Tennessee
Contractor License Bonds

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What Is a Tennessee Contractor License Bond?

A Tennessee contractor license bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees contractors will follow all applicable laws and building codes when performing construction work. The bond protects the public from financial losses if a contractor does faulty work or doesn't comply with licensing regulations.

How Much Do Tennessee Contractor Bonds Cost?

Tennessee contractor license bond premiums typically cost $100–$10,000 per year. You’ll receive your personal premium cost instantly once you complete our quick application form. 


Most city-level contractor license bonds in Tennessee cost $100–$250 per year and are available for instant online purchase. Bond coverage and pricing may vary, so find your bond below to get an exact quote. 

Bond Type
$500,000Contractor's License BondMonetary limit is $1,500,000 or less
$1,000,000Contractor's License BondMonetary limit exceeds $1,500,000
$10,000Home Improvement Contractor Bond
$10,000Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractor Bond
$1,000-$100,000City of Chattanooga Out of State Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Franklin Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Gallatin Contractor Bond Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Mechanical and Excavation Contractor
$50,000City of Gallatin Contractor Bond General Contractor
$40,000City of Goodlettsville Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, or Excavation Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Goodlettsville General Contractor BondGeneral contractors performing jobs costing $24,999 or less
$50,000City of Goodlettsville General Contractor BondGeneral contractors performing jobs costing $25,000 or more
$10,000City of Hendersonville Contractor Bondcontract/bid amounts less than $25,000
$40,000City of Hendersonville Contractor Bondelectrical, plumbing, or gas/mechanical contractors
$50,000City of Hendersonville Contractor Bondexcavation and pool contractors; contract/bid amounts greater than $25,000
$10,000City of Johnson City Building License Bond
$10,000City of Johnson City Plumbing License Bond
$10,000City of Kingsport Gas and Mechanical Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Kingsport Electrical Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Kingsport Plumbing Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Knoxville Electrical Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Knoxville Mechanical Contractor Bond
$500-$25,000City of Knoxville Out of State Contractor Bond
$25,001-$100,000City of Knoxville Out of State Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Knoxville Plumbing Contractor Bond
$2,000City of Morristown Electrical Contractor Bond
$5,000City of Morristown Gas Contractor Bond
$5,000City of Morristown Plumbing Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Nashville/Davidson County Contractor Permit BondContracts or Bids Under $25,000; Blasting Contractors
$40,000City of Nashville/Davidson County Contractor Permit BondContracts or Bids $25,000 and More; House Moving Contractors
$10,000Hamilton County Contractor License Bond
$500-$10,000Knox County Out of State Contractor Bond
$10,001-$100,000Knox County Out of State Contractor Bond
$25,000Memphis and Shelby County Contractor Bond
$10,000Manufactured Home Stabilizing System Installer Bond
$25,000City of Chattanooga Street Obstruction and Excavation Bond
$5,000Memphis and Shelby County Backflow Prevention Device Tester Bond
$10,000City of Knoxville Gas Installation & Serviceman's Bond
$10,000City of Johnson City Gas/Mechanical Contractor License Bond
$10,000City of Franklin Contractor Security Agreement Bond
VariesCity of Goodlettsville Permit Bond
VariesCity of Goodlettsville Permit Bond
VariesCity of Goodlettsville Permit Bond
$10,000City of Johnson Electrical Contractor License Bond
$1,000-$100,000City of Oak Hill Contractor Bond
$10,000City of Lebanon Gas Permit Bond

Who Needs a Tennessee Contractor Bond?

Tennessee contractor bonds are required for licensing and permitting requirements including the following: 

Surety bonds are also required for obtaining local government permits with various county and city government offices in Tennessee. 

Other Construction Bonds in Tennessee

You may also need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond for certain construction projects in Tennessee. If you work in other states, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How to Get a Tennessee Contractor Bond

With SuretyBonds.com, you can get most Tennessee contractor license bonds instantly online. Simply find the bond you need and enter your information. You’ll receive your official bond confirmation in minutes via email. 

Some bonds, including the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors bond, require a quick application review to determine pricing. If so, apply online and a representative will contact you within one business day. 

How Fast Can I Get My Bond?

SuretyBonds.com offers the fastest and easiest way to get bonded in Tennessee. You can buy most Tennessee contractor license bonds online 24/7 with instant digital delivery. If your obligee requires the original bond form, we offer overnight shipping. 

How Do Tennessee Contract Bonds Work?

Tennessee contractor bonds protect consumers who could be harmed by defective construction or other license noncompliance as well as any unpaid employees, subcontractors, or suppliers. 

If you break the bond terms, the surety company will pay valid claims to harmed parties up to the full bond amount, which you must then reimburse in full.

Who Regulates Tennessee Contractor Licensing?

You must maintain a license with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before bidding on a project worth $25,000 or more. Various cities and counties in Tennessee also enforce their own local contractor license and bond requirements. Ask your local municipality about their license and permit requirements.

How to Get a Contractor License in Tennessee

To be licensed at the state level, complete the following steps and submit a contractor license application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Board for Licensing Contractors:

  1. Take the “Business and Law” and trade exams. 
  2. Prepare a financial statement.
  3. Provide letters of reference.
  4. Purchase general liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance (if applicable).
  5. Identify your business structure and provide the required information.
  6. Notarize and fill out the affidavit.
  7. Complete and sign your application.
  8. Apply online or mail your application and fees to the board. 

The Board reviews and approves applications at monthly meetings. Submit your application by the 20th of the month to be included in the next meeting. 

The contractor licensing requirement for your city or county will vary depending on local laws. Generally, you'll need to submit an application packet and a Tennessee construction bond. Contact your local licensing authority for more specific instructions. 

Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert