New Hampshire Contractor License Bond

The cost of a contractor license bond in New Hampshire runs between $100 and $12,500. This is based on required surety amounts from $4,000 to $125,000, depending on the location and trade. 

For example, a right-of-way bond of $4,000 is required in Edelweiss. A Manchester highway contractor bond of $5,000 is necessary. Your contractor bond is available for purchase through a New Hampshire surety company. Rather than buying the required bond amount, your bond can be bought at a premium price. 

We bond more than 99% of our applicants and provide premium rates from 1% to 10%. Your credit scores, professional resume and financial assets are taken into consideration to determine your specific bond rate. 

A rate of 1% to 3% is available for applicants with a credit rating of 700 or better. Those with a credit score of 600 to 699 qualify for a 3% to 5% premium rate. With a lower score, the premium rate is 5% to 10% of the required bond amount. 

1. Determine the Surety Bond You Need

In New Hampshire, various surety bonds are required at the city and state level. Careful research of the bond requirements that apply to you is needed before applying for your surety bond. 

The Department of Administrative Services Public Works Design and Construction is responsible for public works bond requirements in the state. The Department of Transportation is the authority on the state’s required right-of-way performance bond. Resources for other authorities are available below.

2. Apply for Your Bond

By filling out the brief online application. you can get customized information about the cost of your bond. We have been meeting New Hampshire’s surety bond needs for over a decades, and we proudly provide our customers with a streamlined process

James recently applied online for his contractor bond. While he was uncertain if his credit scores were acceptable, he received an instant, no-obligation quote after applying.  James quickly made the premium payment online and had the bond he needed to do business in New Hampshire. 

3. Get a Quote

Once you submit your surety bond application form, you will receive a free quote from us. While most customers receive an immediate response, we may need to review more complex situations in depth. If this is the case, we provide quotes within 48 hours.

4. Buy Your Bond

When you are ready to finalize your bond purchase, simply pay the premium online. We will then prepare your new surety bond and email it to you. Your bond can also be mailed to you upon request. 

Our bond experts are available to answer your questions and assist you with your purchase. Please contact us or call us at (877) 514-5146 for assistance.

The Department of Administrative Services Public Works Design and Construction is the authority for the public works bond. The requirement for a public works performance bond is established by Title XLI, Section 447:16. The bond amount is based on the total project amount to ensure that contractors fulfill their contractual obligations and provide protection against potential defaults or breaches in the project.

The Department of Transportation ensures compliance with the right-of-way performance bond. The State of New Hampshire is the obligee for both of these bonds. 

Some municipalities in New Hampshire have bond requirements as well. The obligee is the local governing authority. You can learn more about requirements applicable to these municipalities through these resources:

The term of the required bond varies. The surety bond must remain active in order for the contractor’s work to continue. Bonds must be renewed before the expiration date. You will receive renewal instructions from us prior to your bond’s expiration date.

While the requirements vary based on the governing authority, you can learn how to get a contractor license in New Hampshire through our resources.

In New Hampshire, only specialty contractors such as electricians and plumbers need a state license, but these do not require a surety bond. Most other contractors can operate with a local permit. Note that additional requirements may apply to certain businesses. Common documentation required may include:
 

• Application
• Fees
• Professional resume
• Project bid
• Liability insurance
• Corporate documents filed with the Secretary of State, if applicable

To learn more about the license or permit required for your trade, visit the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) website or contact the local governing authority.