting and support.

H2: Why Los Angeles Contractors Choose CCIS
For more than 55 years, CCIS has helped contractors throughout California meet bonding requirements. Whether you're applying for a new license or bidding on your next public works project, our team delivers fast service and unbeatable expertise.

Here's why contractors in Los Angeles count on CCIS:

  • Local Knowledge: We understand the bonding requirements specific to Los Angeles and the CSLB.
  • Fast Turnaround: Get bonded in minutes with our simple online application.
  • Competitive Rates: Our direct access to leading sureties means better pricing, even for high-risk applicants.
  • All Bond Types Covered: From contractor license bonds to contractor bid bonds, we have it handled.
     

Get Your Los Angeles Contractor Bond Today

Whether you're getting licensed for the first time or need to renew your bond fast, CCIS is here to help. Our experienced team makes it easy to stay compliant and protected. Start your application today or contact us for personalized help with contractor bonds in Los Angeles.

Apply for a Contractor License Bondn

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Los Angeles contractors need a new bond each time they renew their license?

Yes. The contractor license bond must remain active for your license to stay in good standing with the CSLB. When it's time to renew your license, your bond must also be renewed or replaced with a new one. Otherwise, your license can be suspended until the bond is reinstated.

Are contractor permit bonds the same as contractor license bonds?

No, they serve different purposes. A contractor license bond is tied to your CSLB license and covers statewide compliance, while a contractor permit bond applies to specific projects or permits issued by local authorities like the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).

What is a disciplinary bond, and who needs one?

A disciplinary bond is required by the CSLB for contractors who have had their licenses revoked or suspended due to violations of state law. This bond amount is set by the CSLB and ensures the contractor complies with all regulations while operating under probationary status.