Contractor License Bond in New Hampshire

What this bond requires in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not license general contractors at the state level and has no statewide contractor license bond. Specific trades are regulated by boards housed under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC): electricians under RSA 319-C, plumbers and gas/mechanical trades under RSA 153 and the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. These trade licenses require examination, experience, and continuing education but generally do not require the licensee to post a surety bond with the state. Bonding is typically a matter of contract between the contractor and the project owner or required by individual municipalities; New Hampshire also has no statewide home improvement contractor registration.

Who requires it

The contractor license bond is required by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) under RSA 319-C (Electricians); RSA 153:27-a et seq. (Mechanical Safety/Plumbers/Gas Fitters); RSA 310 (OPLC general).

How to file in New Hampshire

Applicants apply directly to the relevant OPLC board through the NH Online Licensing portal at forms.nh.gov/license. Submit the application, qualifying experience documentation, examination results where applicable, and the board fee. Because there is no statewide bond requirement, no bond is filed with OPLC; any project-specific or municipal bond is procured separately. Trade licenses are renewed on the cycle set by each board.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a contractor license bond required in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire imposes no statewide general contractor license or contractor license surety bond. Trade-specific licenses (electricians, plumbers, mechanical/gas) generally do not carry a state surety bond requirement; municipalities and individual project owners may require bonds locally.

How much is the bond in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

How is the bond filed?

Applicants apply directly to the relevant OPLC board through the NH Online Licensing portal at forms.nh.gov/license. Submit the application, qualifying experience documentation, examination results where applicable, and the board fee. Because there is no statewide bond requirement, no bond is filed with OPLC; any project-specific or municipal bond is procured separately. Trade licenses are renewed on the cycle set by each 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.