Nevada Contractor License Bonds

How Much Does a Contractor License Bond Cost in Nevada?

What Does a Contractor License Bond Protect Against?

The bond protects project owners, suppliers, employees and consumers in the state of Nevada in the event that the contractor violates licensing guidelines defined in Chapter 624, Nevada Revised Statutes. Harmed parties may submit a valid claim against the bond for damages incurred.

The following are common reasons for a valid claim against the bond.

• Damage to owner related to contractor's failure to perform contract or remove liens filed against property
• Violations committed against employees of the contractor providing labor in the area of the construction site
• Losses by suppliers furnishing materials or equipment related to the contract that were caused by contractor’s non-compliance.
• Injuries to others due to unlawful acts or omissions by the contractor

Getting Your Nevada Business License or Registration

Following are the general steps that must be completed to receive your license.

• Obtain and complete an Application for a Contractor’s License in its entirety. Form may be obtained from any office of the Nevada State Contractors Board or via the Nevada State Contractors Board Web site, www.nscb.state.nv.us.
• Submit the application, the processing fee, and all required documents to either office the Nevada State Contractors Board. Important note from the Contractors Board: Do not submit a surety bond with your application. Upon successful completion of your examination and/or approval of your application, you will be given your specific bond amount required. You must submit ALL required documents together to avoid delays. Your license will not be issued until all requirements have been met.
• Once your application is approved, you will submit the license fee, surety license bond in the amount indicated in your approval letter, and other requirements as outlined by the Contractors' Board.

The Nevada State Contractors Board licenses contractors by trades or fields of the construction profession. Each separate trade is recognized as a “classification.” The Nevada State Contractors Board issues licenses for the following classifications:

• Class “A”—General Engineering Contractor. The principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill.
• Class “B”—General Building Contractor. The principal business is in connection with the construction or remodeling of buildings or structures for the support, shelter and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind, requiring in their construction the use of more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, upon which he or she is a prime contractor and where the construction or remodeling of a building is the primary purpose.
• Class “C”—Specialty Contractor. There are 36 separate primary “C” license classifications for contractors whose construction work requires special skill and whose principal contracting business involves the use of specialized building trades or crafts. Manufacturers are considered to be contractors if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair.

Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Nevada. The first offense is a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $1,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 6 months. The second offense is a gross misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than $2,000 nor more than $4,000, and may be further punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 1 year. The third or subsequent offense is a category E felony and subject to a fine of up to $5,000 not more than $10,000 and may be further punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to 1 year but not more than 4 years.

Other Helpful Information and Links

Nevada State Contractors Board Bond Requirements

Nevada State Contractors Board Overview Of Contractor License Requirements For Nevada

NEVADA STATE CONTRACTORS BOARD BOND FORM

All contractor's issued licenses in the State of Nevada are required to a contractor license surety bond. The bond amount is determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board and the bond amount varies from $1,000 to $500,000. The Board sets the bond amount based on the type of license requested, monetary limit granted, financial responsibility, experience, and the character of the applicant. Once approved, the applicant will receive notification regarding the amount of bond required.

A surety bond or a cash deposit can be submitted to satisfy the requirement. Surety Bonds Direct is a fully licensed and authorized agent for issuing contractor license bonds in Nevada and all of our surety company partners are authorized to transact business in the State of Nevada, and have long-term obligations rated "A" or better. The bond is effective for a 2-year period unless canceled by the surety company. In order to effect cancelation, the surety company must provide 60 days advance written notice to the State Contractors' Board.