{
  "url": "https://scopeofcover.com/requirements/ca/disciplinary-bond",
  "title": "California Contractor Disciplinary Bond Requirements",
  "template": "requirements",
  "published": "2026-10-12",
  "updated": "2026-10-12",
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12",
  "answer": "A disciplinary bond is required for California contractors whose license has been suspended or revoked for violating the Contractors State License Law. Scope of Cover found the minimum amount for this bond is $25,000, and it cannot be more than 10 times the standard contractor license bond. The bond must be filed with the Registrar to reinstate, reissue, or reapply for a license and must remain on file with the CSLB for at least two years.",
  "editor": {
    "name": "Eric Dawson",
    "title": "Editor"
  },
  "publisher": "scopeofcover.com",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-bond-requirement-revocation",
      "statement": "A contractor whose license has been revoked for violating the Contractors State License Law must file a disciplinary bond with the Registrar to reinstate, reissue, or reapply for a new license.",
      "value": "disciplinary bond",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "If a license has been revoked—or in some instances, suspended—for a violation of the Contractors State License Law, the contractor must file a disciplinary bond with the Registrar to reinstate, reissue or reapply for a new license.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-bond-requirement-suspension",
      "statement": "A contractor whose license has been suspended for violating the Contractors State License Law must file a disciplinary bond with the Registrar to reinstate, reissue, or reapply for a new license.",
      "value": "disciplinary bond",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "If a license has been revoked—or in some instances, suspended—for a violation of the Contractors State License Law, the contractor must file a disciplinary bond with the Registrar to reinstate, reissue or reapply for a new license.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-bond-minimum-amount",
      "statement": "The minimum amount for a disciplinary bond is $25,000.",
      "value": 25000,
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "The amount of a disciplinary bond may not be for less than $25,000 or greater than 10 times the contractor license bond, and it must be on file with CSLB for at least two years.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-bond-maximum-amount",
      "statement": "The maximum amount for a disciplinary bond may not be greater than 10 times the contractor license bond.",
      "value": 10,
      "unit": "times the contractor license bond",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "The amount of a disciplinary bond may not be for less than $25,000 or greater than 10 times the contractor license bond, and it must be on file with CSLB for at least two years.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-bond-duration",
      "statement": "A disciplinary bond must remain on file with the CSLB for at least two years.",
      "value": 2,
      "unit": "years",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "The amount of a disciplinary bond may not be for less than $25,000 or greater than 10 times the contractor license bond, and it must be on file with CSLB for at least two years.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-disciplinary-action-unlicensed-work",
      "statement": "Any work performed while a license is suspended is considered unlicensed, and disciplinary action can be taken.",
      "value": "unlicensed",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "Any work performed while the license is suspended is considered to be unlicensed and disciplinary action can be taken against you.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-claimants",
      "statement": "Claims against a surety company may be filed by homeowners, any person damaged by a willful and deliberate violation of a construction contract, or employees damaged by the contractor's failure to pay wages.",
      "value": "homeowners, any person damaged by a willful and deliberate violation of a construction contract or by employees damaged by the contractor's failure to pay wages",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "Claims against a surety company may be filed by homeowners, any person damaged by a willful and deliberate violation of a construction contract or by employees damaged by the contractor's failure to pay wages.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-claim-filing-location",
      "statement": "Consumers must file surety bond claims directly with the surety company that wrote the bond within specified time frames.",
      "value": "surety company",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "Consumers must file surety bond claims with the surety company that wrote the bond within specified time frames.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-cslb-bond-claim-processing",
      "statement": "The CSLB does not process claims against surety companies.",
      "value": "CSLB does not process claims",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "The CSLB does not process claims against surety companies.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-cancellation-period",
      "statement": "A license bond is canceled 30 days from the date that CSLB receives a cancellation notice from a bond company.",
      "value": 30,
      "unit": "days",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "A license bond is canceled 30 days from the date that CSLB receives a cancellation notice from a bond company.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-suspension-due-to-bond-cancellation",
      "statement": "If a bond reinstatement notice or a replacement bond is not received by CSLB before the end of the 30-day period following a cancellation notice, the license is suspended.",
      "value": "suspended",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "If a bond reinstatement notice is not received by CSLB or a replacement bond is not received by CSLB before the end of the 30-day period, the license is suspended.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-reasons-for-bond-cancellation",
      "statement": "Cancellation of a bond can occur if the bond premium is not paid or if the surety pays out some or all of the penal sum of the bond.",
      "value": "non-payment of premium or payout of penal sum",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "Cancellation of the bond can occur if the bond premium is not paid, or if the surety pays out some or all of the penal sum of the bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-cashier-check-claim-process",
      "statement": "If a contractor has a cashier's check instead of a bond, a consumer is required to file a civil action for the bond to be released.",
      "value": "civil action",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "If a contractor has a cashier’s check instead of a bond with an admitted surety insurer, the consumer is required to file a civil action for the bond to be released.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-cashier-check-payout-requirement",
      "statement": "CSLB can only make payment from a cashier's check under a court order.",
      "value": "court order",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "CSLB can only make payment from a cashier's check under a court order.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-cashier-check-inquiry",
      "statement": "Any consumer seeking to file a claim against a cashier’s check should first send an email to CashBonds@cslb.ca.gov to confirm the existence of a cash deposit.",
      "value": "CashBonds@cslb.ca.gov",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "quote": "Any consumer seeking to file a claim against a cashier’s check should first send an email to CashBonds@cslb.ca.gov to confirm the existence of a cash deposit.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-writing-requirement",
      "statement": "A bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.",
      "value": "surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "A bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-receipt-deadline",
      "statement": "An acceptable bond must be received at the CSLB Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.",
      "value": 90,
      "unit": "days",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "An acceptable bond must be received at the CSLB Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-multiple-bonds-restriction",
      "statement": "Only one bond can be in effect at a time, and a second bond filed for the same period cancels out the first bond.",
      "value": "one bond",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "Only one bond can be in effect at a time. A second bond filed for the same period cancels out the first bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-transferability",
      "statement": "Bonds are not transferable from one license to another or from one qualifying individual to another.",
      "value": "not transferable",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "Bonds are not transferable. A bond cannot be transferred from one license to another or from one qualifying individual to another.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-cslb-bond-return-policy",
      "statement": "The CSLB cannot return any bond that has been accepted for an active license.",
      "value": "cannot return bond",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "The CSLB cannot return any bond that has been accepted for an active license.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-effect-duration",
      "statement": "A bond remains in effect until the CSLB receives a notice from the Surety Company canceling the bond.",
      "value": "until CSLB receives cancellation notice",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "A bond remains in effect until the CSLB receives a notice from the Surety Company cancelling the bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-suspension-failure-continuous-bond-coverage",
      "statement": "Failure to maintain continuous bond coverage will result in the license being suspended.",
      "value": "license suspended",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "Failure to maintain continuous bond coverage will result in the license being suspended.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-suspension-bond-reduction-judgment",
      "statement": "A license will be placed under bond suspension if a judgment or payment of claim reduces the amount of a required bond or cashier's check.",
      "value": "bond suspension",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "A judgment or payment of claim reduces the amount of a required bond or cashier's check (Business and Professions Code Section 7071.11).",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-suspension-surety-authorization-loss",
      "statement": "A license will be placed under bond suspension if the surety company is no longer authorized through the California Department of Insurance to conduct business.",
      "value": "bond suspension",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "Your surety company is no longer authorized through the California Department of Insurance to conduct business.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-suspension-lifting-rescission",
      "statement": "A bond suspension can be lifted when a rescission notice from the surety company rescinding the bond cancellation is received and determined to be acceptable.",
      "value": "rescission notice",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "A rescission notice is received from the surety company rescinding the bond cancellation.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-rescission-notice-receipt-deadline",
      "statement": "The rescission notice must be received within 90 days of the bond cancellation date.",
      "value": 90,
      "unit": "days",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "The rescission notice must be received within 90 days of the bond cancellation date",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-suspension-lifting-new-bond",
      "statement": "A bond suspension can be lifted when a new bond or cashier's check is received.",
      "value": "new bond or cashier's check",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "A new bond or cashier's check is received.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-new-bond-receipt-deadline",
      "statement": "A new bond must be received within 90 days of the bond effective date.",
      "value": 90,
      "unit": "days",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "A bond must be received within 90 days of the bond effective date.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-continuous-bond-coverage-requirement",
      "statement": "To avoid a break in licensing time, bond coverage must be continuous.",
      "value": "continuous",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "IMPORTANT: To avoid a break in licensing time, the bond coverage must be continuous.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-new-bond-effective-date",
      "statement": "When purchasing a new bond, ensure that its effective date is the same as the cancellation date of the old bond.",
      "value": "effective date equals cancellation date",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "If purchasing a new bond, make sure that the effective date of the new bond is the same as the cancellation date of the old bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-retroactive-bond-acceptance-condition",
      "statement": "If a bond is not received within 90 days of the bond effective date, it may be accepted and the bond suspension lifted retroactively if failure to have the bond on file with the CSLB was due to circumstances beyond the licensee's control (Business and Professions Code 7071.7).",
      "value": "circumstances beyond licensee's control",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "If a bond is not received within 90 days of the bond effective date, the bond may be accepted and the bond suspension lifted retroactively if failure to have the bond on file with the CSLB was due to circumstances beyond the licensee's control (Business and Professions Code 7071.7).",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-retroactive-bond-acceptance-form",
      "statement": "To request retroactive bond acceptance, a \"Request for 7071.7 Bond Acceptance\" form (13B-31) must be completed explaining the circumstances.",
      "value": "Request for 7071.7 Bond Acceptance form (13B-31)",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "quote": "Complete a \"Request for 7071.7 Bond Acceptance\" form (13B-31) explaining the circumstances.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Bond basics",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/bond_basics.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Bond suspensions",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_suspensions.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: General bond information",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "license": "CC BY 4.0. Attribute to Scope of Cover (https://scopeofcover.com/)."
}