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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Private School Surety Bond

A private school bond is a surety bond required by some states before a private trade school, driving school, cosmetology school, or other proprietary school can be licensed. It protects students and the state against certain losses caused by a school’s failure to follow licensing laws or refund tuition.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Private School Surety Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
The state education or licensing agency sets the amount, which can vary by school type, enrollment, and tuition revenue. Some states use a fixed amount, while others use a formula based on tuition or the number of students. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state agency.
Online issue
Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $100,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.
Term
Private school bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state education agency’s instructions.

Who needs a private School Surety Bond?

  • Private trade schools, driving schools, cosmetology schools, and other proprietary schools applying for a state license.
  • Schools adding a new program, location, or state license where a surety bond is required.
  • Owners or compliance officers confirming the bond amount and obligee required by a state education agency.

Why is a private School Surety Bond required?

States license private and proprietary schools to protect students from abrupt closures, improper tuition practices, and other violations. The bond gives students and the state a recovery source when a school fails to meet certain obligations.

The bond is required as a condition of licensure and does not replace general liability insurance, professional liability coverage, or the school’s own enrollment and refund policies.

How much bond do I need?

The state education or licensing agency sets the amount, which can vary by school type, enrollment, and tuition revenue. Some states use a fixed amount, while others use a formula based on tuition or the number of students. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state agency.

Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $100,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a private School Surety Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Private school bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
Apply for This Bond Online All Bonds

Private School Surety Bond term and renewal

Private school bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state education agency’s instructions.

Good to know

  • Some states require a separate bond for each campus or program. Confirm whether the license covers all locations or requires a bond for each one.
  • Have the school’s legal name, license number if assigned, bond amount, and the legal name of the state agency ready before applying.

Private School Surety Bond questions

A private school bond is a surety bond required by some states before a private trade school, driving school, cosmetology school, or other proprietary school can be licensed. It protects students and the state against certain losses caused by a school’s failure to follow licensing laws or refund tuition.

Private trade schools, driving schools, cosmetology schools, and other proprietary schools applying for a state license. Schools adding a new program, location, or state license where a surety bond is required. Owners or compliance officers confirming the bond amount and obligee required by a state education agency.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Private school bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

The state education or licensing agency sets the amount, which can vary by school type, enrollment, and tuition revenue. Some states use a fixed amount, while others use a formula based on tuition or the number of students. Confirm the exact amount and obligee with the state agency. Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $100,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Bond requirements vary by state and school type. Trade schools, driving schools, cosmetology schools, and other proprietary schools are common examples. The state education or licensing agency’s current requirements control whether a bond is required.

The premium is based on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. It is usually a small percentage of the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm instant-issue eligibility.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.