Public Works Contractor License Bond in Idaho

What this bond requires in Idaho

Idaho licenses Public Works Contractors in eight classes (D, C, CC, B, A, AA, AAA, Unlimited) tied to bid-limit, net-worth, and working-capital thresholds (Idaho Code §54-1904); for example Class D has a $50,000 bid limit with $10,000 net worth, and Unlimited has no bid cap with $1,000,000 net worth / $600,000 working capital. The license itself has no surety bond, but Idaho Code §54-1926 requires the awarded contractor to post a performance bond and a payment bond, each at not less than 85% of the contract price, issued by a surety authorized in Idaho. Idaho also operates a separate Contractor Registration program for non-public construction; registration is required but no bond is required for it.

Who requires it

The public works contractor license bond is required by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) - Public Works Contractors License Board under Idaho Code Title 54, Ch. 19 (Public Works Contractors), §§54-1901 through 54-1927; project bonds at §54-1926.

How to file in Idaho

Apply through DOPL online portal. Submit the application, license-class fee, balance sheet (Class C and D only), Personal/Business Entity Guarantor Agreement, and supporting financial statements demonstrating the net-worth and working-capital requirements for the chosen class. On award of a public works contract, the contractor files the §54-1926 performance and payment bonds with the awarding public body before commencing work. Licenses renew annually.

Official filing form →

Common questions

Keep reading