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Georgia Contractor License Bond Requirements
Georgia has a statewide requirement that general and residential contractors need to get a contractor license bond when they apply to obtain a license. Similar to most surety bonds, this bond is required as a form of protection to both the public and the state.
Contractor license bonds are underwritten by bonding companies who back an agreement between them, the contractor and the state. Should the contractor fail to abide by the terms of the license and a third party suffers losses, said party can ask for compensation from the bonding company. Keep in mind, however, that it’s ultimately the responsibility of the contractor to cover all costs incurred.
Some counties and cities have further bonding requirements. To find out more about these and other useful information about contractor license bonds, explore the sections below.
Questions about Contractor License Bonds in Georgia
Which contractors need to get bonded in Georgia?
The bonding requirement for general and residential contractors applies to the entire state. Additionally, the following places have varying surety bond requirements for contractors:
- Bibb County
- Cobb County
- Columbia County
- Dekalb County
- Douglasville
- City of East Point
- Newton County
- Richmond County
- Smyrna
- City of Valdosta
If you live in any of these locations, it’s best to contact your local authorities and inquire about bond requirements for your license type.
Furthermore, water well contractors need a performance bond before they can work on projects. Some subcontractors and non-resident contractors also need to post a surety bond which will ensure their tax compliance.
How much does a Georgia contractor license bond cost?
Your exact cost depends on the total bond amount required for your license. Out of this total amount– which refers to the bond’s penal sum– contractors pay a premium, usually on an annual basis. The table below contains a breakdown of expected costs for several types of contractor license bonds in Georgia.
| Bond Type | Surety Bond Amount | Above 700 | Between 650-699 | Between 600-649 | Below 599 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Well Contractors and Drillers Performance Bond | $20,000 | $150-$200 | $200-$600 | $600-$1,000 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Residential and General Contractors Bond | $25,000 | $188-$375 | $250-$750 | $625-$1,250 | $1,250-$2,500 |
These estimates are based on credit score alone, as this is the most important factor considered by underwriters. To get an exact quote, you can submit our online application.
Keep in mind that many other factors can also influence your premiums. These include your business’s age, financial strength, and your experience in the field. Check out our 'What Does a Surety Bond Cost?' page for more information and tips.
Can I get these bonds with bad credit?
Many of the contractor license bonds in Georgia may not be substantially affected by your credit score. As for residential and general contractor bonds, their premiums will certainly be higher if an applicant has credit issues. However, credit score alone is unlikely to prevent a contractor from getting bonded.
If you work to improve your credit score, and to clear red flags such as past-due items from your report, you can expect to get lower premiums each time you apply for renewal. Check out our page on bad credit surety bonds to learn more about the topic if you have a low score.
How do I apply for my Georgia contractors license bond?
The application process is simple and quick. All you have to do is submit our online application. We’ll get in touch with you with a free bond quote and help you complete the application process.
In normal circumstances, we can get your bond signed in as little as 1-2 business days.
How do I get a Georgia contractor license?
To get licensed as a contractor in Georgia, you will need to fulfill a number of additional requirements. Some of them include:
- Showing a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field
- Submitting a criminal background check
- Passing an examination
- Getting liability insurance
- Paying applicable fees
These requirements pertain to general and residential contractors. However, there are a number of other license types whose requirements vary, so it’s best to contact your regulatory body prior to starting work on your application.
Still got questions about your Georgia contractor license bond? Do not hesitate to call us at (877)-514-5146, we’ll be happy to help!
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Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!
Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!
