New York Model Management Bond Guide: $50,000 Requirement, Cost & How to Get One

New York’s Fashion Workers Act created new protections for models and creative workers, including a registration and bonding requirement for model management companies. Under the law, these companies must post a $50,000 surety bond. This guide explains what the bond covers, estimated cost, and how to get registered.

For how these bonds work in general, see our what is a surety bond and types of surety bonds.

New York’s $50,000 Model Management Bond Requirement

Under the Fashion Workers Act, a model management company in New York must:

• Register as a model management company with the appropriate New York authority
• Obtain a $50,000 surety bond
• Maintain the bond for as long as the company operates and is registered

The Fashion Workers Act establishes fiduciary duties for management companies toward the models they represent — including timely payment of earnings and transparency in contracts. The bond backs those obligations financially.

What the Bond Covers

• Failure to remit earnings owed to models or creatives
• Breach of the fiduciary duties established by the Fashion Workers Act
• Fraud or misrepresentation by the management company
• Violations of the Act’s registration and conduct requirements

A harmed model or creative can file a claim against the bond. The surety reviews claims, pays valid claims up to the $50,000 limit, and collects reimbursement from the company under the indemnity agreement.

Estimated Cost of the New York Model Management Bond

You pay a premium that is a percentage of the $50,000 bond amount, based on a soft credit pull and the company’s qualifications. General first-year premiums commonly fall between roughly $500 and $1,500 for good-credit applicants.

The $50,000 amount maps to the $50,000 surety bond page. Get the New York model management company bond directly. For the full pricing picture, see the surety bond cost guide.

Getting the Bond with Credit Challenges

Applicants with weaker credit can still be considered, generally at a higher premium. Collateral options are available to reduce rates where needed. See bad credit surety bonds.

How to Get a New York Model Management Bond

1. Confirm the $50,000 requirement and registration details under the Fashion Workers Act.
2. Apply. Provide business information and authorize a soft credit pull. Financial statements may be requested (if required).
3. Get your quote and pay. Turnaround may take from same day to a couple of business days.
4. File with the registration authority. Submit the bond with your model management company registration.

See more New York bonds at the New York state bonds hub.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a New York model management bond?
  It’s a $50,000 surety bond required of model management companies in New York under the Fashion Workers Act. It protects models and creatives from financial harm such as withheld earnings or breach of fiduciary duty by the management company. The bond must be in place for the company to register and operate.
• How much does a New York model management bond cost?
  You pay a premium that is a percentage of the $50,000 bond amount — commonly roughly $500 to $1,500 for the first year for good-credit applicants. These are estimated 1-year premiums; multi-year terms may be available at a discount. Request a quote for an exact figure.
• What is the Fashion Workers Act?
  The Fashion Workers Act is New York legislation, effective 2025, that creates protections for models and creative workers, including fiduciary duties for model management companies and a $50,000 bonding requirement. Confirm current details with the appropriate New York authority.
• What does the model management bond cover?
  It covers failure to remit earnings owed to models, breach of the fiduciary duties under the Act, fraud or misrepresentation, and violations of the Act’s requirements. Harmed models or creatives file claims against the bond.
• Who needs a New York model management bond?
  Model management companies operating in New York that manage models or creative talent and handle their earnings. Confirm your registration and bonding obligation under the Fashion Workers Act before operating.
• Can I get the bond with bad credit?
  Applicants with weaker credit can still be considered, generally at a higher premium. Collateral options are available to reduce rates where needed.
• How long does the bond last?
  The bond stays in force as long as the company operates and is registered, with the premium renewed on the bond’s term. Multi-year terms may be available at a discount.
• Do I pay the full $50,000?
  No. You pay only the premium — a percentage of the $50,000 — not the full bond amount. The $50,000 is the maximum the surety would pay on a valid claim.

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