North Carolina Surety Bond Requirements
In North Carolina, many professionals and businesses are legally obligated to obtain a surety bond to secure a license or permit, undertake specific projects, or meet court-imposed requirements. These bonds are mandated by state and local regulations to protect consumers and ensure compliance with laws and contractual agreements.
Here are the main categories of surety bonds required in North Carolina:
- License & Permit Bonds – Professionals like auto dealers, contractors, and notaries must obtain a surety bond as part of their licensing requirements. For instance, an auto dealer in North Carolina must secure an auto dealer bond to operate legally.
- Contract Bonds – These are essential for construction and project-based work. They ensure contractors complete projects as agreed, pay subcontractors and meet quality standards. Examples include performance bonds, payment bonds, and bid bonds.
- Court Bonds – Required for specific legal proceedings, these bonds ensure adherence to court orders and protect the interests of involved parties.
- Fidelity Bonds – Although not required by law, fidelity bonds are often requested in private contracts to protect businesses and clients from financial losses due to employee dishonesty, such as theft or fraud.
Most Popular Surety Bonds in North Carolina
We provide a wide range of surety bonds in North Carolina. Below are some of the most commonly required bonds:
- North Carolina Auto Dealer Bonds: Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-288, auto dealers must post a $50,000 surety bond to get their license, with an additional $25,000 bond for each extra dealership location. This bond protects individuals from fraud or violations by the dealer or their representatives.
- Title Bonds: The North Carolina title bond, starting at $100, establishes legal vehicle ownership and protects previous owners, lienholders, and future owners from losses due to a new title issuance.
- North Carolina Contractor License Bonds: These bonds are required for contractors to obtain or renew their licenses, ensuring they comply with state and local regulations. Bond amounts vary by classification, such as $1,000,000 for general contractors and $10,000 for irrigation and landscape contractors.
- North Carolina Landscape Contractor Bond: North Carolina Statutes Chapter 89D-16 requires landscape contractor license applicants to file a $10,000 surety bond. It protects individuals from losses due to contractor noncompliance or work defects, which must be remedied within one year of said defective work.
- North Carolina Mortgage Broker Bonds: North Carolina mortgage broker license applicants are required to secure a mortgage broker bond. First-time applicants must obtain a $75,000 bond, while renewal applicants need a bond in the amounts of $75,000, $125,000, or $250,000, based on their annual loan volume.
- North Carolina Collection Agency Bonds: The North Carolina Department of Insurance requires collection agencies to file surety bonds: $10,000 for domestic and foreign agencies and $20,000 for alien agencies operating outside the U.S. North Carolina collection agency bonds protect clients by ensuring agencies comply with state regulations, with the surety covering losses from unlawful conduct, reimbursed by the agency.
- North Carolina Money Transmitter Bonds: Money transmitters in North Carolina must post a surety bond of $150,000 to $250,000, based on the volume of money transmitted over the past 12 months, as required by the Office of the Commissioner of Banks. This bond protects customers if the money transmitter violates the North Carolina Money Transmitters Act.
- North Carolina Public Adjuster Bonds: North Carolina General Statute 58-33A-50 mandates a $20,000 surety bond for public adjuster licensing. The North Carolina Public Adjuster Bond protects individuals from fraud or unfair practices by licensed adjusters.
- Supersedeas Bonds: In North Carolina, a supersedeas bond—also known as an appeal bond—is typically required when appealing a civil judgment to stay its execution during the appeal process. The cost of a supersedeas bond varies but typically falls between 0.3% to 4% of the bond amount: for instance, a $1,000,000 bond could cost $3,000 to $40,000, depending on the appellant's financial strength and case details.
- Payment and Performance Bonds: North Carolina performance bonds are used in construction and real estate development to ensure project completion. Owners or investors often require developers to secure these bonds, guaranteeing the project's value is protected in case of contractor default or unforeseen issues.
Bond requirements can vary even within different cities in North Carolina. For instance, the city of Charlotte mandates a license surety bond for anyone looking to start their own business. Similarly, Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services requires contractors working in Charlotte or elsewhere in the county to obtain a contract bond.
The table below lists most of the surety bonds we offer in the state of North Carolina. If you need a bond not listed here, contact us for assistance.
Find the Bond You Need
The table below contains a list of only the most popular surety bonds. If you can't find yours, fill out our online application and select "Not in the list".
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) | FMCSA | N/A | Apply Now |
Agricultural (Non-Livestock) Bond | NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Serv. | Grain Dealer's Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | NC Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board | Irrigation Contractor's License | Apply Now |
Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Servic | Land Use and Construction Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Greensboro | Privilege License Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | Obligee info for this request was wrong | Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) B | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | NC Manufactured Housing Board | Set-Up Contractor License | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | State of North Carolina, County of Wake | Home Warranty Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | North Carolina Department of Insurance | Modular Building Set-Up Contractor License Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | NC Landscape Contractors Board | Landscape Contractors' Licensing Compliance Bond | Apply Now |
Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) Bond | NC Secretary of State | Investment Advisor's | Apply Now |
Collection Agency Bond | Dept of Insurance | 2013-2014 New Domestic Collection Agency Bond | Apply Now |
Debt Consolidators Bond | Attorney General | Credit Repair License | Apply Now |
Professional Fund Raisers Bond | NC Sec. of State: Charitable Solicitation Section | Solicitors | Apply Now |
Insurance Adjusters Bond | North Carolina Dept of Insurance | Public Adjuster Insurance | Apply Now |
Insurance Agents/Brokers Bond | Commissioner of Insurance | Broker Insurance | Apply Now |
Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond | Commissioner of Banks | Mortgage Broker Surety | Apply Now |
Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond | Commissioner of Banks | Reverse Mortgage Bond | Apply Now |
Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond | North Carolina Commissioner of Banks | Mortgage Broker Bond | Apply Now |
Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond | Commissioner of Banks | Mortgage Lender | Apply Now |
Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond | Commissioner of Banks | Mortgage Lender | Apply Now |
Small Loan Companies Bond | North Carolina Secretary of State | Loan Broker | Apply Now |
Defective Title Bond | NC DMV Vehicle Title | Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Indemnity Bond | Apply Now |
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond | Division of Motor Vehicles - License & Theft Burea | Motor Vehicle Dealer | Apply Now |
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond | Dept of Insurance Division of Motor Vehicle | Manufactured Housing Dealers | Apply Now |
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (Used Only, No New) Bond | Division of Motor Vehicles - License & Theft Burea | Motor Vehicle Dealer | Apply Now |
Sport Permits Bond | Dept. of Crime Control & Public Safety, Alcohol La | Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts Promoter's Surety Bond | Apply Now |
Employment Agencies Bond | Department of Insurance | Professional Employer Organization | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | NC Department of Crime Control & Public Safety | Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | NC Department of Crime Control & Public Safety | Precious Metals Dealer (CC&PS Form 7) | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | State of North Carolina | Business Opportunity Surety Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Attorney General | Prepaid Entertainment | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | City of Asheville - Public Works Department | City of Asheville License Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | North Carolina Utilities Commission | Public Utility Franchise Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | NC Department of Public Safety | Precious Metal Dealer Bond | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | State Board of Community College | Community College License Bond | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | NC Division of Motor Vehicles | Commercial Driver Training School and Instructors | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | Board of Barber Examiners | Barber School Guaranty Bond | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | State Board of Community College | Cosmetic Art Examiners Guaranty | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | North Carolina State Approving Agency | Private School Bond | Apply Now |
Cigar/Cigarette & Tobacco Tax Bond | North Carolina Dept. of Revenue | Tax Bond for Tobacco Products Other Than Cigarette | Apply Now |
Cigar/Cigarette & Tobacco Tax Bond | NORTH CAROLINA DEPT OF REV | Tax Bond for Cigarettes | Apply Now |
Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond | North Carolina Department of Revenue | Motor Fuels Tax Liability Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Duke Energy | Duke Energy | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. | Utility Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Kinston Public Services | Utility Guarantee Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Union Power Cooperative | Union Power Cooperative Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Dominion North Carolina Power | Utility Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Duke Energy Florida, Inc | Utility Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | City of New Bern | In Lieu of Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Duke Energy Progress | (Duke Energy) Electric Service Bond | Apply Now |
Financial Guarantee (All Other) Bond | The North Carolina Community College System | GUARANTY | Apply Now |
Financial Guarantee (All Other) Bond | North Carolina Community College System | Guaranty | Apply Now |
Lottery Bond | North Carolina Lottery Commission | Education Lottery Bond | Apply Now |
Lottery Bond | North Carolina Lottery Commission | Education Lottery Bond | Apply Now |
Appraisal Management | North Carolina Appraisal Board | Appraisal Management Company Bond | Apply Now |
How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost in North Carolina?
The cost of a surety bond in North Carolina depends on several factors, including:
- The bond amount required by the obligee
- The type of bond
- Your financial credentials, such as credit score and financial history.
Surety bond premiums are generally a small percentage of the bond's total amount that typically falls between 1% and 10%, depending on factors such as the applicant's credit history. Those with excellent credit scores may qualify for rates as low as 1% of the bond amount, making the process more affordable.

Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit in North Carolina?
Yes, even with bad credit, you can still get bonded in North Carolina. Applicants with financial challenges, such as low credit scores, tax liens, or civil judgments, may face higher premiums, but Bryant Surety Bonds offers a specialized bad credit bond program. Rates typically range from 3%-10% of the total bond amount.
This program enables individuals with less-than-perfect credit to secure the bonds they need to meet state or business requirements. As applicants improve their credit score and financial situation over time, they may reapply and qualify for lower premiums.
You can estimate your surety bond cost using our online calculator below.
How to Get Your North Carolina Surety Bond in 4 Simple Steps
- Submit your application – Fill out our quick online form with your business information.
- Receive a free quote – Get your bond quote within minutes, with some bonds qualifying for instant approval!
- Pay your bond premium through our online system.
- Obtain your bond – We’ll provide your bond and can assist you with filing it with the appropriate obligee.
If you’re unsure about the bond requirements for your business in North Carolina, our agents are ready to help. Call us at 866.450.3412 for assistance in meeting your state or local bonding needs!
Agency License in North Carolina
Bryant Surety Bonds is fully licensed to issue surety bonds in North Carolina, ensuring you receive trusted and compliant service.
Agency License # 1000649233