Vermont Contractor Bonds

1. Determine the Surety Bond You Need

With numerous surety bonds required by state and local authorities in Vermont, the first step is to research these requirements. You can conveniently access resource links below to determine which surety bond you need. 

Joel needed to buy a bond before he could work on a new project. He wanted to start working as soon as possible, so he was pleased with our expedited process. It only took him a few minutes to apply and get a bond quote. Paying the premium was just as easy, and he got the bond via email. 

2. Apply for Your Contractor Bond

When you know what type of bond you need and the amount of the bond, you are ready to complete the short online application. This quick step usually only takes a few minutes. Our bond experts are happy to answer your questions, if needed.

3. Review Your Bond Quote

Our customers receive instant quotes after applying online, so you can quickly learn about the cost of your new bond. In the event an application is complex and requires additional review, we will deliver the quote in 48 hours or less. 

4. Buy Your Bond

After reviewing your Vermont surety bond quote, take advantage of our online portal to make the premium payment. Your bond will then be prepared and emailed to you without delay. If requested, we can mail the bond to you as well. 

We are pleased to support our customers through our straightforward process and are available to assist you as needed. For support from our bond experts, please contact us or call us at (877) 514-5146.

While Vermont has contractor licensing requirements, there are no state-level bond mandates. However, the Vermont Agency of Transportation requires certain contractors to secure a performance bond based on project scope. Contractors must provide both a labor and materials bond and a compliance bond, as required by 19 V.S.A. §10, each amounting to 100% of the contract value. The labor and materials bond guarantees full payment for all materials, labor, and obligations under the contract.

Additional contractor bond requirements apply in several Vermont cities, such as Burlington and South Burlington

These bonds are required to legally do business in the state. The premium payment for your bond is due annually. To assist you with the maintenance of your Vermont surety bond, we will connect with you prior to the payment due date each year with renewal instructions.

Residential contractors who perform construction where the estimated value is $10,000 or more, inclusive of labor and materials are required to register with the Office of Professional Regulation for a contractor’s license.

Our bond experts are happy to help you learn how to get a contractor license. In Vermont, while a bond is not required for general contractor licensing, specialty trades such as electrical and plumbing contractors need licensing from the Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety. Additionally, residential contractors working on projects with an estimated value of $10,000 or more, including labor and materials, must register with the Office of Professional Regulation. The specific documentation required to get a license varies by trade. Some of the requirements could include:
 

• Application
• Liability insurance
• Application fee
• Completion of trade training

For surety bond requirements related to your trade or project, contact the appropriate governing state or local authority. For additional information about contractor licensing, contact:

Vermont Secretary or State
89 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: (802) 828-1505