Key Takeaways for Texas Public Weighers

A Texas Public Weigher ($10,000) Bond is required for individuals licensed to weigh and certify agricultural commodities such as livestock, grain, feed, and cottonseed. Required by the Texas Department of Agriculture, this bond protects the public and commodity buyers by guaranteeing that all weighing activities are performed accurately, honestly, and in full compliance with state law. Because weight certificates directly affect pricing and financial transactions, even minor inaccuracies can lead to disputes or financial losses. The surety bond provides a financial safeguard if a public weigher fails to meet legal obligations. The bond amount is set at $10,000 per location and remains valid for two years. While the bond amount is fixed, the actual premium paid depends on creditworthiness and other underwriting factors. Securing the bond is a critical step toward obtaining or renewing a Public Weigher Certificate of Authority and maintaining compliance with Texas regulations.

By Gary Swiftbonds, nationally recognized expert in surety bonds, bid bonds, and performance bonds.

Updated January 2026

Texas Public Weigher Bond infographic explaining the $10,000 surety bond requirement, licensing steps, and compliance rules for public weighers in Texas

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What is a Texas Public Weigher Bond?

A Public Weigher is a licensed individual who weighs commodities, produces and issues certificates for the said items, and maintains records of the items weighed. These weight certificates are used to determine pricing for sales, so they must be credited correctly. The surety bond ensures accurate security in case anything goes wrong on their watch!

Is your business in need of a bond?

The Texas Department of Agriculture requires a public weigher bond for weighing and measuring commodities, including livestock, cottonseed, grain, and feed. The bond guarantees that the person will faithfully perform their duties in accordance with the law.

If you’re looking for a public weigher’s license or want to know more about this type of bonding process, contact us today! We can help answer any questions you may have about bonds.

Click here now if you are interested in getting bonded with the Texas Public Weighers Bond ($10,000).

Why do I need this bond?

Public Weighers are a public service responsible for ensuring that weights and measures are accurate. This requires them to carry liability insurance, which protects the people they serve from financial loss up to the full penal sum if any wrongdoing is found, but is not limited by factors such as bad weather or accidents. Here’s a Houston Storm Water Quality Structural Control Bond.

What is the cost of a public weigher bond in Texas?

A person must obtain an appraisal and pay for their license before they can apply. They’ll have to provide information about themselves and show proof that they’re insured with at least a $000 surety bond per location, which adds up quickly!

What is the bond amount?

The bond amount is $10,000 and will remain valid for two years from the date it’s initiated. Having an excellent credit score may qualify you for a very low bond premium. Find a Lubbock Contractor’s Compliance Bond.

Certified digital weighing scale used by Texas public weighers to ensure accurate commodity measurements

What is a Public Weigher Bond for?

What is a Public Weigher Bond for? A public weigher bond ensures that the person holding this certificate of authority will comply with all provisions in Chapter 13 and other rules governing them. The surety bond also guarantees accuracy when weighing commodities requested by businesses.

How to become a public weigher in Texas?

It’s essential to follow the proper steps for becoming a public weigher in Texas. To obtain your certificate of authority, you must apply and submit the required paperwork. You should also have enough money saved up, since it costs $10,000 over 2 years! If these items are not submitted within that time period, then there will be delays with processing your application, which could lead to mistakes costing you more down the line. Need a Montgomery Overweight or Oversized Vehicle Bond?

What other requirements aside from the surety bond?

The Public Weigher Certificate of Authority is required for scales that weigh agricultural products. Applicants must provide a Power of Attorney, register the scale they will be using with the Texas Department of Agriculture, and pay $500 to obtain their license, which lasts only one year or until it expires, whichever comes first.

What is the duty of a Public Weigher?

A public weigher is a person who records the weight of an object with their official seal, including the date it was taken. The signature and license number must be stated on the certificate to ensure authenticity. Get an Odessa Secondhand Goods Dealers Bond.

Public weigher inspecting and calibrating an industrial scale to meet Texas Department of Agriculture standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Texas Public Weigher ($10,000) Bond?

A Texas Public Weigher Bond is a surety bond required by the Texas Department of Agriculture that guarantees a licensed public weigher will accurately weigh commodities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Who is required to obtain a Texas Public Weigher Bond?

Any individual or business seeking a Public Weigher Certificate of Authority in Texas must obtain this bond before legally issuing weight certificates for regulated commodities.

How much does a Texas Public Weigher Bond cost?

The bond amount is $10,000, but the premium paid is only a small percentage of that amount. Pricing depends on factors such as credit score, financial history, and underwriting criteria.

How long is a Texas Public Weigher Bond valid?

The bond remains valid for 2 years from the effective date, provided it remains in good standing and no claims are filed against it.

What happens if a claim is filed against the bond?

If a public weigher violates state regulations or issues inaccurate weight certificates, a claim may be filed. The surety may pay valid claims, but the bonded party is financially responsible for reimbursing the surety.

Is the bond required for each weighing location?

Yes, a separate ,000 bond is required for each location where weighing services are performed and certified.

Protecting Accuracy, Compliance, and Trust in Texas Weighing Services

Professional public weigher verifying product weight accuracy on a certified commercial scale in Texas

Becoming a licensed public weigher in Texas is more than a regulatory requirement; it’s a responsibility to uphold accuracy, fairness, and public trust in agricultural commerce. The Texas Public Weigher ($10,000) Bond plays a vital role in that process by protecting producers, buyers, and the public from financial harm caused by inaccurate or improper weighing practices. Without this bond, obtaining or maintaining a Public Weigher Certificate of Authorization isn’t possible. By securing the bond early, applicants can avoid licensing delays, remain compliant with Texas Department of Agriculture requirements, and operate with confidence knowing they are properly protected. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing license, obtaining the correct bond ensures a smoother approval process and demonstrates professionalism to clients and regulators alike. Getting business isn’t about meeting the minimum requirements; it’s about safeguarding your business reputation and supporting transparent, reliable trade across Texas.