Washington D.C. Contractor License Bonds
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What Is a Washington D.C. Contractor Bond?
“Washington D.C. contractor bond” is a generic term for the various construction contractor surety bonds required by the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs. These bonds must be filed by contractors for licensing as a guarantee they'll comply with D.C. laws when performing construction work.
Each bond form outlines its own specific requirements, but they generally protect individuals and licensing authorities from financial loss resulting from contractor fraud or other noncompliance. The issuing surety bond company will pay any valid bond claim up to the full bond amount, which the bonded contractor must reimburse.
How Much Do Washington D.C. Contractor Bonds Cost?
Washington D.C. contractor bond costs start at $50 annually. Your exact cost will vary depending on which construction contractor license you need. Your Washington D.C. contractor bond will likely have a fixed expiration date to match your contractor license expiration, which can affect your bond premium depending on when you purchase your bond. Your contractor bond premium will cover your full license term as required by the district.
How to Get a D.C. Contractor License Bond
You can purchase your D.C. contractor bond online 24/7. Choose your license bond from the dropdown above or the table below. If you need a home improvement contractor bond, your invoice will be provided after a quick application review.
Information requirements for your bond vary by form, but you typically need to provide your contractor or construction company name and physical business address for filing approval. Once your order is processed, your official Washington DC surety bond will be sent to your email.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
Our industry-leading technology and expert customer service team allow us to deliver your official D.C. contractor bond faster than any other surety provider. SuretyBonds.com offers digital delivery for all D.C. construction contractor bonds. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed bond delivery.
Who Regulates Licensing for Contractors in D.C.?
The District of Columbia Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) enforces all license and surety bond requirements for contractors working in the area. If you have questions about your license application, the status of your license, or which surety bond amount you need, you can contact the DCRA by phone at 1 (202) 442-4400 or by email at [email protected].
What Bonds are Required for Contractors in Washington D.C.?
Depending on which license you need, the DCRA requires a set surety bond amount issued for a specific term.
- Electrical fixture contractors and master electrician specialists must file a $1,000 surety bond that expires November 30th of odd years.
- Master electricians and special contractors must file a $2,000 surety bond that expires November 30th of odd years.
- Electrical contractors and elevator contractors must file a $4,000 surety bond that expires November 30th of odd years.
- Home improvement contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond valid for 2 years.
- Plumbing and gas fitting contractors must file a $5,000 surety bond that expires March 31st of even years.
- Refrigeration and air conditioning contractors must file a $5,000 surety bond that expires September 30th of even years.
Need a Surety Bond for a Construction Project in D.C.?
Washington D.C. contractor bonds are required for licensing compliance. If you need a surety bond before you can begin work on an individual contracted project, you might need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond. If you work in areas other than Washington D.C., we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.
How to Become a Licensed Contractor in Washington, D.C.
You must be licensed with the DCRA Board of Industrial Trades before performing any construction work in Washington DC. Application requirements vary by classification, so you'll need to follow the steps on the DCRA Board of Industrial Trades website.
You must provide the following, along with your application, regardless of license type:
- 2”x2” passport-style photo in a .jpeg format
- Government-issued ID, such as a driver's license
- Payment for all application, exam and license fees
You must purchase your required Washington DC surety bond from an authorized surety company and file it with the board before receiving a home improvement contractor license or any other license type.
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