California Surety Bonds

• Freight Broker Bond: A $75,000 bond needed to get licensed as a US freight broker through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Since this licensing bond is a federal requirement, it does not vary by state.
• Auto Dealer Bond: This bond needed to get an auto dealer license ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. The type of dealer license required determines the bond amount.
• Mortgage Broker Bond: one of the conditions to be licensed as a finance lender or mortgage broker in California.
• Contractor License Bond: A $25,000 bond required to get licensed as a California contractor.

A California surety bond costs 1% - 10% of the total bond amount required. This percentage is often referred to as a “bond premium” or “bond rate”.

When you apply for a bond, the main factor an underwriter uses to determine your bond rate is your credit score. However, they may also request supplementary financial documents and reports for more expensive bonds or certain bond types.

1. Determine the Surety Bond You Need

The entity or organization requiring you to get bonded (the obligee) determines which bond you need and the bond amount. It is best to try contacting them or looking through their website for their bonding requirements. Other options to find your bond type and amount include:

• Using Our Online Resource: The Find Your Bond Tool is free, quick, and easy. Plus, once you find your bond, getting a free bond quote only takes a couple minutes.
• Contacting Our Bonding Experts: Talk to a surety specialist online or over the phone. They can help you determine which California bond you need and answer any questions regarding the bonding process.

2. Apply For Your Bond

Fill out an online bond application or call us at 888-592-6631. To apply for a free quote, you will need basic information such as:

• Bond Name
• Bond Amount
• Contact Information

3. Get a Bond Rate

Once your application is processed, a quote will be emailed your way. Log in to our website to purchase the bond and fill out the required documentation.

4. Receive Your Bond

Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a copy of your bond by email. The original bond will be sent by mail and will then need to be forwarded to the entity requiring the bond (obligee). In some cases, we can directly mail the bond to your obligee.

• Auctioneer Bond: a prerequisite for obtaining an auction license.
• Immigration Consultant Bond: required for people or businesses offering immigration consulting services.
• Insurance Broker Bond: a requirement for all licensed insurance brokers in California.
• Talent Agency Bond: to operate as a talent agency, following state regulations.
• Public Adjuster Bond: a licensing requirement to become an insurance adjuster.
• Sales Tax Bond: ensures that licensed businesses pay the sales tax they owe on the goods they sell.
• Notary Bond: a $15,000 surety bond is required as part of the licensing process to become a notary in California.
• Prorater Bond: a $100,000 surety bond required for businesses or individuals seeking a Prorater License to legally handle clients' payments or financial obligations.

City-level Bonding Requirements

Choose your city from the list below if you wish to learn more about its bonding requirements. For an overview of all bonds in the state, keep reading.

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoSan Jose

• California Department of Motor Vehicles 
• California Contractor State Licensing Board 
• California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation