New Jersey Contractor License Bond

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How Much Does a New Jersey Contractor License Bond Cost?

In New Jersey, contractor bond costs can start as low as $100, depending on the license type. Electrical contractors require a $1,000 bond, while HVAC and plumbing contractors each need a $3,000 bond. 

However, you are not required to pay the full bond amount. A contractor bond can be purchased from an authorized surety company at a premium, which varies based on your credit score, business experience, and financial strength. 

The premium typically ranges from 1% to 10% of the bond amount. For a credit score of 700 or higher, the rate is between 1% and 3%. A credit score of 600 to 699 qualifies for a 3% to 5% premium, while a score of 599 or lower results in a 5% to 10% premium. Here’s a breakdown of each bond type and how your credit score affects the cost. 

 

Surety Bond Cost Based on Credit Score

Surety Bond Name

Surety Bond Amount

Over 700

Between 600 - 699

Below 599

New Jersey Contractor License Bond
(Electrical)

$1,000

$100

$100

$100

New Jersey Contractor License Bond
(HVAC)

$3,000

$100

$100 - $150

$150 - $300

New Jersey Contractor License Bond
(Plumbing)

$3,000

$100

$100 - $150

$150 - $300

* This table provides a ballpark estimate of potential bond costs. Bond pricing can fluctuate over time due to a number of factors. For exact pricing, please complete an application.

How to Get a Contractor License Bond in New Jersey

1. Determine the Surety Bond You Need

Obtaining a contractor bond in New Jersey is straightforward. Start by identifying the type of bond you need and the required bond amount. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs oversees contractor bonds.

Additionally, each municipality and city in New Jersey has its own bond amounts and requirements specific to their jurisdiction and trade.

We recently assisted John, a contractor from Newark, in securing a bond for Hoboken. Frustrated by the complex licensing process, he found our streamlined approach to obtaining the bond both straightforward and hassle-free. This eased his stress and allowed him to start his work in Hoboken immediately, for which he was very grateful.

2. Apply For Your Bond Online

At Lance Surety Bonds, we want to help you get bonded as fast as possible. Our online application form is easy to use, even if you’ve never applied for a bond before. We just need some essential information about your business and the type of bond you need to get started. 

3. Receive a Bond Premium Quote

In most cases, we process your application and provide a quote promptly. However, for more complex situations, it may take up to 24 or 48 hours to receive your quote. Rest assured, we always ensure you receive the best possible premium.

4. Pay the Premium

After reviewing your contractor bond quote, there’s just one final step: paying the bond premium online. Once this payment is processed, we will email the bond directly to you. If you prefer, we can also send a hard copy by mail upon request.

Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us or call us at (877) 514-5146. We're here to help with any issues you might encounter.

Contractor License Bond Requirements in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs requires contractors to post surety bonds with the State Board of Examiners to qualify for licensure as an electrical contractor, master plumber, or master HVACR contractor. Electrical contractors need a $1,000 bond, whereas HVAC and plumbing contractors require a $3,000 bond each. If you work in multiple trades, you’ll need a separate bond for each type of work.

Additionally, various cities and counties in New Jersey may have their own bonding and licensing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of all the different contractor surety bonds in New Jersey:
 

Surety Bond

Bond Amount

Premium

State Board of Examiners Master HVACR Bond

$3,000

From $100

State Board of Examiners Master Plumber Bond

$3,000

From $100

State Board of Examiners Electrical Contractor Bond

$1,000

From $100

Borough of Oakland Contractor Bond

$20,000

From $200

Borough of Franklin Lakes Contractor Bond

$30,000

From $300

City of Hoboken Contractor License Bond

$10,000

From $100

City of Jersey City Contractor Bond

$15,000

From $150

Township of West Deptford Sewer Contractor Bond

$5,000

From $100

Township of Wyckoff Contractor Bond

$10,000

From $100

Passaic County Highway Opening and Use Permit Bond

$1,000 - $100,000

From $100

Jefferson Township Septic System Installer

$10,000

From $100

Hudson County Street Opening Bond

$1,000 - $100,000

From $100

Borough of Rutherford Street Opening Permit Bond

$5,000

From $100

Borough of Saddle River Septic Systems, Alterations, and/or Installations Bond

$10,000

From $100

City of Kearny Streetscape Bond

$1,000 - $100,000

From $100

Township of Mahwah License and Permit Bond

$1,000 - $100,000

From $100

Township of Neptune Street Opening Permit Bond

$1,000 - $100,000

From $100

Union County Street Opening Permit Bond

$1,000 - $50,000

From $100

How to Get Your New Jersey Contractor License

After learning how to get a New Jersey contractor license, you can proceed with the necessary steps to meet both state and local regulations. The specific documentation needed varies by trade and location. Commonly required documents include:
 

  • Application
  • Surety bond
  • Fees
  • Professional resume
  • References
  • Liability insurance
  • Corporate documents filed with the Secretary of State, if applicable

 

For full details about the licensing procedures and specific documents required, contact your local authority. For a electrical contractor license, you can contact:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
124 Halsey Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone: (973) 504-6200


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About Us

Lance Surety Bonds
Lance Surety Bond Associates, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based surety bond agency that offers bonding at competitive rates in all 50 states. Established in 2010, our company has grown to become one of the top online bond producers in the country. Working exclusively with A-rated and T-listed bonding companies gives us the confidence to offer a 100% money-back guarantee. read more

What Our Clients Have To Say?

Kimberlee Ables

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!

Andrew Poincot

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!

Margie Martinez

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!

Kimberlee Ables

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!

Andrew Poincot

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!

Margie Martinez

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!

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