Washington D.C. Contractor Bond License Guide
Washington D.C. requires contractors to obtain a contractor bond to become licensed. The amount for these bonds varies depending on the type of contractor, location, and project. Some of these bonds can be issued instantly online for a set premium or are prorated for the bond term’s end date.
Why are contractor bonds required in Washington D.C.?
Multiple counties and cities require contractors in Washington D.C. to post surety bonds prior to starting work. These bonds ensure the principal (contractor) will abide by all applicable rules and legislation outlining the classification-specific work, in addition to protecting consumers from damages caused by negligent or faulty work. Obligees (government entities requiring the bond) enforce the legal language on the bond form that places liability on the principal.
Affected contractors can file a claim against the surety bond; if found to have validity, the surety (the company that financially backs the bond) will pay the claim up to the bond’s full amount. However, the principal is required to reimburse the surety in full for any money paid out.
Electrical Bond
Electrical contractors are required to post a surety bond to be registered to work within the District of Columbia. The bond amount varies depending on the type of electrical contractor; $1,000 (Electric Fixture Contractor, Master Electrician Specialist), $2,000 (Master Electrician, Special Contractor), and $4,000 (Electrical Contractor). For a one-year term, the bond has a premium of $15 for every $1,000 and a minimum of $50. Since the bond expires on November 30 of the odd numbered year, the bond premium may be prorated to match the cost of the time remaining before its expiration. Electrical contractors must submit an application through the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), along with the following:
Experience under a master electrician
Completion of a class on the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations' Electrical Code
Identifying photograph and driver’s license
A passing score on the District of Columbia Electrician Exams
Home Improvement Contractor Bond
Home improvement contractors in the District of Columbia are required to post a $25,000 surety bond to become licensed to work for a two-year term. The applicant’s credit history must be reviewed by a surety underwriter as the cost of the bond is currently underwritten. Contractor’s must submit an application along with the following requirements:
$288.20 fee
Corporate Registration (if applicable)
Plumbing and Gas Fitting Contractor Bond
Plumbing and gas fitting contractors in the District of Columbia are required to post a $5,000 surety bond to become licensed to work. This bond can be purchased instantly online for $150 for a two-year term expiring March 31 of an even year. The bond premium may be prorated to match the cost of the time remaining before the bond’s end date. Contractor’s must submit an application along with the following requirements:
A passing grade on the Plumber Journeyman Exam
Four years minimum experience
At least one letter of recommendation from a former employer
Visit SuretyBonds.com or call us at 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk to a representative to get started on securing your Washington D.C. bond today!
Search all contractor bonds in District of Columbia
Over the years, our bonding experts have put together the most comprehensive surety bond library. Most of our contractor bonds can be purchased instantly online in only a few minutes.
Use the list on the right below to browse all of our available contractor bonds in District of Columbia You can also try searching by bond amount, obligee, or bond name.