When You Need a Bond Yesterday
It happens more often than you'd think. A contractor calls on Monday morning because they just found out their license bond lapsed, their CSLB license is suspended, and they've got a crew showing up to a job site on Tuesday that they can't legally work on.
Or a GC gets a call that they're the apparent low bidder on a public works project, but they need to submit a bid bond within 48 hours and they've never been bonded before.
Speed matters in these situations. Every day without a valid bond is a day without revenue, a day of idle crews, or a day closer to losing a contract opportunity.
Same-Day License Bonds
The standard $25,000 California contractor license bond is the easiest bond to expedite. Most surety companies can issue these within hours if your information is complete.
What you need to apply:
Your CSLB license number, personal information for all owners (Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses), a signed indemnity agreement, and payment for the first year's premium.
How credit affects speed:
If your personal credit score is above 650, most sureties use automated underwriting that approves and issues the bond instantly. You sign electronically, pay online, and have your bond in hand within an hour.
Credit scores between 550 and 650 may require additional review, but same-day issuance is still possible with sureties that specialize in this range. You'll pay a higher premium, typically $300 to $500 per year compared to $100 to $200 for strong credit.
Below 550 gets harder. Some sureties require collateral (cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit) to issue bonds for applicants with poor credit. Collateral-backed bonds can still be issued same-day, but you'll need funds available immediately.
Filing with the CSLB:
After the bond is issued, it must be filed with the CSLB before your license reactivates. Many sureties file electronically, and the CSLB processes electronic filings within 24 to 48 hours. Paper filings take longer and should be avoided when speed matters.
Same-Day Bid Bonds
Bid bonds are inherently time-sensitive. You need them before bid submission deadlines, and those deadlines are fixed. Missing the deadline means you can't bid, period.
If you have an existing surety relationship:
Your surety agent can typically issue a bid bond within a few hours. They already have your financial information on file, your indemnity agreement is in place, and the surety underwriter knows your account. A phone call or email to your agent with the project details and bid amount is usually all it takes.
If you're new to bonding:
Getting your first bid bond same-day is possible but requires preparation. Have these ready before you call: CPA-prepared financial statements (reviewed or audited), personal financial statements for all owners, your company's work-in-progress schedule, a completed surety application, and details on the project you're bidding.
If your financials are clean and the bid amount is within reasonable capacity for your company size, a new bid bond program can be established and the first bond issued within one business day.
Same-Day Performance and Payment Bonds
These are harder to expedite than license bonds or bid bonds because the surety's financial exposure is much larger. A $25,000 license bond versus a $2 million performance bond represents a completely different risk evaluation.
With an established program:
If your surety already has your financials and has previously approved your bonding program, performance and payment bonds for projects within your approved capacity can typically be issued within 24 to 48 hours.
For new programs:
Expect two to four weeks for the full underwriting process. Trying to rush a brand-new performance bond program into same-day issuance is rarely possible without exceptional circumstances and pre-existing relationships.
What "Instant" Bond Services Actually Offer
You've seen the websites promising "instant contractor bonds" and "bonds in minutes." Here's what they actually provide.
Most of these services issue contractor license bonds only. They use automated underwriting based on credit scores and can genuinely deliver a $25,000 license bond within minutes for applicants with good credit.
What they typically cannot provide: bid bonds requiring surety analysis, performance bonds on construction projects, payment bonds, or any bond requiring financial statement review.
If your bonding need extends beyond a license bond, you'll need a surety agent with carrier relationships and underwriting capability.
Cost of Expedited Bonds
License bonds: Same-day issuance doesn't cost more than standard processing. Your premium is based on your credit score and the bond amount, not the speed of issuance. Expect $100 to $500 per year for the standard $25,000 bond.
Bid bonds: No additional premium for expedited issuance if you have an established program. The bid bond premium is typically absorbed into the performance bond premium if you win the project.
Performance and payment bonds: Premiums range from 1% to 3% of the contract price regardless of issuance speed. Rush processing fees are uncommon with established programs.
Choosing the Right Surety Agent
Speed of bond issuance depends heavily on your agent's relationships and processes. Construction-focused surety agents maintain relationships with multiple surety companies and can quickly match your application with the most appropriate carrier.
Look for agents who specialize in construction bonding (not agents who "also do bonds"), maintain relationships with at least three to five surety companies, have in-house underwriting authority for smaller bonds, can communicate directly with surety underwriters rather than going through layers of administration, and answer their phone. Seriously. Bond emergencies don't wait for callbacks.
Preventing Bond Emergencies
The best way to handle urgent bond needs is to prevent them.
Set renewal reminders. Your license bond renewal date should be on your calendar with 60-day and 30-day reminders. Don't let a lapse surprise you.
Maintain your surety program proactively. Update your financial statements annually. Keep your surety agent informed about changes in your business. Pre-qualify for projects you plan to bid well before the bid deadline.
Keep your credit score healthy. Since license bond premiums and approval speed are tied to personal credit, maintaining good credit has a direct business impact.
Build relationships before you need them. Establishing a surety agent relationship during non-urgent times means you have someone to call when urgency strikes.
Common Questions
Can I get a bond with a bankruptcy on my record?
Yes, though your options are more limited and premiums will be higher. Some sureties specialize in post-bankruptcy bonding. Expect to provide collateral for the first year or two until you establish a clean track record.
Do I need a bond for every project?
License bonds are required for every California licensed contractor. Bid, performance, and payment bonds are required on public works and sometimes on private projects when the owner specifies them.
What if I need a bond on a weekend?
License bonds through automated platforms can be issued 24/7. Bid and performance bonds requiring underwriter review generally need to wait until the next business day, though some agents have emergency after-hours contacts with their sureties.
Can I cancel my bond if I retire?
Yes. Notify your surety company in writing that you want to cancel. They'll process the cancellation and notify the CSLB. If you want to surrender your license entirely, file that paperwork with the CSLB directly.