Contractor Bonds for Nevada — NSCB License, Bid & Performance Bonds
The Nevada State Contractors Board requires license bonds for every contractor, and NRS 339 mandates performance and payment bonds on public works. From $1,000 license bonds to multi-million dollar performance bonds for Strip projects, we deliver same-day approval from 25+ A-rated sureties.
Nevada Bond Types
From NSCB license bonds to multi-million dollar performance and payment bonds for Strip construction — every bond type Nevada contractors need.
NSCB Contractor License Bond
Required for all NSCB-licensed contractors. Bond amount ranges from $1,000 to $300,000 based on your license monetary limit — the maximum contract value you can accept. A $500,000 license limit typically requires a $15,000 bond; a $1M limit requires a $30,000 bond. The bond protects the public against contractor abandonment, code violations, and failure to pay subcontractors or suppliers. NSCB verifies bond status electronically — a lapsed bond triggers automatic license suspension.
Bid Bonds
Required for Nevada public works bids and most private commercial projects. Bid bonds guarantee the contractor will enter into the contract at the bid price if selected. Standard bid bonds are 5%–10% of the bid amount. Clark County School District, NDOT, and City of Las Vegas all require bid bonds for public projects. We issue bid bonds same-day from A-rated sureties.
Performance Bonds
Required for Nevada public works contracts (NRS 339.025) and most casino/resort projects. Performance bonds guarantee contract completion per plans and specifications. Bond amount is typically 100% of the contract value. Nevada's prevailing wage requirements and extreme climate create unique completion risk — sureties evaluate your financial capacity, experience, and work-in-progress carefully.
Payment Bonds
Required alongside performance bonds for Nevada public works (NRS 339.025). Payment bonds guarantee subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers are paid. Clark County, Washoe County, NDOT, and state agencies all require payment bonds on public projects. Payment bond claims are governed by NRS 339.035, which establishes a 90-day notice requirement for claimants who don't have a direct contract with the bonded contractor.
Why Nevada Requires Bonds
Contractor bonds protect the public, subcontractors, and project owners from contractor default. The NSCB license bond provides consumer protection, while performance and payment bonds ensure project completion and trade partner payment on public works and major private projects.
- NSCB license bond — protects consumers against abandonment, code violations, and non-payment
- Bid bond — guarantees you'll enter the contract at bid price if awarded
- Performance bond — guarantees contract completion per plans and specifications
- Payment bond — guarantees subcontractors and suppliers get paid
- Subdivision bond — guarantees completion of public improvements in residential developments
Real-World Bond Claim Scenario
Henderson Residential Subdivision
A general contractor with a $1M NSCB license abandoned a 12-home residential subdivision in Henderson after receiving payments for foundation and framing phases. Three subcontractors — concrete, framing, and plumbing — were owed a combined $185,000. The homeowners' HOA filed claims against both the contractor license bond and the performance bond.
The NSCB license bond ($30,000) paid partial restitution to the homeowners. The performance bond ($800,000) funded completion of the remaining homes by a replacement contractor. Payment bond claims from the three subcontractors were paid in full after proper NRS 339.035 notice. The bonding surety then pursued the original contractor for full recovery.
Total Claims: $1.1M+ in bond claims
- • Performance bond — replacement contractor completion: $820,000
- • Payment bond — subcontractor claims: $185,000
- • NSCB license bond — homeowner restitution: $30,000
- • Surety investigation & administration: $65,000
The bonding program protected homeowners and subcontractors from total loss — demonstrating why NSCB and public agencies mandate bonds on Nevada construction projects.
Contractor Bond Resource Library
Nevada Contractor Bonds FAQ
How much does a Nevada contractor license bond cost?
NSCB license bond premiums typically range from 1%–3% of the bond amount annually, depending on your credit score, financial strength, and experience. A contractor with good credit seeking a $15,000 bond (for a $500K license limit) might pay $150–$450/year. Contractors with challenged credit may pay 5%–15% of the bond amount. We work with 25+ surety companies to find the best rate for your situation — including programs for new contractors without established bonding history.
What bond amount does the NSCB require?
Bond amounts are tied to your license monetary limit — the maximum single contract value you can accept. Common tiers: $1,000 bond for a $10,000 license limit, $5,000 bond for $100,000 limit, $15,000 bond for $500,000 limit, $30,000 bond for $1M limit, and $100,000–$300,000 for higher limits. You can increase your license limit (and bond) at any time by filing an updated bond and potentially providing additional financial documentation to NSCB.
Do I need a performance bond for Nevada public works?
Yes. NRS 339.025 requires performance and payment bonds for all Nevada public works contracts exceeding $100,000. Bond amount is typically 100% of the contract value. Clark County, Washoe County, NDOT, City of Las Vegas, and state agencies all enforce this requirement. Private casino and resort projects often require performance bonds as well, typically starting at contracts of $250,000–$500,000. We pre-qualify contractors for bonding capacity before bid day.
Can new contractors get bonded in Nevada?
Yes. Several surety programs are designed for new contractors without established bonding history. These programs typically require personal financial statements, a business plan, a resume of experience, and good personal credit. Bond limits may start lower (often $250,000–$500,000) and increase as you complete projects and build financial history. We've helped hundreds of new Nevada contractors secure their initial NSCB license bond and grow their bonding capacity.
What happens if my NSCB bond lapses?
A lapsed NSCB license bond triggers automatic license suspension. You cannot legally bid, contract, or perform work while your license is suspended. NSCB's electronic verification system alerts project owners and GCs to bond status changes. Reinstating your license after a bond lapse requires filing a new bond, paying reinstatement fees, and potentially providing updated financial documentation. We set up 60-day advance renewal reminders to prevent lapses.
More Nevada Coverage
Nevada Hub
All NV coverage, NSCB regulations
LV Workers' Comp
NRS 616B, Strip pre-qualification
LV General Liability
NRS 40, casino mandates
LV Cyber Insurance
NRS 603A, gaming systems
National Bonding Guides
Bid Bonds
Complete national bid bond guide for contractors
Performance Bonds
Project completion guarantees and underwriting
Payment Bonds
Subcontractor and supplier payment protection
Educational Bonding Guides
Get Your Nevada Bond Same-Day
NSCB license bonds, bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds — approved same-day from 25+ A-rated sureties. New contractor programs available.