Texas Surety Bond Requirements
In Texas, professionals in many industries are legally required to obtain a surety bond in order to obtain a state license or permit, work on a specific project, or when required by courts. State and local laws mandate these bonds to protect consumers and guarantee compliance with applicable regulations.
Surety bonds are a legally binding agreement between three parties:
- The principal - the professional who is required to get a surety bond
- The obligee - the party requiring the bond, e.g. Texas Secretary of State
- The surety - the surety bond company that financially backs the bond on behalf of the principal
Below are the general types of surety bonds required in the state of Texas:
- License & Permit Bonds - These bonds are required for professionals such as contractors, auto dealers, and notaries as part of their requirements to legally operate in the state of Texas.
- Contract Bonds - Used in construction and project-based work to guarantee that contractors meet project standards, pay subcontractors, and complete work as agreed. Examples of such bonds are payment bonds, performance bonds, and bid bonds.
- Court Bonds - Required for various legal proceedings to ensure compliance with court orders and protect involved parties. Examples are supersedeas bonds and probate bonds.
- Fidelity Bonds - These bonds are not mandated by law in Texas but are often required by clients or contracts to protect against employee dishonesty, such as theft when working on client properties.
Most Popular Bonds in Texas
These are some of the most common Texas surety bonds, along with a brief description of who needs them:
- Auto Dealer Bond - TxDMV requires new and used car dealers to obtain a $50,000 surety bond as part of their licensing requirements.
- Contractor License Bond - Different types of contractors such as plumbers, electrical contractors, and other specialty contractors are required to obtain a surety bond. Requirements may vary between cities and municipalities.
- Freight Broker Bond - Freight brokers and freight forwarders in all states are required by the FMCSA to obtain a $75,000 surety bond as a type of financial protection for carriers and shippers.
- Mortgage Broker Bond - The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending requires mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders to acquire a surety bond. The bond amount is based on their servicing volume.
- Texas Title Bond - Required by the Texas DMV, this bond guarantees ownership of your motor vehicle when you don’t have a title. The bond amount is typically equal to 1.5 times the value of the vehicle.
- Notary Bond - The state law requires a 4-year notary bond in the amount of $10,000 in order to become a notary in Texas.
Bryant Surety Bonds offers all types of surety bonds in the state of Texas. Complete our online application to apply for the surety bond you need for your business. Our agents are here to help you.
The table below lists most of the surety bonds we offer in the state of Texas.
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 | Texas Department of Agriculture | Child and Adult Care Food Program Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License (No P&P Language) Bond | City of Abilene | Building Contractor's Bond (City of Abilene) | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Galveston | City of Galveston, TX -(Local) Payment & Performan | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Olmos Park | General Contractor's | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | AEP Texas Central Company | Pole Attachment | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of El Paso | Development Services Blanket Building and Construc | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Galveston | General Contractor License Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of El Paso - Development Services Dept | Blanket Building & Construction Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Sonora | City of Sonora Electrical Contractor Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | County of El Paso | Blanket Building & Construction Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Kirby | Home Improvement Contractor's/Salesman Bond | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Midland | Contractors Bond (City of Midland, TX) | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Abilene | Building Contractor's Bond (City of Abilene) | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | Town of Horizon City | Blanket Building and Construction Bond (Town of Ho | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (Local) Bond | City of Dallas | Paving Bond (City of Dallas) | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | City of El Paso | Development Services Dept Blanket Building & Const | Apply Now |
Contractor License Performance & Payment (State) Bond | State of Texas | Service Contract Provider Surety | Apply Now |
Excess Weight, Other Highway & Street Permit Bond | Dept. of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Division | Over Axle and Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit B | Apply Now |
Collection Agency Bond | Secretary of State, Statutory Documents Section | Third Party Debt Collector | Apply Now |
Collection Agency Bond | Texas Department of Banking | Private Child Support Enforcement Agencies Bond | Apply Now |
Debt Consolidators Bond | Secretary of State | Credit Services Organization | Apply Now |
Debt Consolidators Bond | The Office of Consumer Credit | Consumer Debt Management Services | Apply Now |
Insurance Adjusters Bond | Texas Department of Insurance | Public Insurance Adjuster Bond | Apply Now |
Insurance Agents/Brokers Bond | Department of Insurance | Insurance Agency | Apply Now |
Insurance Agents/Brokers Bond | Texas Department of Insurance | Discount Health Care Program Operator | Apply Now |
Mortgage Broker (1st & 2nd Mortgages) Bond | Dept of Savings and Mortgage Lending | Residential Mortgage Loan Servicer | Apply Now |
Mortgage Lender/Banker (1st & 2nd Mort.) Bond | Dept of Savings and Mortgage Lending | Mortgage Lender | Apply Now |
Small Loan Companies Bond | STATE OF TEXAS | CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION SURETY | Apply Now |
Title Insurance Agents & Escrow Officers Bond | Texas Department of Insurance | Texas Escrow Officers Schedule Bond | Apply Now |
Title Insurance Agents & Escrow Officers Bond | Department of Insurance | Title Insurance Agent's Direct Operation's Bond | Apply Now |
Defective Title Bond | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | Certificate of Title Bond | Apply Now |
Auto & Mobile Home Dealers (New & Used) Bond | Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Divis | Motor Vehicle Dealer | Apply Now |
Motor Vehicle (Non-Dealer, Not Listed) Bond | Dept of Housing and Community Affairs - MHD | Continuous Manufactured Housing License | Apply Now |
Sport Permits Bond | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation | Combative Sports Promoter Bond | Apply Now |
Sport Permits Bond | Secretary of State | Athlete Agent | Apply Now |
Health Spas/Health Clubs Bond | Secretary of State | Health Spa | Apply Now |
Employment Agencies Bond | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation | PERSONNEL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SURETY | Apply Now |
Employment Agencies Bond | TX Dept of Licensing and Regulation | Staff Leasing Service | Apply Now |
Medicare & Medicaid (Durable Equip, State) Bond | Medicaid & Health Partnership | Medicaid Provider Bond | Apply Now |
Nursing Homes Bond | Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services | Nursing Homes | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation | TALENT AGENCY BOND | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Texas Department of Health | Subscription Program | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | SECRETARY OF STATE - Statutory Documents Section | Business Opportunity Seller | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Department of Licensing and Regulation | For-Profit Legal Services Contracts | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Texas Real Estate Commission | Residential Service Company Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | CITY OF PLACIOS | Vendor's Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Texas Department of Insurance | Discount Health Care Program Operator Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Secretary of State | Athlete Agent Financial Services Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Department of Transportation | Outdoor Advertisers Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | City of Irving | City of Irving Public Works Restoration Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | City of Copperas Cove, Texas | (City of Copperas Cove, TX) Solicitation Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Secretary of State Registrations Unit | Veterans Organization Solicitor's Bond | Apply Now |
Professional Licenses (All Other) Bond | Texas Department of Insurance-Financial Regulation | Navigator Entity Bond | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | Texas Education Agency | Driver Education School | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | Texas Real Estate Commission | Real Estate School | Apply Now |
Schools (All) Bond | TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY | Driver Education School Bond | Apply Now |
Alcohol (Manufacturers, Warehouses, Wholesalers) Bond | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | Liquor Tax | Apply Now |
Alcohol (Manufacturers, Warehouses, Wholesalers) Bond | Texas Department of Agriculture | Grain Warehouse Schedule D- Operator Bond | Apply Now |
Alcohol (Manufacturers, Warehouses, Wholesalers) Bond | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | Contract/Alternating Resident and Non Resident Bre | Apply Now |
Alcohol (Retailers) Bond | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Gross Receipts Tax Bond | Apply Now |
Alcohol (Retailers) Bond | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Sales Tax Bond | Apply Now |
Alcohol (All Others) Bond | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | Conduct Surety Bond | Apply Now |
Alcohol (All Others) Bond | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | TABC - Performance | Apply Now |
Alcohol (All Others) Bond | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | Tax Bond | Apply Now |
Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond | Comptroller of Public Accounts | Motor Fuels Tax (Diesel) Continuous | Apply Now |
Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond | Comptroller of Public Accounts | Motor Fuels Tax (Gasoline) Continuous | Apply Now |
Fuel Tax (All Others, Sellers & Users) Bond | Comptroller of Public Accounts | International Fuel Tax License Bond | Apply Now |
Miscellaneous Taxes Bond | TX Dept of Licensing and Regulation | Combative Sports Bond For Gross Receipts Tax | Apply Now |
Sales, Use & Consumer Tax Bond | Dept. of Licensing | Continuous Bond of Seller (Sales Tax) | Apply Now |
Sales, Use & Consumer Tax Bond | Texas State Comptroller | Customs Broker | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | City of Houston | Utility Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | City of Dallas Water Department | Guaranty Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Atmos Energy Corporation | Atmos Energy Utility Deposit Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | Texas New Mexico Power Company | Texas-New Mexico Power Company Utility Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | CenterPoint Energy | Centerpoint Energy Utility Bond | Apply Now |
Utility Deposit Bond | City of Chillicothe-Chillicothe Municipal Utilitie | Utility Payment Bond (Chillicothe Municipal) | Apply Now |
Lottery Bond | Texas Lottery Commission | Bingo Prize Fees | Apply Now |
Money Transmitter Bond | Texas Banking Commissioner | Money Services Bond | Apply Now |
Telemarketing/Phone Solicitor Bond | Office of Attorney General | Telephone Solicitation | Apply Now |
Telemarketing/Phone Solicitor Bond | Charitable Trust Section Consumer Protection Divis | Commercial Telephone Solicitor | Apply Now |
Telemarketing/Phone Solicitor Bond | Texas - Office of Attorney General | Public Safety Organization, Independent Promoter | Apply Now |
Warranty Bond | State of Texas | Service Contract Provider | Apply Now |
Surety Bond Requirements by City
Some cities in Texas have additional local bonding requirements. Here’s a quick overview:
- Houston: Requires a $50,000 auto dealer bond for new and used car dealers as part of the licensing process.
- Dallas: Contractors must post a paving bond to work on public streets and sidewalks.
- Austin: Contractors may need a contractor license bond to secure permits for various construction projects.
- San Antonio: Certain industries, like health spas, require a bond to guarantee compliance with city regulations.
- El Paso: Contractors may need a blanket building bond to cover multiple construction projects within the city.
- Fort Worth: Some professionals, such as solicitors, must obtain a vendor bond to operate legally in public spaces.
How Much Is a Surety Bond in Texas?
The surety bond cost in Texas typically falls between 0.5% and 10% of the total bond amount. The final price is determined by the surety bond underwriter and depends on several factors, including:
- Bond amount: The cost you will pay for the bond is a percentage of the bond’s total amount.
- Credit score: Applicants with good credit can expect to pay between 0.5%-3% of the bond amount. For example, a $50,000 surety bond may cost between $250 and $1,500 annually.
- Bond type: The specific type of bond required can influence the premium amount. For instance, certain businesses, such as freight brokers, could be considered higher risk due to the high number of claims associated with their operations, which can result in higher bond premiums. In contrast, lower-risk industries may benefit from more affordable bond rates.
- Industry experience: Applicants with extensive experience in the industry may be received as more reliable which could result in lower bond cost.
- Business financials: Strong financial statements indicate business stability and could lead to lower bond rates.

Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit in Texas?
Even with bad credit, you can still get bonded in Texas. While high-risk applicants (those with no credit, low credit, or tax liens, civil judgments, etc.) may face higher premiums, Bryant Surety Bonds offers a special bad credit bond program, with rates ranging from 5%-15% of the bond amount.
This program provides bonding options for individuals with financial challenges, allowing those with lower credit scores to meet their bonding requirements. Over time, as applicants improve their credit score and financial standing, they can reapply and qualify for lower premiums.
You can get a ballpark estimate of your surety bond cost by using our calculator below.
To get a firm quote, you need to apply online. It’s free and there is no obligation to purchase the bond.
Get Your Texas Surety Bond in 4 Easy Steps
- Apply Online – Fill out our quick online form with your business details.
- Get a FREE Quote – Receive your bond quote within minutes. Some bonds offer instant approval!
- Pay – Securely pay your premium online.
- Receive Your Bond – We’ll send your bond and our agents can also help you file it with the respective obligee.
Not sure about the specific bond requirements for your business in Texas? No problem—our agents are here to help you meet your specific requirements in any state in the US. Contact us today at 866.450.3412!
Agency License in Texas
Bryant Surety Bonds holds a legal license to issue surety bonds in Texas.
Agency License # 2431403