Contractor License Bond in Colorado

What this bond requires in Colorado

Colorado does not issue a statewide general contractor license and imposes no statewide contractor license bond. DORA confirms that occupations such as general contractors and roofers are not state-licensed; instead, licensing and any bond requirements come from the city or county where work is performed. Denver requires contractor licenses through Community Planning and Development with specific bonds (right-of-way structural and cement sidewalk bonds) tied to the license classification. Colorado Springs requires licensing, bonding, and insurance for excavation and concrete work in the public right-of-way through the City Clerk Office. Electricians and plumbers are licensed statewide by DORA State Electrical Board and State Plumbing Board, which have their own regulatory requirements.

Who requires it

The contractor license bond is required by the Municipal building/contractor licensing authorities (Denver, Colorado Springs, etc.); specialty trades licensed at the state level by Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations .

How to file in Colorado

Because Colorado has no statewide general contractor license, bond requirements originate at the local jurisdiction. Contractors must contact the city or county building/licensing department where they intend to work (for example, Denver Community Planning and Development or the Colorado Springs City Clerk Office) to determine the applicable license classification, bond amount, bond form, and filing process. Specialty-trade applicants (electrical, plumbing) apply through DORA Division of Professions and Occupations under the relevant state board.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a contractor license bond required in Colorado?

No statewide general contractor license or bond exists in Colorado. Bond amounts are set by individual municipalities and vary by trade and scope of work.

How much is the bond in Colorado?

Colorado does not publish a single flat amount. See the state-specific notes for how it is determined.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the Municipal building/contractor licensing authorities (Denver, Colorado Springs, etc.); specialty trades licensed at the state level by Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations.

How is the bond filed?

Because Colorado has no statewide general contractor license, bond requirements originate at the local jurisdiction. Contractors must contact the city or county building/licensing department where they intend to work (for example, Denver Community Planning and Development or the Colorado Springs City Clerk Office) to determine the applicable license classification, bond amount, bond form, and filing process. Specialty-trade applicants (electrical, plumbing) apply through DORA Division of Professions and Occupations under the relevant state board.

What does the bond cover?

Surety bonds protect the obligee, not the principal. If you fail to meet the obligation the bond guarantees, the surety pays the claim and recovers from you.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects whoever required the bond. You repay the surety for any claim they pay.