When Do You Need a Surety Bond in Tennessee?

Surety bonds are required in Tennessee to provide financial security and guarantee that the bonded party will comply with state laws, such as the Tennessee Code, and in particular the provisions that govern their type of business.

There are three main types of surety bonds:

  • When applying for a business license, you may be required to post a license or permit bond as part of your application.

  • To work on a public or private construction project, contractors may also be required to post a construction bond before they can bid or perform on a contract.

  • In some cases, you may be required by the court to obtain a specific type of court bond such as supersedeas bond or guardianship bond.

You can learn more about how bonds work through our detailed ‘What is a surety bond’ guide!

Tennessee Auto Dealer Bond

When applying for your Tennessee auto dealer license, you’ll be required to post an auto dealer bond.

Freight Broker Bond

Freight brokers and freight forwarders are required by the FMCSA to provide a $75,000 freight broker surety bond.

Tennessee Contractor License Bond

A number of different contractors in the state of Tennessee must obtain a contractor license bond before they can perform work.

Tennessee Collection Service License Bond

You will need to post a collection agency bond when applying for a collection agency license in Tennessee in an amount from $15,000, to $25,000.

Already know what kind of surety bond you need? Find it in the table below and follow the application link to request your free quote.

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 Tennessee Department of Agriculture Pesticides Apply Now
Agricultural (Non-Livestock) Bond Tennessee Department of Agriculture Pest Control License Bond Apply Now
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson Apply Now
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond Hendersonville Department of Building & Codes City of Hendersonville Permit Bond Apply Now
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond Board of Licensing Contractors, Dept of Commerce a Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor Apply Now
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond Dept. of Commerce & Insurance, Contractor License Home Improvement Contractor Apply Now
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond Memphis & Shelby County Memphis and Shelby County Code Enforcement Bond Apply Now
Investment Advisor (Blue Sky) Bond State of Tennessee Securities Investment Advisor Bond Apply Now
Collection Agency Bond Tennessee Department of commerce and Insurance Collection Service License Bond Apply Now
Collection Agency Bond Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Collection Agency Bond Apply Now
Collection Agency Bond Tennessee Department of Commerce Collection Service License Apply Now
Collection Agency Bond Director of Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs Credit Services Organization Bond Apply Now
Professional Fund Raisers Bond Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming Professional Fund Raising Apply Now
Insurance Adjusters Bond TN Department of Commerce Public Adjusters Apply Now
Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Mortgage Broker, Lender or Servicer Apply Now
Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond STATE OF TENNESSEE Dept OF FINANCIAL INST. Mortgage Lender Apply Now
Small Loan Companies Bond Department of Financial Institutions Title Pledge Lender Apply Now
Small Loan Companies Bond State of Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions Industrial Loan and Thrift Apply Now
Title Insurance Agents & Escrow Officers Bond Dept of Commerce and Insurance Title Insurance Producer's Apply Now
Title Insurance Agents & Escrow Officers Bond Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Title Insurance Producer's Apply Now
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond Motor Vehicle Commission Motor Vehicle Dealer Apply Now
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond Motor Vehicle Commissioner Dealer of Manufactured Homes Apply Now
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (Used Only, No New) Bond Motor Vehicle Commission Motor Vehicle Auction Apply Now
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (Used Only, No New) Bond Motor Vehicle Commission Motor Vehicle Dealer Apply Now
Motor Vehicle (Non-Dealer, Not Listed) Bond Motor Vehicle Commission Motor Vehicle Auction Apply Now
Motor Vehicle (Non-Dealer, Not Listed) Bond Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission Manufactured Home Stabilizing System Installer Bon Apply Now
Motor Vehicle (Non-Dealer, Not Listed) Bond STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE Modular Building Units Installer Bond Apply Now
Motor Vehicle (Non-Dealer, Not Listed) Bond State Fire Marshal's Office - Codes Enforcement Modular Building Units Dealer Bond Apply Now
Sport Permits Bond Tennessee Athletic Commission Professional Boxing or Combat Matches Promoter Apply Now
Health Spas/Health Clubs Bond State of Tennessee Dept of Commerce & Insurance STATE OF TENNESSEE – HEALTH CLUB SURETY Apply Now
Employment Agencies Bond Department of Commerce & Insurance Staff Leasing Company License or Permit Bond Apply Now
Retail Stores & Service Shops State Board of Cosmetology School of Cosmetology Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond State of Tennessee, County of Shelby County Public Officials Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Wildlife Resources Agency Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Department of Agriculture Pest Control License Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Division of Consumer Affairs Beauty Pageant Surety Bond Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Maury County General Session & Circuit Court Probationary Services Provider Perfromance Bond Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond State of Tennessee Securities Division Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Apply Now
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond Business Services Division - Tre Hargett Litigation Financier Bond Apply Now
Schools (All) Bond Tennessee Board of Cosmetology Private School Bond (Cosmetology) Apply Now
Schools (All) Bond Tennessee Higher Education Commission Postsecondary Educational Institutions Bond Apply Now
Schools (All) Bond Tennessee Higher Education Commission Postsecondary Educational Institutions Bond Apply Now
Alcohol (Manufacturers, Warehouses, Wholesalers) Bond Department of Revenue Warehousmen, Dealers, Wholesalers, Manufacturers o Apply Now
Alcohol (Retailers) Bond State of Tennessee ABC Sale of Alcoholic Beverages For Consumption On Pre Apply Now
Alcohol (Retailers) Bond State Tennessee Sale of Alcoholic Beverages For Consumption On Pre Apply Now
Alcohol (All Others) Bond Department of Revenue State of Tennessee License For Consumption On Premises Apply Now
Alcohol (All Others) Bond Department of Revenue Alcohol (All Others) Bond Apply Now
Cigar/Cigarette & Tobacco Tax Bond Tennessee Department of Revenue TOBACCO TAX STAMP AFFIXING AGENT Apply Now
Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond TN Dept of Revenue Petroleum Products and Alternative Fuels Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Clarksville Department of Electricity Utility Deposit Bond Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Electric Board of Chattanooga Electric Service Indemnity Bond (Electric Board of Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Murfreesboro Electric Department Murfreesboro Electric Utility Deposit Bond Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Cookeville Electric Dept. City of Cookeville Electric Dept. Utility Bond Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division Memphis Light, Gas & Water Div Indemnity Bond for Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Nashville Electric Service Electric Service Furnished Bond (Davidson County, Apply Now
Utility Deposit Bond Metro Water Services Utility Bond (Metro Water Services) Apply Now
Lottery Bond Tennessee Education Lottery Corp. Lottery Retailer Apply Now
Telemarketing/Phone Solicitor Bond Tennessee Secretary of State Professional Solicitor Bond Apply Now
Appraisal Management TN Appraisal Commission Appraisal Management Company Bond Apply Now

Call us at 866.450.3412 if you have any questions whatsoever about these bonds!

What’s the Cost of a Surety Bond in Tennessee?

The cost of your Tennessee surety bond, or the premium, that you have to pay is a percentage of the total amount of the bond. The most significant indicator for determining the bond cost is personal credit score. Tennessee surety bond applicants with good score can expect to receive a quote that ranges between 1%-4% of the total amount of the bond they are applying for.

Our Surety Bond Cost page can provide you with plenty of additional and useful information about how surety bond cost is formed.

Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?

Yes, our Bad Credit Surety Bond Program is especially designed for applicants with bad credit. They are usually offered a slightly higher rate, 5%-15% of the total bond amount, due to the increased risk that they posit for the surety.

To get an idea how much your surety bond will cost, try our surety bond cost calculator below!

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Surety Bond Cost Calculator

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How to Apply for a Surety Bond in Tennessee?

To apply for a license or construction bond, simply complete our 2-min online bond application form to get started with your bonding process. You will then receive a free quote on your bond, along with more details on completing the application process.

Start your surety bond application today! Why us?
  • Quick turnaround - just 1-2 business days
  • Tailor-made advice on building a strong application
  • Exclusive bad credit programs

Our experts are available for you to talk to at 866.450.3412. Call us anytime to inquire about surety bonds or receive help with your application.

Further Reading


About us:
Bryant Surety Bonds, Inc. is a surety bond agency based in Pennsylvania. Licensed in all 50 states and with access to over 20 T-listed, A-Rated bonding companies, we have the contacts, expertise, and top service to provide you with a hassle-free experience, all while offering competitive rates for your surety bond.