Louisiana Contractor License Bond
What is a contractor license bond in Louisiana?
Several cities and counties in Louisiana require contractors to secure a surety bond to conduct work in their area. Locations include Ascension Parish, the City of Lake Charles, and Gonzales. Contractor license bond requirements may vary by location. Generally, they ensure contractors act as legally compliant professionals, following industry rules and regulations.
Act 204 of the Louisiana Administrative Code allows civil action filing against any contractor acting with non-compliant behavior. Most claims relate to being improperly licensed for work being performed.
Get a Louisiana Contractor License Bond:
How do contractor bonds work?
Contractor license bonds help protect parties that suffer harm or experience devastating financial effects if a contractor acts unethically or breaks their bond contract. Louisiana contractor license bonds are contracts between three entities:
- The contracted company (the principal)
- The city requiring the bond for the work taking place in their area (the obligee)
- An organization taking on the responsibility for incidents that may occur (the surety)
Learn more about how contractor license bonds work in our complete guide.
Louisiana Contractor License Bond Requirements
If you want to work as a contractor in Louisiana, there are a variety of forms you may need to file with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. While the state doesn’t require a Louisiana contractor license bond, some cities and counties do.
Ascension Parish
Ascension Parish regulations apply to building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors. Required documents include:
- Copy of the current State Contractors License or State Residential License
- Certificate of Insurance for General Liability
- Copy of the current Sales Tax Registration Certificate from the State of Louisiana – Department of Revenue
- $5,000 surety bond
Licenses expire every year on December 1 and must be renewed by January 1 to remain compliant. More information is available on the city website.
Lake Charles
Lake Charles regulations apply to electrical contractors and may also apply to other types of construction contractors. You may need a $7,500 surety bond to be licensed in this city. Licenses expire every year on January 1. Find all provisions in the Lake Charles Code of Ordinances.
Gonzales
Gonzales regulations apply to most contractors completing electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and building work. This may include projects involving pools, signs and banners, and fences. Required surety bond amounts may range from $1,000 to $5,000. Find all provisions in the Gonzales Code of Ordinances.
If you plan to operate your business in Louisiana, check with your local governing organization or contact ZipBonds to understand when you’ll need a contractor’s license and bond to run your business.
Get Your Contractor License Bond in Louisiana
ZipBonds is 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.