Pennsylvania
Contractor Bonds

Pennsylvania Contractor Bond License Guide

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Multiple counties and cities require contractors in Pennsylvania 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 (Pennsylvania government entities requiring the bond) place the 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.

Borough of Ambridge General Contractor Bond

A $15,000 bond is required of general contractors in the Borough of Ambridge. Purchase your general contractor bond instantly online for a one-year term for a $100 premium. A 25% multi-year discount is available for customers who purchase this bond for a multiple-year term upfront. Save time and money today by purchasing your bond through ContractorBonds.com!

City of Harrisburg Contractor Bonds

The City of Harrisburg requires contractors of various classifications to post a contractor bond to register with the city.

City of Harrisburg Crane Setting Bond

A $100,000 surety bond is required by the City of Harrisburg to be licensed for crane setting. This bond can be issued for a one-year term, expiring annually. The cost for this bond is currently being underwritten, meaning the applicant’s credit history must be reviewed by a surety underwriter.

City of Harrisburg Right of Way Bond

Right of way contractors are required by the City of Harrisburg to post a $25,000 right of way bond for a one-year term. The price of this bond is currently underwritten, meaning a surety underwriter will check the applicant’s credit history to determine the cost.

City of Pittsburgh Street Opening Bond

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure requires street openers to post a surety bond to obtain a street opening permit. These bonds are issued for a two-year term. The price of the bond may vary depending on the type of street and bond.

• Opening in asphalt streets

  • $10,000 bond amount

  • $175 cost

• Opening in concrete streets

  • $20,000 bond amount

  • $350 cost

• Blanket bond

  • $75,000 bond amount

  • To determine the cost, the applicant’s credit history must be reviewed by a surety underwriter as the cost of the bond is currently underwritten.

To receive a permit, Pittsburgh street openers will also require a copy of the applicant’s insurance certificate, an 11” x 17” drawn to scale map of the location and work that will be done, a description of the traffic obstruction plan, a maintenance and protection of traffic plan, and proof of utility coordination.

City of Sharon Contractor Bond

A $10,000 bond is required of contractors by the City of Sharon. Purchase your water works bond instantly online for a one-year term for a $100 premium. A 25% multi-year discount is available for customers who purchase this bond for a multiple-year term upfront.

Contractors will also need a certificate of liability with a minimum coverage of $25,000 to $50,000, a worker’s compensation form, and the annual license fee of $150 attached to the City of Sharon contractor registration.

City of York Curb and Sidewalk Contractor License Bond

The City of York requires curb and sidewalk contractors to post a $5,000 surety bond. These bonds are issued for a one-year term for a $100 premium — get your bond instantly online today without a credit check!

Mahoning Township Contractor Bond

A $10,000 bond is required of contractors in Mahoning Township. Purchase your contractor bond instantly online for a one-year term for a $100 premium.

Municipality of Norristown Right of Way Bond

The Municipality of Norristown requires right of way contractors to post a $5,000 to $50,000 surety bond at a cost of $10 for every $1,000, or a $100 minimum. These bonds are issued for a one-year term.

Township of North Huntington Contractor Bond

The Township of North Huntington requires contractors to post a $1,000 surety bond. These bonds are issued for a one-year term, with a minimum cost of $100; an additional 25% off can be added with a purchase of multiple years.

Philadelphia Contractor Bonds

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, contractors of various classifications are required to post a contractor bond to register with the city.

Philadelphia Class A Demolition Contractor Bond

Class A demolition contractors in Philadelphia must post a $50,000 contractor bond and register their license with the Philadelphia Permits and License Center. The cost of this bond is currently being underwritten, meaning the applicant’s credit history must be reviewed by a surety underwriter. The bond lasts for a one-year term. Class A demolition licenses allow for the demolition of any structure. Along with their surety bond, contractors must submit a certificate of insurance, name a demolition site safety manager and demolition supervisor, and provide proof of three years' minimum experience.

Philadelphia Class B Demolition Contractor Bond

Class B demolition contractors in Philadelphia must post a $10,000 contractor bond and register their license with the Philadelphia Permits and License Center. The cost of this bond is a $100 premium for a one-year term. Though it is a one-year term, contractors can receive 25% off for an upfront purchase of multiple years on the bond. Class B demolition licenses allow for the demolition of a structure that is no more than three stories with a maximum height of 40 feet and a 10,000-square-foot area. Along with their surety bond, contractors must submit a certificate of insurance, name a demolition site safety manager and demolition supervisor, and provide proof of three years' minimum experience.

Philadelphia Curb Setter Bond

Philadelphia requires curb setters to post a $1,000 surety bond to register as a licensed contractor. A one-year term for this bond costs $50; however, a 25% multi-year discount is available for customers who purchase this bond for a multiple-year term upfront. Along with the surety bond, applicants must also include a business income and tax ID, a commercial activity license, and an application fee of $20, which is applied toward the $50 license fee in the application.

Township of Salem Contractor License Bond

A $10,000 bond is required of contractors in the Township of Salem to become registered. Purchase your contractor bond instantly online for a one-year term for a $100 premium. A 25% multi-year discount is available for customers who purchase this bond for a multiple-year term upfront. Along with the surety bond, applicants must provide a certificate of insurance, a certificate of workers' compensation insurance, a copy of their Philadelphia registration certificate, and a $50 registration fee.

Many other cities and counties within the state of Pennsylvania hold contractor bond requirements. Check out our extensive list of Pennsylvania contractor bonds to find the one that’s right for you!

Visit SuretyBonds.com or call us at 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk to a representative and get started on getting your Pennsylvania contractor bond today!