Who requires it
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
License & permit · California
California Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI)
Some licenses need a Bond of Qualifying Individual (BQI) on top of the contractor’s bond—typically when an RME or low-ownership RMO/manager/member qualifies the license. BPC § 7071.9 sets the amount at $25,000.
Common bond amount
$25,000
Statutory amount under BPC § 7071.9. Older materials sometimes still cite $12,500—confirm the current statute; the legal requirement is $25,000.
How you file
File the CSLB-approved BQI form; stays in force while the qualifier structure requires it
Renewal
Maintain while the BQI requirement applies
Who requires it
BPC § 7071.9 requires a qualifying individual’s bond when the qualifier is not the proprietor, a general partner, or a joint licensee. That usually means an RME, or an RMO/manager/member holding under 10% of voting stock or equity. Higher ownership may allow a CSLB exemption certification instead of a bond. Federally recognized and participating tribes may fall outside the BQI path under CSLB guidance—confirm your structure with current board rules.
How much is required
Statute fixes the BQI at $25,000. Keep it separate from the contractor’s bond; do not merge the two amounts. Each qualifier who triggers the rule may need their own BQI.
How to get and file it
Order a BQI under the qualifier’s name and the entity identifiers exactly as CSLB lists them. Use the CSLB-approved BQI form and have an authorized surety file with the board. Keep the BQI in place while that qualifier structure applies. If the qualifier or ownership changes enough for an exemption, update CSLB promptly so the license does not run with the wrong bond package.
Cost note
The $25,000 BQI figure is the required bond amount, not the premium you pay. See bond amount vs premium. Bond amount vs premium →
Requirement checklist
- Required amount
- $25,000 under BPC § 7071.9
- Also required
- $25,000 contractor’s bond under BPC § 7071.6
- Common triggers
- RME qualifier, or RMO/manager/member with less than 10% ownership
- Possible exemption
- Sufficient ownership may allow a CSLB BQI exemption certification instead of a bond
Official sources
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Is $12,500 still the BQI bond amount?
No. Business and Professions Code § 7071.9 requires $25,000. Use that statutory amount—not older $12,500 figures you may still see elsewhere.
Related California bond guides
Contractor’s Bond
$25,000
CSLB will not issue, reinstate, reactivate, renew, or leave an active California contractor license in place without a contractor’s bond. Business and Professions Code § 7071.6 fixes the amount at $25,000.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond
$100,000
CSLB LLC contractors also file a $100,000 employee/worker bond beside the $25,000 contractor’s bond. Business and Professions Code § 7071.6.5 sets that second bond.
Surety basics (not repeated here)
Universal surety concepts explained once—linked here instead of repeated on every state or bond page.
Continue with a California application
California will be preselected. Choose your bond type in the application—we confirm the correct product against your agency form before anything is issued.
Last verified 2026-08-06. This guide is based on verified educational content and official sources.
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