Get an Instant Quote on Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond

instant surety bond quote button

Introduction

From our perspective, independent drillers in Ohio want to focus on exploration, production, and compliance without unnecessary red tape. Whether drilling in the Marietta-Utica region or working on small-scale energy projects near Akron, these professionals need to comply with state regulations from the very start. A major component of that compliance is the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000.

This bond is required by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) before any individual may receive a permit to drill or operate a well. It acts as a financial guarantee that the well operator will plug the well properly, restore the site, and meet Ohio’s environmental protection standards. If the driller fails to do so, the state can access the bond to cover cleanup and restoration costs.

For independent contractors managing payroll or health benefits, this is often just one of several compliance bonds. Others may include the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond, or labor-specific guarantees like the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond. Swiftbonds helps operators meet each requirement efficiently, so the focus stays on the job—not the paperwork.

Confusion Surrounding Individual Drilling Bonds in Ohio

We’ve noticed that new operators frequently misunderstand what the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 actually covers. Many assume it’s a permit fee or part of a licensing cost. In reality, this bond is a legal and financial commitment to plug any well drilled in the state and restore the surface to its original or safe condition.

Operators who fail to submit the bond with their permit application face automatic denial. Others mistakenly file a blanket bond when only an individual bond applies to their operation type. Some believe this bond transfers across projects, when in fact, the bond applies to each permit and location unless explicitly covered under a broader surety agreement.

Contractors handling other obligations—such as payroll or benefits—sometimes think a labor compliance bond like the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond satisfies environmental bonding requirements. That’s not true. Each bond serves a separate legal purpose and must be filed with the correct agency.

Swiftbonds steps in to clarify the rules, match the right bond to the job, and get it filed on time.

Swiftbonds Supports Ohio’s Independent Drillers

Based on our experience, Swiftbonds helps drillers across Ohio stay in compliance with environmental, labor, and employment regulations. We guide individuals through the bond application for the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000, which is often the first legal requirement before setting foot on a job site.

We’ve worked with operators ranging from small well owners to contractors supporting large-scale horizontal drilling projects. Our team has seen how overlooked bonding requirements can delay operations or expose a contractor to fines. We’ve also worked with drillers who manage multiple obligations—such as filing the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond when opting for self-insured unemployment programs.

Our process is fast, accurate, and tailored to each applicant. We evaluate credit, confirm permit type, and issue bonds with the correct wording to meet ODNR specifications. For applicants with credit concerns, we provide access to payment and performance bonds with bad credit, so they can keep working while staying compliant.

Steps to Meet Individual Bond Requirements in Ohio

What we’ve discovered is that the bonding process works best when followed in the right order. Here’s how to file the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 successfully:

  1. Submit a permit application to ODNR
    Apply through the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management. This step requires detailed information about the drilling site, proposed operations, and environmental plans.
  2. Request the individual bond amount
    ODNR will confirm the minimum bond amount—$5,000 per well for individuals. This amount can increase if additional risk factors are present.
  3. Apply for the bond with Swiftbonds
    Submit your business and personal information to receive a quote. Our team processes most applications within one business day.
  4. Receive and sign the bond
    Once approved, Swiftbonds issues the original bond form, complete with proper signatures and seals.
  5. File the bond with ODNR
    Attach the bond to your permit application. Only then will your permit be processed and reviewed for approval.
  6. File additional bonds if required
    If you’re managing employment obligations, file any other necessary bonds like the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond or the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond.

Risk of Noncompliance in the Drilling Sector

In our observation, drillers who neglect bonding requirements face swift and severe penalties. Without a valid Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000, ODNR will not issue a drilling permit. Operating without a permit—or letting a bond lapse—can result in legal action, fines, and permanent license revocation.

Operators who plug wells improperly, abandon sites, or cause environmental damage risk having the bond claimed. If the state must perform the plugging work, the surety pays out, and the operator becomes responsible for reimbursing that amount. This can affect future licensing and bond eligibility.

Contractors with multiple responsibilities sometimes think a labor bond like the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond fulfills all regulatory requirements. That’s not the case. Each bond must align with a specific statute and agency. Failing to file the right bond for the right permit only creates costly setbacks.

Advantages of Early Compliance and Trusted Support

We’ve learned that operators who start with a clear plan and strong support from a bonding expert avoid delays and keep projects on track. Filing the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 with Swiftbonds helps protect your license, your business, and your reputation.

We work with drillers across Ohio to:

  • Approve bonds quickly and accurately

  • Help businesses with credit challenges stay active

  • Support multi-bond filings across state agencies

Our clients often manage multiple obligations across sectors. Whether you’re managing energy production, employment programs, or labor agreements, we can help file other required bonds like the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond and the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond.

With Swiftbonds, you gain a partner who understands the bond, the permit, and the agency—every step of the way.

Legal Basis for Drilling and Plugging Bonds in Ohio

The Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 is required under Ohio Revised Code § 1509.07, which regulates oil and gas well drilling and reclamation. The law mandates that before a permit is issued, the applicant must provide a surety bond to guarantee the plugging of the well and restoration of the site.

Key legal highlights include:

  • The bond amount for individual permits is $5,000 per well

  • The bond must be issued by a surety authorized in Ohio

  • Failure to maintain the bond can result in permit suspension or denial

  • ODNR may file a claim against the bond if the operator fails to complete plugging or cleanup

Full legal guidelines, application forms, and permit resources are available at the ODNR Oil & Gas Division website.

Conclusion

We’ve come to appreciate that independent drillers in Ohio value precision, speed, and compliance. The Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 is more than a formality—it’s a commitment to responsible development and environmental protection. Whether you’re drilling your first well or managing multiple sites, having the right bond in place keeps your project legally secure and financially protected.

Swiftbonds is proud to help Ohio’s drilling professionals meet their bonding obligations with confidence. For those also managing labor programs or unemployment responsibilities, we help secure the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond and the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond—so nothing falls through the cracks.

Let Swiftbonds help you get to work—compliantly, quickly, and with the confidence that every detail has been handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ohio Drilling and Plugging Bond – Individual Bond – $5,000 cover?

The bond guarantees that the driller will plug the well and restore the land according to ODNR standards. If the driller fails, the state can claim the bond to cover the costs.

Who is required to file this bond?

Any individual applying for a permit to drill a single well in Ohio must file this bond before the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will approve the permit.

How long does the bond remain active?

The bond must remain active until the well is properly plugged and the site restored. It typically renews annually unless released early by ODNR after proper closure.

Can this bond be used across multiple wells?

No. This is an individual bond and applies to a single well. For multiple wells, a blanket bond may be required under different rules.

How does this bond differ from employment-related bonds?

Employment-related bonds, such as the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services – Unemployment Insurance Trust Bond or the Ohio Kentucky Administrative District Council – Employers Wage Expense, Welfare, Pension ($25,000) Bond, cover separate legal obligations unrelated to drilling or environmental reclamation.

Can this bond be approved with poor credit?

Yes. Swiftbonds offers payment and performance bonds with bad credit, allowing applicants to meet Ohio requirements even with financial concerns.