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North Dakota single well bonds, over 2,000 ft.
From $125.

For a North Dakota oil or gas well deeper than 2,000 feet, the single-well plugging bond runs at the standard $50,000 figure — and the Industrial Commission can require more based on expected plugging cost. Enter the amount your permit names and your exact price appears at the application — priced at 5% of the bond amount plus a $25 fee, $125 minimum.

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For a single well in excess of 2,000 feet in depth filed with the Industrial Commission
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Standard single-well figure is $50,000 — the Commission can set more based on expected plugging cost
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Priced at 5% of the bond amount plus a $25 fee, $125 minimum — a quick soft credit check may apply, never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score
From $125your exact price at application5%of bond amount + $25 fee, $125 minimumSoft pullnever a hard inquiry
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

Your drilling permit is waiting on this bond. Here is the whole process — no broker phone tag:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details, the bond amount your permit requires, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. That is the entire application.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

File with the Industrial Commission

Pay online and receive the executed single-well bond, ready to file with the Department of Mineral Resources for your well. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the state insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the deep single-well bond actually guarantees

North Dakota requires a drilling and plugging bond before construction of any well, so the state is never left paying to plug and reclaim an abandoned one. The bond endures up to and including approved plugging of the well and dry holes, plus practical reclamation of the well site.

For a single well deeper than 2,000 feet, the standard single-well amount of $50,000 applies — the shallow-well discretion that lets the director approve a lesser figure is reserved for wells 2,000 feet or less. The Industrial Commission can require a higher amount based on the economic value of the well and the expected plugging and reclamation cost.

The bond is conditioned on full compliance with N.D.C.C. ch. 38-08 and the Industrial Commission's rules and orders. If the surety pays to plug your well, the operator repays the surety. If you run several wells, a $100,000 blanket bond is usually the cheaper path.

N.D. Admin. Code 43-02-03-15Under N.D. Admin. Code 43-02-03-15 (N.D.C.C. ch. 38-08), a single-well drilling and plugging bond is $50,000. The director may approve a lesser amount only for a well 2,000 feet or less in depth — so a well in excess of 2,000 feet posts the full $50,000 figure unless the Industrial Commission requires more based on expected plugging and reclamation cost. Confirm the amount on your permit.

You need this bond if you are

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Drilling a single well deeper than 2,000 feet and bonding it on its own
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A small operator running one or two deeper wells
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Applying for a drilling permit the Industrial Commission conditions on a bond
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Replacing an expiring bond to keep your well continuously covered

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit check. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the bond for a well over 2,000 feet?Pricing is 5% of your bond amount plus a $25 fee, with a $125 minimum. For a single well deeper than 2,000 feet, the standard amount is $50,000, and the Industrial Commission can require more based on expected plugging cost. Enter your figure and your exact price appears at application.
Why does depth matter?North Dakota lets the director approve a lesser single-well bond only for wells 2,000 feet or less in depth. A well in excess of 2,000 feet does not qualify for that reduction, so it posts the standard $50,000 figure (or more if the Commission requires it).
Single-well or blanket bond?If you run more than two or three wells, a $100,000 blanket bond covering them all is usually cheaper than bonding each well. For one deeper well, the single-well bond on this page is the right instrument. We write both.
Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score. Your price is 5% of the bond amount plus a $25 fee, with a $125 minimum.
Who requires this bond?The North Dakota Industrial Commission, through its Department of Mineral Resources, under N.D. Admin. Code 43-02-03-15 and N.D.C.C. ch. 38-08. No active bond, no drilling.
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 North Dakota bonds.

Deep single-well bond, ready to file.

Pricing from $125. Enter the amount your permit requires and file the same day.

Your premiumfrom $125
Apply now →