Bond Alternatives

Cashier’s Check or Bank-Certified Check

CSLB will only accept a cashier’s check or a bank-certified check in the requisite amount as an alternative to a contractor bond, bond of qualifying individual, LLC employee/worker bond or disciplinary bond.

Alert symbol IMPORTANT: A deposit cannot be released until three (3) years after the expiration of the license period for which it provides coverage, or three (3) years following license inactivation, expiration, cancellation or revocation, whichever occurs first. {Section 7071.4, Business & Professions Code} Deposits are held in case a claim is filed against the deposit by a consumer. If CSLB is notified of a complaint relative to a claim against the deposit, the deposit will not be released until the complaint has been adjudicated.

Requirements for a Cashier's Check or Bank-Certified Check:

Please Note: The Contractors State License Board no longer accepts certificates of deposit, savings account passbooks, savings and loan association investment certificates, or credit union certificates for funds in place of filing any of a licensee’s required bonds.

Anyone with a cash deposit on file that is not a cashier’s check must replace their deposit with a surety bond or a cashier’s check. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure all licensing requirements are met.

  • The check must be in the amount of $25,000 for the contractor's bond and $25,000 for the bond of qualifying Individual. For a disciplinary bond, the check must be in the amount determined by the Registrar.
  • The check must state: "Payable to the Contractors State License Board."
  • The check must list the license number and exact business name as reflected in CSLB's records.
  • A check filed in place of a Bond of Qualifying Individual must list the qualifier's name.

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