Texas Business License Bond Requirements by Agency (2026)
There is no single Texas business license bond. The agency that licenses you sets the amount — TxDMV, SOS, TDI, SML, TDB, TABC, plus city permit bonds.
Texas Money Services Bond
Texas money transmitter bonds,
Texas money transmitter bonds,
from $300,000 up to $2 million.
Required by the Texas Department of Banking under Finance Code Chapter 151 for money transmitters, currency exchanges, and custodial crypto operators. Premium from 0.75% to 3% of the bond amount, credit and financials reviewed.
- Money transmitter, currency exchange, and crypto
- NMLS and Texas DOB filing support
- Multi-state stack coordination
What it is
The bond Texas DOB requires for money transmission.
A Texas money services surety bond is a financial guarantee filed with the Texas Department of Banking as part of the money transmitter or currency exchange license. It protects Texas consumers from losses caused by the licensee's insolvency, fraud, or violation of Finance Code Chapter 151.
The bond amount starts at $300,000 and scales up to $2,000,000 based on the licensee's total Texas transmission volume and national volume. The minimum covers low-volume startups; larger operators scale up on the Department's volume schedule. The bond is one of several requirements inside the broader licensing process — net-worth minimums, audited financials, compliance programs, and background checks also apply.
Texas's treatment of custodial virtual-currency operators is among the most active in the country. If you hold customer crypto or sell virtual currency to Texas residents for fiat, the Department of Banking has published guidance treating you as a money transmitter. We underwrite those applications regularly and can walk through your specific structure.
What you pay
Credit- and financials-reviewed premium on the bond amount.
Money services bonds are underwritten on the company's financials and principals. Rates scale with credit, net worth, and transmission history.
| Applicant profile | Rate on bond | Annual premium (on $300K) |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Strong financials, clean history | 0.75–1.0% | $2,250–$3,000 |
| Standard Solid financials, modest history | 1.0–1.5% | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Fair Newer operator or thin financials | 1.5–2.5% | $4,500–$7,500 |
| Challenged Prior regulatory issues, weak balance sheet | 2.5–3.0% | $7,500–$9,000 |
Volume growth scales the bond amount. Premium recalculates when the DOB increases your required amount.
How to get bonded
Five steps, underwriting-heavy, fully coordinated.
- 01
Scope call
We walk through your license type (transmitter, currency exchange, or crypto), projected Texas volume, and ownership structure to map the required bond amount.
- 02
Submit underwriting package
Two years of audited financials, personal financial statements on 10%-plus owners, business plan, and pro-forma. We prep the package so it moves fast.
- 03
Surety review & quote
Surety underwriter reviews the financials and prices the bond. Turnaround typically 3 to 7 business days for clean files.
- 04
Bond issuance
Bond issued on the Texas DOB-approved form, executed and surety-sealed. We file directly into NMLS if your license is tracked there.
- 05
Ongoing renewal
Bonds are continuous. We manage anniversary premium and volume-based amount increases so the license never lapses.
Legal requirements
Texas statute, issuing agency, what the bond covers.
Statute
Texas Finance Code Chapter 151 governs money services businesses in Texas and requires a surety bond as part of the license. The Department of Banking sets the bond amount based on volume and risk.
Issuing agency
Texas Department of Banking, Special Audits Division. Some license types also track through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Bond amount
Minimum $300,000. Scales with transmission volume up to $2,000,000 for the largest operators. The Department adjusts required amounts annually based on prior-year volume reports.
Term
Continuous. Stays in force until canceled with 30 days written notice; cancellation without a replacement triggers license revocation.
Who can claim
Texas consumers harmed by the licensee's insolvency, fraud, or Chapter 151 violations. The Department may also claim against the bond in enforcement actions.
Why Surety Bond Houston
Big-ticket bonds need a specialist agent.
Financial underwriting experience
Money services bonds require deep underwriting. We package your financials to give the surety the story in the order they want it.
NMLS and Texas DOB filing
We file bonds through NMLS Electronic Surety Bond where supported and direct to Texas DOB otherwise. You never chase filing confirmations.
Multi-state coordination
Most money transmitters hold licenses in many states. We can coordinate the full national bond stack with matching surety partners.
Related bonds
Other regulated-financial bonds we write.
FAQ
Money transmitter bond questions we answer every week.
How much does a Texas money transmitter bond cost?
The bond amount starts at $300,000 and scales up to $2,000,000 based on transmission volume under Texas Finance Code Chapter 151. Premium is credit- and financials-reviewed and typically runs 0.75% to 3% of the bond amount. A $300,000 bond costs $2,250 to $9,000 per year depending on the applicant.
Who needs a Texas money transmitter license and bond?
Any company receiving money from Texas residents for the purpose of transmitting, holding, or exchanging — money transmitters, bill-payment services, check cashers processing larger volumes, cryptocurrency exchanges, and prepaid card issuers. The bond is one requirement within the Texas Department of Banking licensing process under Chapter 151.
How long does the bond last?
The bond is continuous and must stay in force for the duration of the license. Cancellation requires 30 days written notice to the Department of Banking and will trigger license revocation if a replacement is not filed.
What is the difference between a money transmitter bond and a currency exchange bond?
Money transmission covers receiving funds for transfer or stored-value. Currency exchange covers exchanging one currency for another at a physical location. Both are regulated under Texas Finance Code Chapter 151 but may require different bond amounts and license types. Some businesses hold both licenses.
Does this apply to cryptocurrency companies?
Yes, in most cases. Texas treats the sale of virtual currency for sovereign (fiat) currency as money transmission when the operator holds customer funds. Companies that only facilitate peer-to-peer trades without custody are treated differently. The Department of Banking has published guidance on this — we can walk through your specific structure on the quote call.
What financial information do I need to provide to qualify?
Money services bonds are underwritten on the company's audited financials, principal credit, transmission volume, net worth, and business plan. Expect to provide two years of audited statements, personal financial statements on 10%-plus owners, and a pro-forma for the first 12 months. We guide you through the package on the first call.
Ready when you are
Get your Texas money services bond quoted today.
Underwriting-heavy, fully coordinated. NMLS and Texas DOB filing included. Talk to a real Texas agent.