BLM geothermal lease bonds.
From $1,250.

The Bureau of Land Management requires a lease bond for federal geothermal leases under 43 CFR part 3200 before operations begin. This is the single-lease geothermal bond, with a $25,000 minimum. Pricing is 5% of the bond amount, with one soft credit check that never affects your score.

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Required by the BLM for a federal geothermal lease under 43 CFR part 3200 (subpart 3204)

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Covers lease liabilities other than reclamation — a separate reclamation bond backs the plan of development

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$25,000 minimum lease bond — soft pull only, never affects your score; priced at 5% of the bond amount

A-ratedA.M. Best carriers5% of amount$1,250 at the $25,000 minimumSoft pullnever affects your score

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How it works

Three steps to a filed lease bond.

Your BLM geothermal lease is waiting on this bond. Here is the entire process:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply once, online

Business details, the lease serial number, the bond amount, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

WITHIN 48 HOURS

Reviewed & approved

Energy bonds get a quick underwriting look; if anything is needed, an underwriter reaches out within 48 hours. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score.

1–2 BUSINESS DAYS

E-sign & file with the BLM

Pay online and receive the executed lease bond, ready to file with the BLM before operations begin. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the office insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the geothermal bond actually covers

Geothermal resource leasing on federal land is governed by 43 CFR part 3200. Before issuing a lease, the BLM requires a lease bond that covers all liabilities — other than reclamation — that may arise under the lease, executed by the lessee and covering record-title owners, operating-rights owners, and operators.

The minimum lease bond is $25,000, with the BLM setting individual amounts case-by-case. Reclamation is handled separately: before the BLM approves a Plan of Development, the lessee must provide a reclamation bond covering the BLM-estimated cost of reclaiming the disturbed area.

The bond is a three-party guarantee among you (the principal), the surety, and the United States (the obligee). If you fail to meet your lease obligations and the BLM incurs cost, it can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety. Enter the amount the BLM requires and apply — pricing starts from $1,250.

43 CFR part 3200 (BLM geothermal bonds)Federal geothermal leasing is governed by 43 CFR part 3200; before issuing a lease the BLM requires a lease bond covering liabilities other than reclamation, with a $25,000 minimum, set case-by-case. A separate reclamation bond is required before the BLM approves a Plan of Development. Confirm your required amount with the BLM.

You need this bond if you are

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A federal geothermal lessee standing up lease-bond coverage before operations

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An operating-rights owner or operator the BLM requires to be covered by the lease bond

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Submitting a Plan of Development and separating lease and reclamation bonding

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Acquiring a geothermal lease and replacing the prior operator’s bond

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including the lease serial number and a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is typically issued within 1–2 business days.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the BLM geothermal lease bond?This bond is priced at 5% of the bond amount — your exact price appears at the application. The lease-bond minimum is $25,000, and the BLM can set a higher figure case-by-case. Enter your amount and apply.

Is this the same as the reclamation bond?No. The lease bond covers liabilities other than reclamation. Reclamation is a separate bond the BLM requires before approving your Plan of Development, sized to the estimated reclamation cost. We can issue either, with pricing from $1,250.

What does the lease bond guarantee?Compliance with the geothermal lease terms and BLM regulations — covering the lessee, operating-rights owners, and operators. If you fail to comply and the BLM incurs cost, it can recover against the bond.

Is there a credit check?Yes — one soft credit pull, which never affects your score. It does not change your price: this bond is 5% of the bond amount, regardless of your credit tier. Larger energy bonds get a closer underwriting look.

Where do I file it?With the BLM state office administering your geothermal lease, before operations begin. We issue the executed bond ready to submit.

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 Federal bonds.

BLM geothermal bond, started today.

Pricing from $1,250, soft pull only. Enter the amount the BLM required and e-sign in 1–2 business days.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $1,250

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