I am starting a painting business and I would like to know how to get licensed and bonded.

PamelaAnn077

In my state (Washington) a person has to apply for a license as a painter/decorator via Washington State Business licensing (call your state offices to be put in touch with this department). Bonding occurs via any local insurance company who issues contractor's bonds. If you are doing business specifically in a town or city, you'll likely need a business license on the local level as well. Check with your local city hall on this.

Clough

I would check first to see if you need licensing and bonding to be a painter. Neither are necessary where I live. As mentioned above, you could check with city hall.

It would help in answering your question, if you would at least provide where your business is going to be located. Otherwise, answering involves a lot of guesswork.

RichardBondMan

I doubt you will be required to post a surety bond with an government entity as a prerequisite to obtaining a contractors license. Surety bonds for contractors are usually only required by a city, county or state if the contractor's license requires that the contractor obey building codes. I have been writing bonds for contractors since about 1982 but only in the southeast and have never known of a city, town or state to require a license bond of painting contractors.

Nathanael Alicea

But how do you get the licence

Clough

Hello Nathanael Alicea,

I hope that you read the other posts above this one. You may not need to obtain a license to do work where you live. On the other hand, you might. It would best if you would check with city officials where you live to find out if you do need one. I am sure that if they can tell you whether or not you need one, that they will also be able to tell you where and how to obtain one.