The fee-related talent service bond is a $50,000 surety bond required of businesses that charge artists a fee for talent-related services. California’s Talent Scam Prevention Act (Labor Code § 1701 and following) regulates these businesses, and Labor Code § 1703.3 requires the bond to be filed with the Labor Commissioner before the business advertises or does business in California.
Who Needs a Talent Service Bond?
A business generally needs this bond if it charges artists — actors, models, musicians, and other performers — for services such as:
- Talent listings: databases or directories of artists shown to potential employers
- Talent counseling or career advice
- Acting, modeling, or performance classes and workshops
- Photos, headshots, portfolios, or demo reels
Talent Service vs. Talent Agency
A talent agency procures employment for artists, is licensed under the Talent Agencies Act, and files its own $50,000 bond. A fee-related talent service charges artists for services and falls under the Talent Scam Prevention Act. The two laws are separate. If you aren’t sure which applies, confirm with the Labor Commissioner before you file, and we’ll bond the right one.
What the Bond Protects
The bond runs to the people of the State of California and to any person injured by the talent service’s unlawful acts or omissions, or by its failure to provide the services it contracted for. If the surety pays a claim, the business must repay the surety.
File Before You Advertise
The bond must be on file with the Labor Commissioner before you advertise or do business — not after you open. Get bonded first.
How Much Does It Cost?
You do not pay the full bond amount. You pay a premium — a percentage of the bond amount based mainly on your personal credit and business history. We submit your application to several surety companies, and each sets its own rate, so your premium depends on which surety approves you and isn’t set until you’re approved. If one surety declines, we go to the next.
How to Get Bonded
- Contact us for a free quote.
- Complete a short application — we handle the underwriting.
- Get approved and pay your premium.
- Receive your bond to file with the Labor Commissioner.