Illinois timber buyer bonds.
From $100.

Illinois licenses timber buyers through the Department of Natural Resources, and conditions every license on a performance bond payable to the State under the Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735), in the amount your license requires. Pricing starts from $100.

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Required for an Illinois timber buyer license under 225 ILCS 735

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A performance bond payable to the State, conditioned on faithful compliance with the Act

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From $100 — enter your required bond amount and the premium updates

1% of amount$100 minimumNo credit reviewnot even a soft pullFastapproval for most

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard timber buyer bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with the DNR. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount the DNR set, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

The application collects no credit information; most bonds issue instantly upon payment.

SAME DAY

File with the Department of Natural Resources

Submit the executed bond with your timber buyer license application or renewal. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the DNR insists on them.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the timber buyer bond actually covers

Illinois licenses timber buyers — people who buy standing or felled timber from growers for resale or processing — through the Department of Natural Resources under the Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735). Every licensed buyer must file a performance bond payable to the State of Illinois through the Department.

The bond is conditioned on the faithful performance of, and compliance with, the requirements of the license and the Act — chiefly, paying timber growers what they’re owed. A grower harmed by a buyer who fails to pay can recover against the bond.

In lieu of a surety bond, the Act lets an applicant deposit a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit with the Department. Most buyers choose the surety bond because it starts from $100 rather than tying up the full amount in bank collateral. We issue the amount the DNR set; the application collects no credit information, and most bonds issue instantly.

225 ILCS 735 (Timber Buyers Licensing Act)Under the Illinois Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735), every licensed timber buyer must file with the Department of Natural Resources a performance bond payable to the State, conditioned on faithful performance of and compliance with the license and the Act. An applicant may instead deposit a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit. Confirm the required amount on your DNR license materials.

You need this bond if you are

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Applying for an Illinois timber buyer license through the DNR

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A logger or mill buying standing or felled timber from Illinois growers

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Renewing a timber buyer license whose performance bond is expiring or was non-renewed

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Switching from a CD or letter of credit to a cheaper surety bond

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount the DNR set — the executed timber buyer bond is generated instantly, ready to file.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Illinois timber buyer bond?Pricing is 1% of your bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount is set by the Department of Natural Resources based on the timber value you expect to buy. Enter that figure and your exact price appears at the application.

Who requires it?The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as a condition of a timber buyer license under the Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735). No active bond, no license.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information, and most applications approve instantly. It never affects your credit score.

What does the bond protect against?It backs your faithful compliance with the Act — most importantly, paying timber growers what they’re owed. A grower harmed by non-payment can claim against the bond, and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Can I post a CD instead?Yes — the Act lets you deposit a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit with the Department instead of a surety bond. Most buyers prefer the bond because it starts from $100 rather than tying up the full amount.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Illinois bonds.

Timber buyer bond, issued today.

Pricing from $100. Enter the amount the DNR set and file the same day.

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Your premiumfrom $100

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