What Is a South Carolina Surety Bond?
Many South Carolina individuals and companies need to post a South Carolina surety bond at some point. These bonds are required in order to meet state regulations, or run a legal business.
Essentially, surety bonds function as a protection mechanism for the state and its citizens. They safeguard their interests from fraud and misuse on the side of bonded parties. In practice, bonds are a contractual agreement between a principal, the authority requiring the bond as the obligee, and the bond underwriter, which is the surety.
There are three main types of South Carolina surety bonds. Here’s a brief overview:
- Most business licenses require you to obtain a license bond. Auto dealers, freight brokers, mortgage brokers, and similar other professionals need to post such a bond, which guarantees their legal compliance.
- Construction contractors bidding on projects need to get contract bonds. They guarantee fulfillment of contractual obligations.
- More rarely, a South Carolina court might ask you to obtain a court bond. The typical cases include appealing to a higher court or when acting as a fiduciary.
Ready to start your bonding process? You can find your South Carolina surety bond in the table below. Scroll to the end of the page for the full list of bonds in South Carolina.
If you need help finding the surety bond that you need, we are here to help. Just call us at (877) 514-5146.
Find Your South Carolina Surety Bond
| Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | N/A | FMCSA | Apply Now |
| General license & permit bond (not listed) | N/A | N/A | Apply Now |
| Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | Registered Residential Specialty Contractor | Residential Builders Commission | Apply Now |
| Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | South Carolina Manufactured Housing | SC Dept. of Manufactured Housing | Apply Now |
| Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | Contractor License (No P&P Language) | Residential Builders Commission | Apply Now |
| Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | (HVAC, plumber, electrician) Licensed Residential | Residential Builders Commission | Apply Now |
| Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | Service Contracts Bond | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) Bond | BROKER-DEALER AND INVESTMENT ADVISER SURETY | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) Bond | Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) Bond | BROKER-DEALER AND INVESTMENT ADVISER SURETY | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Debt Consolidators Bond | Credit Counseling Organization Special Deposit Bon | Dept of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Professional Fund Raisers Bond | Professional Solicitor's | South Carolina Secretary of State | Apply Now |
| Insurance Agents/Brokers Bond | Insurance Broker | Dept of Insurance | Apply Now |
| Insurance Agents/Brokers Bond | Insurance Broker Bond | Dept of Insurance | Apply Now |
| Insurance 3rd Party Administrator Bond | Insurance Administrator Bond | South Carolina Department of Insurance | Apply Now |
| Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond | Mortgage Broker Special Deposit | Dept of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond | Mortgage Lender | State Board of Financial Institutions | Apply Now |
| Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond | Mortgage Lender Special Deposit | South Carolina Dept of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond | Motor Vehicle Dealer | Department of Motor Vehicles - Dealer Licensing & | Apply Now |
| Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (Used Only, No New) Bond | Motor Vehicle Dealer | Department of Motor Vehicles - Dealer Licensing & | Apply Now |
| Sport Permits Bond | Professional Mixed Martial Arts Promoter Bond | South Carolina State Athletic Commission | Apply Now |
| Health Spas/Health Clubs Bond | Physical Fitness Center Deposit Bond | South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Detectives Bond | Private Investigation Agency | South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Employment Agencies Bond | Employment Agencies | SC Secretary of State Office | Apply Now |
| Funeral Directors Bond | Performance Bond of Preneed Funeral Contracts | South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Pawnbroker Special Deposit Bond | South Carolina Dept of Consumer Affairs | Apply Now |
| Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Well Driller Bond | Synergy Business ark; Kingstree Building | Apply Now |
| Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Retail Pistol Dealer | SLED | Apply Now |
| Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Department of Insurance | Apply Now |
| Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Contract Security Bond | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division | Apply Now |
| Schools (All) Bond | Commercial Driver Training School Surety | Dept of Motor Vehicles Driver Improvement Office | Apply Now |
| Schools (All) Bond | Nonpublic Postsecondary Institution | Commission on Higher Education | Apply Now |
| Schools (All) Bond | Cosmetology School | State Board Of Cosmetology | Apply Now |
| Cigar/Cigarette & Tobacco Tax Bond | STATE TOBACCO TAX | South Carolina Dept of Revenue Misc Tax Section | Apply Now |
| Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond | State Motor Fuel User Fee Bond | Department of Revenue | Apply Now |
| Miscellaneous Taxes Bond | Right Of Way Bond | SC Dept of Trans | Apply Now |
| Games of Chance Bond | Bingo Revenue Bond | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
| Utility Deposit Bond | Commissioners of Public Works | Greenwood, S.C. CPW | Apply Now |
| Utility Deposit Bond | Utility Deposit | SCE & G | Apply Now |
| Utility Deposit Bond | Utility Deposit Bond | SCE&G | Apply Now |
| Utility Deposit Bond | Santee Cooper Deposit Bond | Santee Cooper | Apply Now |
| Telemarketing/Phone Solicitor Bond | Professional Solicitor's | State of South Carolina | Apply Now |
Questions about Surety Bonds in South Carolina
How much does a South Carolina surety bond cost?
Your surety bond cost is set on a case-by-case basis. It is directly linked with the South Carolina surety bond amount that you are required to post. For some types of bonds, the amount is the same across the US. In other cases, it is decided by state or local authorities, or is even set on an individual basis.
What you have to pay to get bonded is a fraction of the bond amount, called the bond premium. It is usually in the range of 1% to 4% if you qualify for the standard bonding market.
Your exact bond price is determined after you apply with your surety. The surety assesses your financial situation by taking a close look at your personal credit score, business finances, and professional experience. If you are considered a low-risk applicant, you can expect a lower bond premium.
Can I get a South Carolina surety bond with bad credit?
Here at Lance Surety Bonds, we know that getting bonded with bad credit can be a rough path. That’s why we designed our Bad Credit Program. Bad credit applicants can still obtain the South Carolina surety bond they need, so bonding is not an obstacle to success.
If you have a low credit score, liens, past bankruptcies or civil judgments, this program is the right one for you. You can expect a bond premium in the range of 5%-15%. The higher price is there to mitigate the increased risk in bonding.
Still, with us you always get top bonding rates for your particular case. We forge close relations with numerous A-rated, T-listed surety companies. This gives us the freedom to locate the right bonding option, no matter your particular circumstances.
How to get bonded in South Carolina?
You can start your bonding process today - no hassle involved! Apply online for a free, no-obligations bond quote. For an exact bond price, make sure to complete a full application with attached paperwork, and we’ll send you an exact bond cost in no time.
If you have any questions, you can call us at (877) 514-5146. We are here to assist you with the bonding process and your application**.
Looking for more information on getting bonded? Our How to Get Bonded page is a great reference guide for all the facts.
Most Popular Surety Bonds in South Carolina
The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission requires that all residential contractors licensed in the state post a bond to ensure compliance with state regulations. There is a $15,000 bond required for Residential Builder/Certificate of Authority, a $10,000 bond for Licensed Residential Specialty Contractors (HVAC, plumber or electrician), and a $5,000 bond for Registered Residential Specialty Contractors.
The South Carolina Securities Commissioner requires a bond to be posted by broker-dealers or investment advisers conducting business in the state. There are $35,000 and $50,000 bond requirements, so principals should check with the Securities Commissioner for their required bond amount.
The Department of Consumer Affairs requires that a mortgage broker deposit and continuously maintain a bond for the use of the State, as well as any consumers who have a cause of action against the mortgage broker. The specific bond amount is determined by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
This bond form is almost identical to that of the mortgage broker bond. The difference is that it is a requirement of the Commissioner of the Board of Financial Institutions. All mortgage lenders must post a bond for the use of the State, as well as any consumers who have a cause of action against the principal. The bond ensures compliance with the Licensing of Mortgage Lenders Act.
This bond must be obtained by a principal and filed with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles in order for them to obtain a dealer or wholesaler license. A $30,000 bond is required of all Dealers and/or Wholesalers not specifically mentioned in the following category. The $15,000 bond is all that is needed for Wholesale Auto Auction, Travel Trailer and/or Motorcycle Dealers or Wholesalers.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance requires brokers to post a $10,000 insurance broker bond.
Any entity that has to get a South Carolina money transmitter license needs to post a surety bond in an amount between $50,000 and $250,000.
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