No. Texas doesn’t require a state contractor license bond. Whether you need one depends entirely on your city — Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio each set their own rules and amounts.
Texas Surety Bonds
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It’s easy with our simple 3-step process:
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A surety bond is one of the easiest requirements to satisfy on your way to a Texas license — often just a quick application and a small annual premium. It’s also a signal to your customers that you’re accountable and legitimate.
Most Common Texas Surety Bonds
Here’s what Texas actually requires, by profession, and who sets the number.
| Bond Type | Who Needs It | Required By | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Dealer Bond | Independent, wholesale, and mobility motor vehicle dealers | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Occupations Code §2301.801 | $50,000 |
| Notary Bond | Notaries public (new and renewing) | Texas Secretary of State, Government Code Chapter 406 | $10,000 |
| Contractor License Bond | General and specialty contractors, depending on the city | Individual city licensing departments (no state-level bond) | Varies by city, typically $5,000–$25,000 |
| Lost Title / Bonded Title Bond | Vehicle owners without a valid title | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) | 1.5x the vehicle’s appraised value |
| Mortgage Broker Bond | Residential mortgage brokers | Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML), Finance Code §156.205 | $50,000 (or $25,000 net-assets alternative) |
| Alcohol (TABC Conduct) Bond | Alcohol retailers without a Food & Beverage Certificate | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), Alcoholic Beverage Code §11.11 | $5,000–$10,000 (based on distance from a public school) |
| Texas Lottery Bond | Lottery retail agents (when required) | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Government Code §466.156 | Case-by-case, set by the Comptroller |
| Sales Tax Bond | Sales/use tax permit holders who become delinquent | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Admin. Code §3.327 | Greater of $100,000 or 4x average monthly tax liability |
| Public Adjuster Bond | Public insurance adjusters | Texas Department of Insurance, Insurance Code Chapter 4102 | $10,000 |
| Probate Bond | Executors and administrators of estates (unless waived) | Probate court, Estates Code §305.101 | Court-set, based on estate value plus 1 year of income |
| Guardianship Bond | Court-appointed guardians (unless waived) | Probate court, Estates Code §1105.152 | Court-set, based on ward’s estate value plus 1 year of income |
| Auctioneer Bond | Licensed auctioneers | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) | $5,000 |
| Performance and Payment Bond | Contractors on public works contracts over $100,000 (or $50,000 for municipalities) | Texas Government Code Chapter 2253 (“Little Miller Act”) | 100% of the contract amount |
This list covers the highest-volume categories. If your profession isn’t listed, contact us, and we’ll confirm your exact requirement.
costs
Surety Bond Texas Cost: What You'll Pay in Texas
Your premium is a percentage of the bond amount, not the full amount itself. Three factors drive your rate: credit score, time in business, and bond type. A $10,000 notary bond might cost $50 for four years, while a $50,000 dealer bond runs several hundred.
| Credit Tier | Score Range | Rate | Example ($50,000 bond) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 720+ | 1%–3% | $500–$1,500/2yr |
| Good | 660–719 | 3%–5% | $1,500–$2,500/2yr |
| Fair | 600–659 | 5%–8% | $2,500–$4,000/2yr |
| Challenged | Below 600 | 8%–15% | $4,000–$7,500/2yr |
Construction and contract bonds price differently since they depend on project size — contact us for a quote.
Texas Surety Bond Requirements: What TxDMV, the Secretary of State, and SML Require
Texas splits bond regulation across several agencies, depending on your profession.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) — regulates auto dealer bonds and bonded titles. txdmv.gov
- Texas Secretary of State — regulates notary bonds under Government Code Chapter 406. sos.state.tx.us
- Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML) — regulates mortgage broker and servicer bonds. sml.texas.gov
- Renewal: Notary bonds run 4 years; auto dealer bonds run 2 years. Miss renewal and your license lapses immediately.
- Cancellation: Sureties typically give 30-45 days notice before cancelling a bond. You must replace it before the old one lapses or you lose your license.
- Claims: Anyone harmed by your licensing violation can file a claim. The surety investigates, pays valid claims up to the bond limit, then you repay the surety in full.
- Texas-specific fact: unlike most states, Texas has no statewide contractor license bond. Your contractor bond requirement — if any — comes from your city, not the state.
step by step guide
How to Get a Surety Bond in Texas
-
Choose Your Bond Type
Select the bond you need — commercial, contract, or any specialized bond. We help you find exactly what is required in your state.
-
Submit a Quick Application
Complete a short online form. It only takes a few minutes, with no extra paperwork or long verification steps.
-
Get Approved & Receive Your Bond
Get fast approval and receive your bond instantly by email. Your document is ready to use right away.
Getting bonded in Texas takes five steps.
- Confirm your bond type. Check whether your license comes from a state agency or your city — Texas splits this by profession.
- Gather your information. You’ll need your business name, license type, and required bond amount.
- Get a quote. Submit an application, and we’ll run a quick credit check to price your premium.
- Pay and receive your bond. Most bonds are issued the same day once you pay the premium.
- File with your regulator. Submit the bond to TxDMV, the Secretary of State, or your city licensing office to complete your application.
faq
Texas Surety Bond FAQ
Does every contractor in Texas need a bond?
How fast can I get bonded in Texas?
Most bonds under $50,000 issue same-day once you’re approved. Notary bonds typically take under 24 hours since they don’t require underwriting.
What happens if my Texas bond lapses?
Your license or registration is automatically suspended until you file a new bond. There’s no grace period once your regulator flags the lapse.
Can I use an out-of-state bond in Texas?
No. Your bond must come from a surety licensed to do business in Texas, even if you’re bonded elsewhere for a similar role.
Do all 50 auto dealer classifications need the same bond amount?
Yes. Every non-franchised GDN classification in Texas carries the same $50,000 bond, whether you’re an independent, wholesale, or motorcycle dealer.
Starting in 2026, do notaries need anything beyond the bond?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, Texas requires a mandatory training course before applying, in addition to the $10,000 bond.
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Most Popular Texas Bonds
Choose Surety Bond Type You Need in Texas
Commercial Bonds
- Business Service Bonds
- Employee Dishonesty Bonds
- Fidelity Surety Bonds
- Financial Institution Bonds
- Janitorial Bonds
License & Permit Bonds
Court Bonds
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