A Nevada contractor license bond guarantees you will follow state construction laws, complete projects properly, and protect consumers from financial harm. It is enforced by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) and ensures compliance with Chapter 624 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. The amount is set by the NSCB and ranges from $1,000 to $500,000. You pay a premium, generally 1% to 10% of the bond limit, based mostly on your credit.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who requires it | Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) |
| Governing law | NRS Chapter 624 |
| Bond amount | $1,000 to $500,000, set by the NSCB |
| Premium | Generally 1% to 10% of the bond limit based on credit, experience, |
| Handyman starter license | Fixed $2,000 bond (projects under $7,000, SB130) |
| Coverage | Must be continuous, 60-day cancellation notice |
| Cash alternative | Allowed, held 2 years after license ends, $200 biennial fee |
How the NSCB sets your bond amount
Nevada does not use a flat bond amount. The NSCB evaluates your license class, financial responsibility, character, requested project monetary limit, and experience to assign a required bond between $1,000 and $500,000.
The bond must stay continuous with zero lapses. A surety must give 60 days’ notice to cancel a bond, and a lapse leads to license suspension or revocation.
How much does it cost?
You do not pay the full bond amount. You pay an annual premium, generally 1% to 10% of the bond limit, set mainly by your personal credit and years in the industry. For example, a $15,000 bond may cost as little as $150 to $450 per year.
| Assigned bond limit | Good credit (about 1% to 3%) | Poor credit (about 5% to 10%) |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 (handyman) | $60 to $79 | $100 to $200 |
| $10,000 | $100 to $300 | $500 to $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $500 to $1,500 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $1,000 to $3,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 |
Special and additional bonding rules
- Handyman exception: under the Nevada Handyman Bill (SB130), a restricted starter license for projects under $7,000 requires only a fixed $2,000 bond.
- Cash alternative: you can post a cash deposit by cashier’s check instead of a surety bond. The NSCB charges a $200 biennial administrative fee, and the cash is held for two years after the license terminates.
- Residential down payments: contractors are capped at taking down payments of $1,000 or 10% of the project price, whichever is less. To accept larger deposits, you must buy an optional $100,000 Consumer Protection Bond.
- Pool and spa contractors: residential pool and spa licensees must hold a separate consumer protection bond, which ranges from $10,000 to $400,000, and may require performance and payment bonds of at least 50% of the total contract amount.
- Public works: public construction bidding falls under Nevada’s Little Miller Act (NRS 339), which requires separate performance and payment bonds set at 100% of the total contract value.
How to get bonded
- Submit your contractor license application to the NSCB.
- Once the Board approves your license, it notifies you of your specific bond amount.
- Purchase the bond from a state-approved, A-rated surety company.
- Sign the official Board-provided form (corporate officer for corporations, or owner for sole proprietorships).
- File the executed original bond with the NSCB to activate your license.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Nevada contractor license bond?
The bond ranges from $1,000 to $500,000, set by the NSCB. The premium is generally 1% to 10% of that amount, so a $15,000 bond may cost about $150 to $450 a year with good credit.
Who decides my bond amount?
The NSCB, based on your license class, finances, character, project monetary limit, and experience.
Is there a smaller option for small jobs?
Yes. The handyman starter license under SB130 covers projects under $7,000 and requires only a fixed $2,000 bond.
Can I post cash instead of a bond?
Yes, but the NSCB charges a $200 biennial fee and holds the cash for two years after your license ends.
What happens if my bond lapses?
Coverage must be continuous. A lapse leads to license suspension or revocation, and the surety must give 60 days’ notice before canceling.
