Quick Facts:

  • Regulating Agency: Various Local Municipalities (No statewide regulation)
  • Required Bond Amount: $0-$25,000 (varies by city and contractor type)
  • Cost Range: $100-$1,000+ annually (depending on credit)
  • Required For: Select contractor types in specific Wyoming cities

What Is a Wyoming Contractor License Bond?

A Wyoming contractor license bond is a financial guarantee that protects consumers and local governments if a contractor fails to comply with building codes, regulations, or ethical standards. While Wyoming does not require contractor licensing at the state level (except for electrical contractors), several municipalities require contractors to obtain a surety bond as part of their local licensing requirements.

Who Regulates Wyoming Construction Contractor Licensing?

Wyoming does not have statewide contractor licensing (except for electrical contractors). Instead, contractor licensing is handled at the municipal level, with each city setting its own requirements. Major cities like Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Sheridan, and Lander each maintain their own licensing departments:

What Bond Amount Is Required in Wyoming?

Bond requirements vary significantly across Wyoming municipalities:

  • Cheyenne: No bond required (insurance required instead)
  • Casper: No bond required
  • Laramie: No bond required
  • Gillette: $5,000 bond required for all contractors
  • Sheridan: $25,000 for general contractors; $10,000 for specialty trades
  • Lander: $10,000 for all contractors
  • Other Cities: Requirements vary ($1,000-$10,000)

Additionally, non-resident contractors doing business in Wyoming may need to post state-level bonds:

  • Non-Resident Employer’s Bond: $20,000 minimum (for out-of-state contractors with WY monthly payroll exceeding $10,000)
  • Non-Resident Contractor Sales/Use Tax Bond: 3% of contract price or $1,000,000 blanket bond

How Much Does a Contractor Bond Cost in Wyoming?

Contractor license bonds in Wyoming typically cost between $100-$1,000+ annually, depending on:

  • Bond Amount: Higher bond amounts generally mean higher premiums
  • Credit Score: The most significant factor affecting bond cost
  • Financial History: Business financials, assets, and experience
  • Claims History: Previous bond claims can increase costs

For most Wyoming municipal bonds ($5,000-$10,000), contractors with good credit can expect to pay around $100 per year. For example:

  • $5,000 Gillette bond: ~$100/year with good credit
  • $10,000 Lander or Sheridan specialty trades bond: ~$100-$200/year with good credit
  • $25,000 Sheridan general contractor bond: ~$125-$250/year with good credit

Contractors with credit challenges may pay higher rates, typically 3-10% of the bond amount.

Who Needs a Contractor License Bond in Wyoming?

Bond requirements vary by city and contractor type:

  • Gillette: All licensed contractors ($5,000)
  • Sheridan: All contractors (General: $25,000; Specialty trades: $10,000)
  • Lander: All contractors including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building, refrigeration ($10,000)
  • Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie: No bond required (insurance requirements instead)
  • Non-resident contractors: Required for out-of-state contractors working in Wyoming

What Other Contractor Bonds Are Required in Wyoming?

While not directly related to licensing, contractors in Wyoming may also need:

  • Performance Bonds: Often required for public projects
  • Payment Bonds: Ensures subcontractors and suppliers are paid
  • Bid Bonds: Required when bidding on government contracts
  • Maintenance Bonds: Guarantees workmanship for a specific period
  • Non-Resident Sales/Use Tax Bond: 3% of contract price for out-of-state contractors

How Does Our Application Process Work?

Obtaining a Wyoming contractor license bond is straightforward:

  1. Complete an application: Provide basic business information
  2. Receive a quote: Based on your credit and bond amount
  3. Make payment: Most bonds cost around $100 for those with good credit
  4. Receive your bond: Typically issued same-day (digital) or next day (physical)

How Quickly Can I Purchase a Bond?

Most Wyoming contractor license bonds can be purchased instantly online. After completing a simple application, you can often get your bond the same day, with digital delivery within minutes. Physical bonds can be overnight shipped if required by your municipality.

Who Files the Bond With the WY Municipality Once It Is Purchased?

It is typically the contractor’s responsibility to file the bond with the appropriate municipal department. Most surety companies will send you the original bond document, which you’ll need to include with your license application or renewal. Some surety companies offer filing assistance as an additional service.

How Are Claims Handled on a Wyoming Contractor Bond?

If a contractor violates applicable codes, regulations, or fails to fulfill contractual obligations, affected parties can file a claim against the bond. The claim process generally works as follows:

  1. A claim is filed with the surety company
  2. The surety investigates the claim’s validity
  3. If valid, the surety pays up to the bond amount
  4. The contractor must reimburse the surety for all paid claims

Remember, the bond protects consumers and municipalities—not the contractor. Contractors remain fully liable for any claims paid under their bond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a bond with bad credit?

Yes, contractors with credit challenges can still obtain Wyoming contractor bonds. However, you may pay a higher premium, typically 3-10% of the bond amount instead of the standard 1-3%.

What are the penalties for not having a required bond?

Operating without a required bond can result in license suspension, project delays, fines, and legal action. Municipalities may shut down job sites until proper bonding is in place.

How do I renew my contractor bond?

Most Wyoming contractor bonds must be renewed annually, usually aligned with your license renewal. Your surety company will typically send a renewal notice 30-60 days before expiration.

What’s the difference between a bond and insurance?

While both provide protection, they serve different purposes:

  • Bond: Protects the public from contractor misconduct or code violations
  • Insurance: Protects the contractor from claims of property damage or bodily injury

Most Wyoming municipalities require both a bond AND general liability insurance.

Ready to Get Your Wyoming Contractor License Bond?

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