---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 3261.18"
title: "43"
number: "3261.18"
heading: "Do I need to file a bond with BLM before I build a well pad or drill a well?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3261.18"
---

# §3261.18. Do I need to file a bond with BLM before I build a well pad or drill a well?


Before starting any operation, you must:

- (a) **File with BLM either a surety or personal bond in the following minimum amount—**
  - (1) $10,000 for a single lease;
  - (2) $50,000 for all of your operations within a state; or
  - (3) $150,000 for all of your operations nationwide;
- (b) Get our approval of your surety or personal bond; and
- (c) To cover any drilling operations on all leases committed to a unit, either submit a bond for that unit in an amount we specify, or provide a rider to a statewide or nationwide bond specifically covering the unit in an amount we specify.
- (d) **See subparts 3214 and 3215 for additional details on bonding procedures.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1001-1028; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; and Pub. L. 109-58.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 24400, May 2, 2007, unless otherwise noted.