Missouri Contractor License Bond (Local Rules)

Missouri Contractor License Bond Overview: Set by Cities and Counties

Missouri does not impose a single statewide contractor license bond requirement for all contractors. Bonding requirements are often established by the city or local jurisdiction and vary by license and work type. The state itself sets no license bond amount.

• Purpose: Backs your obligations to the local office or state agency that requires it, such as right-of-way permit work or withholding tax.
• Who Needs It: Contractors in cities and counties that license trades, out-of-state transient employers, and public works contractors on jobs over $50,000.
• Regulating Body: Local licensing and permit offices; the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (OSEC) for the optional statewide electrical license; the Missouri Department of Revenue for transient employer bonds.
• Required Amount: $10,000 for City of St. Louis excavation permits; $5,000 to $25,000 for transient employer withholding bonds; no state amount for the OSEC electrical license.
• Premium Rates: Start at $100 — typically 1%–3% of the bond amount per year.
• Disclaimer: Requirements, timelines, and bond costs listed on this page are accurate as of October 19, 2026, but are subject to change by the Missouri licensing authority or surety underwriters — for current rates and requirements, call 844-806-2663.

Contractors Who Need a Missouri Contractor License Bond by City and Trade

You need a bond when a local office or state agency demands one.

• City of St. Louis contractors digging in the public right-of-way — $10,000 excavation surety bond
• Springfield electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors — proof of bond and/or insurance before the business license issues
• Contractors licensed by Kansas City, St. Louis County, Independence or Columbia — local rules decide whether a bond, deposit or insurance applies
• Out-of-state (transient employer) contractors — $5,000 to $25,000 withholding-tax bond with the Department of Revenue (RSMo 285.230)
• Public works contractors on contracts estimated over $50,000 — payment bond (RSMo 107.170)
• Statewide electrical licensees — proof of any bond the cities and counties where they work require

General, residential, plumbing and HVAC contractors need no state bond because Missouri doesn’t license those trades.

Missouri Contractor License Bond Requirements: OSEC, Cities and DOR

Missouri requirements depend on which office holds your bond. Each one sets its own rules. Kansas City takes a $500 cash deposit, not a surety bond, from plumbing and Class I/II fire protection contractors. Miss an OSEC renewal and your license goes inactive.

• Regulator — The Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (OSEC), under the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, issues the optional statewide electrical contractor license (OSEC program page); cities and counties license all other trades.
• Bond amount — Set by each jurisdiction: $10,000 for City of St. Louis excavation permits; Department of Revenue security equals your average estimated quarterly withholding, at least $5,000 and at most $25,000.
• Renewal — The statewide electrical license renews every 3 years by September 30; a late license goes inactive and becomes void if not reinstated within 2 years. The transient employer bond runs until released.
• Filing — Transient employers file DOR Form 331 Surety Bond (Rev. 12-2024), signed by the surety and contractor with the surety’s power of attorney, at P.O. Box 357, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0357; excavation bonds go to the St. Louis Street Department.
• Unique rule — OSEC licensees carry $500,000 liability insurance, proved by an insurer-issued certificate, and still post any bond a city or county demands (RSMo 324.920).

Not sure which amount applies to you? Call us — we’ll confirm it before you apply.