Minnesota · License bonds
Minnesota Contractor License Bond
Get a Minnesota contractor license bond online. A contractor license bond is a surety bond that a state, county, or city requires before it issues or renews a contractor license. It guarantees that you will follow licensing laws and the terms of your contracts, and it gives customers, suppliers, and workers a way to recover money if you do not.
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Available bonds
Minnesota contractor license bonds
City of Winona, Minnesota General License Bond
Required for drain layer contractors operating in Winona, Minnesota to ensure compliance with city licensing requirements and regulations.
PRE EXECUTED Generic Contractor's License Bond
Required for drain layer contractors in Minnesota municipalities. Class 1 bonds up to $25,000 for local compliance, Class 4 for state requirements.
City of Winona, Minnesota General License Bond
Required for drain layer contractors operating in Winona, Minnesota to ensure compliance with city licensing requirements and regulations.
A contractor license bond is a surety bond that a state, county, or city requires before it issues or renews a contractor license. It guarantees that you will follow licensing laws and the terms of your contracts, and it gives customers, suppliers, and workers a way to recover money if you do not.
What a contractor license bond covers
The bond is a financial guarantee made to the agency that issued your license. If you break licensing law, abandon a job, or fail to pay people you owe as the law requires, a harmed party can file a claim against the bond.
The surety investigates each claim. If it is valid, the surety pays up to the bond amount and then collects that money from you under the indemnity agreement you signed when you bought the bond. The bond protects the public, not the contractor.
- Customers harmed by unfinished or defective work
- Subcontractors and suppliers who were not paid, where state law allows the claim
- Workers owed wages, in states that include wage claims
- The state, for fines or penalties tied to licensing violations in some jurisdictions
How the bond amount is set
The licensing authority sets the amount, not the surety. Some states use one flat amount for every licensee. Others tie the amount to your license classification, your annual volume, or the monetary limit on your license.
The amount does not change with your credit. Your credit and business history affect only the premium, which is the yearly price you pay for the bond.
What happens if a claim is filed
You are notified and have a chance to respond. If the claim is valid, the surety pays the claimant and you reimburse the surety. A paid claim reduces the bond amount available, and many boards require you to restore it.
Unresolved claims can put your license at risk. Claims also appear in your bond history and can raise your rate or limit your options at renewal.
How it works
How to get a contractor license bond in Minnesota
Confirm your requirement
Check your licensing board for the bond amount and the exact name of the bond for your classification.
Choose your state and apply
Enter your business details and license information. Most applications take a few minutes.
Get approved and pay
Most contractor license bonds are approved the same day. Pay the premium to have the bond issued.
File the bond
Submit the signed bond to your licensing board, online or by mail as the board requires.
Renew on time
Keep the bond active for as long as you hold the license. Renew before the term ends to avoid a lapse.
Cost
What a Minnesota contractor license bond costs
Applicants with strong credit usually pay near the low end. Applicants with limited credit can still be approved, usually at a higher rate. You pay the premium, not the full bond amount.
What sets your rate
- Personal credit of the owners
- Years in business and license history
- Bond amount required by your state
- Any prior bond claims
- Financial strength of the business, for larger bond amounts
Minnesota contractor license bond questions
What is a contractor license bond?
It is a surety bond that your state or city requires as a condition of holding a contractor license. It guarantees you will follow licensing law and gives customers and others a way to recover money if you do not.
How much does a contractor license bond cost?
Most applicants pay 1% to 10% of the bond amount each year. For example, a $15,000 bond usually costs between $150 and $1,500 a year, depending on credit and the state.
How fast can I get a contractor license bond?
Most applicants are approved the same day. The bond is issued after payment and you can file it with your licensing board right away.
Is a license bond the same as a performance bond?
No. A license bond is required to get and keep your license. A performance bond is tied to one project and guarantees you will finish it under the contract.
Do subcontractors need a license bond?
It depends on the state and the trade. Many states require licensed subcontractors to carry their own bond, even when they work under a general contractor.
Will bad credit stop me from getting bonded?
Most contractor license bonds are available regardless of credit. A lower credit score usually means a higher premium, not a denial.
What happens if a claim is filed against my bond?
The surety investigates. If the claim is valid, the surety pays it up to the bond amount and you reimburse the surety. Claims can affect your license and your future bond rates.
Do I have to renew my license bond every year?
Many bonds run for one year and renew with your license. Some states accept a continuous bond that stays active until it is cancelled. Check your board for its rule.
Contractor License Bond in other states
Don't see your state? Contact us or browse all contractor bonds.