Key points
- The agency, court or project owner that asks for the bond names the exact bond and the amount. Start there.
- You pay a premium, not the bond amount. Of the bonds we list with a set premium, half cost $100 or less (Propeller's rate sheet, checked Nov 5, 2026).
- Most license, permit and notary bonds we list are issued instantly once you pay, with no credit check. Each bond's page says whether it is.
- Bid, performance and payment bonds are contract bonds: an underwriter reviews them before they're issued.
The four steps
- Find out exactly which bond you need. The license board, permit office, court or project owner that asks for it names the bond and sets the amount. For example, California requires a $25,000 bond for every active contractor license.
- Find that bond on your state's bond page, by name, city or type, and check its price.
- Apply online. It takes a few minutes: your business details and the bond's details, such as the license or permit number.
- Pay, then sign the bond and file it with the agency that asked for it. Instant bonds are ready to download as soon as you pay, and some are filed with the agency electronically.
What a surety bond costs
You pay a premium to the surety: a set price, or a percentage of the bond amount with a minimum. The bond amount is the most the surety would pay on a valid claim, and you'd repay the surety for any claim it pays.
Of the bonds we list with a set premium, the cheapest are notary bonds from $40, and half cost $100 or less (Propeller's rate sheet, checked Nov 5, 2026). Contract bonds are priced on the contract: performance and payment bonds cost a percentage of the contract amount.
How fast you can get one
A bond marked instant is issued as soon as you pay: you download it right away. For the others, the surety reviews your application first, and you see your price or terms before you pay.
Whether there's a credit check
Most license, permit and notary bonds we list need no credit check. Some applications ask you to agree to a soft credit inquiry, which doesn't affect your credit score. Contract bonds are underwritten: the surety looks at your business, your credit and the work you've done before. Each bond's page says whether it checks credit.
Who issues the bond
A surety company issues it. BLDAssure arranges bonds through Propeller Bonds, our surety partner. On federal contracts, the surety must be on the U.S. Treasury's list of companies approved for federal bonds (Circular 570).
Small businesses that can't get a bid, performance or payment bond on their own may qualify for the SBA's surety bond guarantee, on contracts up to $9 million (non-federal) or $14 million (federal).
Common questions
How do I get a surety bond?
Find the exact bond the agency or project owner asks for, apply online and pay the premium, then sign the bond and file it with that agency. Most license, permit and notary bonds are issued as soon as you pay.
How much does a surety bond cost?
You pay a premium, not the bond amount. Of the bonds we list with a set premium, half cost $100 or less, and notary bonds start at $40. Bid and performance bonds are priced on the contract.
Can I get a surety bond the same day?
Yes, for most license, permit and notary bonds we list: they're issued instantly once you pay. Bid, performance and payment bonds go to an underwriter first.
Can I get a surety bond with bad credit?
Most license, permit and notary bonds we list don't check credit at all. Contract bonds are underwritten, and your credit is part of the review.
How do I get a surety bond in my state?
Pick your state on our bonds page. Each state page lists every bond we offer there, with its price and whether it's issued instantly.
Sources
- Bond requirements for California contractors (Contractors State License Board)
- Circular 570: companies approved as sureties on federal bonds (U.S. Department of the Treasury)
- Surety bonds (U.S. Small Business Administration)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the agency that issues the license or permit. Last reviewed Nov 12, 2026.