Pennsylvania Surety Bonds: Contractor, Notary, Dealer and Court Bonds

Pennsylvania handles licensing differently from Maryland and Virginia. There’s no single statewide general contractor license. Instead, home improvement contractors register with the Attorney General, many cities and townships run their own licensing, and individual agencies set bond requirements for notaries, dealers and other businesses. This page explains the Pennsylvania bonds people ask about most and where each requirement comes from.

How a surety bond works

You (the principal) buy the bond. The agency, court or project owner that requires it is the obligee. The surety issues the bond. If a valid claim is paid, the surety looks to you for repayment. A bond protects the public or the obligee. It’s not insurance for your own losses.

Home improvement contractors (HICPA)

Under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), anyone who offers or performs home improvements in Pennsylvania must register with the Office of Attorney General, with two exceptions: contractors doing less than $5,000 of home improvement work in a calendar year, and certain large retailers.

What registration involves: – Fee: $100 every two years. – Insurance: proof of commercial general liability coverage of at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage. – Your PA contractor number must appear on all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals. – Contracts must include the terms HICPA requires.

HICPA registration itself doesn’t require a surety bond. Bonds come up at the local level and on specific projects.

Related: Contractor License Bonds

City, borough and township bonds

Many Pennsylvania municipalities license contractors or issue permits that can require a bond, such as right-of-way, sidewalk, street-opening or license bonds. Rules in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the surrounding townships differ, so check with the licensing or permit office where the work is located. The permit or license application names the bond form and amount. See License & Permit Bonds and Site Improvement Bonds.

Public construction

Pennsylvania public owners commonly require bid, performance and payment bonds on public works contracts. The bid documents specify the bond amounts and forms. See Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds and Construction Bonds.

Notary bonds: new $25,000 amount

Pennsylvania’s notary regulations under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts took effect March 28, 2026. The notary bond increased from $10,000 to $25,000 for notaries newly appointed or reappointed on or after that date. A notary holding a current commission on March 28, 2026 may keep the existing bond until that commission expires. The Department of State’s notice explains the details, including which reappointments still received the $10,000 form. The bond must be recorded as the Department instructs.

Motor vehicle dealers and PennDOT agents

PennDOT requires bonds for licensed vehicle businesses. PennDOT’s bond form (MV-375) lists $20,000 for each place of business for manufacturers and dealers, with different amounts for full agents, card agents, messenger services and salvors. See Auto Dealer Bonds.

Court and fiduciary bonds

Pennsylvania’s Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court Division in each county may require a bond from a personal representative, guardian or other fiduciary, depending on the will and the court. Litigation can also require appeal or injunction bonds. See Court Bonds, Executor Bonds, Guardianship Bonds, Appeal Bonds and Injunction Bonds.

Other Pennsylvania bonds

• Freight broker (BMC-84): Freight Broker Bond
• Collection agency, mortgage and money transmitter bonds required by state regulators: Commercial Bonds
• Janitorial and business service bonds that clients request: Janitorial Bonds

What affects your premium

Premiums are usually a percentage of the bond amount. They’re based on the bond type and amount, credit, time in business, financial statements for larger or construction bonds, and claims history.

How to get started

1. Get the requirement in writing (license, permit, court order, contract or notice of appointment).
2. Note the obligee name, bond amount and required form.
3. Request a bond quote or call (410) 650-6020.
4. We submit your application and keep you updated. Approval and timing depend on surety underwriting.

FAQ

Do I need a bond to register as a home improvement contractor in Pennsylvania? HICPA registration requires liability insurance, not a bond. A city or a specific project may still require one.

Who is exempt from HICPA registration? Contractors with less than $5,000 of home improvement work in a calendar year, and certain large retailers. Their subcontractors may still need to register.

What notary bond amount do I need in Pennsylvania? $25,000 if you’re newly appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026. A current commission may keep its existing bond until it expires.

What is the PennDOT dealer bond amount? PennDOT’s form lists $20,000 for each place of business for manufacturers and dealers. Confirm with PennDOT for your license type.

Sources

• PA Office of Attorney General, HIC Registration: hic.attorneygeneral.gov ; HICPA FAQ: attorneygeneral.gov/businesses-and-organizations/home-improvement-contractor-registration/frequently-asked-questions/
• 34 Pa. Code § 501.2 (fees)
• PA Department of State, Notary Regulations Changes: pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/notaries/notary-regulations-changes ; 4 Pa. Code § 167.16
• PennDOT form MV-375 (Manufacturer/Dealer bond)

The Bond Agent is operated by Joshua Feintuch, a licensed insurance producer (Feintuch Insurance LLC DBA Platinum Insurance), licensed in Pennsylvania. Last reviewed Oct 2026. General information only. Confirm requirements with the obligee. Bond approval is subject to surety underwriting.