Illinois Contractor License Bond
What is an Illinois contractor license bond?
Contractor license bonds aim to ensure clients that their contractors will abide by all local and state rules and meet their contractual obligations. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation determines licensing and bonding requirements for contractors throughout the state.
Under Illinois law, only licensed plumbing and roofing contractors must obtain an Illinois contractor license bond. Although, other contractors in the state may be subject to licensing and bonding requirements through local governments (see at the bottom of the page). Common contractor types that require surety bonds are:
- Carpentry or structural contractors
- Commercial contractors
- Electrical contractors
- General contractors
- HVAC contractors
- Masonry contractors
- Mechanical contractors
- Residential contractors
- Wrecking or excavation contractors
Check with your local city or county licensing authorities for complete information on licensing and bonding requirements in your area. You can also learn more about how contractor license bonds work in our complete guide.
Get Your Illinois Contractor License Bond:
Illinois Contractor License Bond Amounts and Costs
The bond amount required for various license types in different parts of Illinois range from $5,000 to $50,000. The bond premium is the amount contractors must pay to obtain their required bond. The premium is usually 1%-5% of the bond amount, depending on personal credit score and business finances/experience.
Common License Types and Bond Amounts in Illinois
- Roofing contractor (limited license): $10,000
- Roofing contractor (unlimited license): $25,000
- Plumbing contractor bond: $20,000
- General contractor bond (varies across cities): $5,000 to $50,000
Roofing contractors must post their bonds with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and plumbing contractors post their bonds with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Renewing Your Surety Bond
Several cities and counties in Illinois require contractor bonds to remain active alongside licenses, so the bond term ends on a specific date along with the license. The cost of the bond may fluctuate if the initial bond term is longer or shorter than the standard 12-month period. Contractor licenses and license bonds must be renewed on time to stay active.
Cities & Counties That Require Contractor Bonds
Get Your Contractor License Bond in Illinois
ZipBonds offers the fastest and most secure option for getting bonded. Our all-digital platform is intuitive and straightforward. Apply online, email support@zipbonds.com or call 888.435.4191 to speak with an agent directly.
About ZipBonds.com
Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.