Learn information about obtaining a surety bond and registration for your Sweepstakes.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Last reviewed: July 29, 2026.
Some states may require a surety bond for your Sweepstakes prizes and a registration of the Sweepstakes with their gaming agency. If the total value of all prizes is greater than a certain threshold (often $5,000), you may require a surety bond and registration. Two examples include:
- New York: required for all Sweepstakes
- Florida: required if the sponsor (your organization) is not a 501(c) organization
When is registration and bonding not required?
If the total value of all prizes is below a state’s threshold, you may not be required to register or bond it. You may also choose to exclude a state’s residents from your Sweepstakes as an alternative.
When should I register and bond my Sweepstakes?
Your Sweepstakes must be completely set up before acquiring the bond. Once the bond is obtained, you can’t make any changes to your Sweepstakes.
What are the costs for registration and bonding?
The cost of registering a charity Sweepstakes is typically $100 per state (plus any express shipping fees), and the price of a surety bond is typically 2% of the value of the prize(s) (plus any express shipping fees). For example, if you need to register and bond in New York and Florida, you will need to acquire two separate bonds.
What is the registration and bonding process?
RallyUp can provide you with publicly available information to help you navigate the registration and bonding process. It may seem daunting, but it is a relatively straightforward process.
1. Acquire the bond.
We will introduce you to a bonding firm that can help you acquire the bond. They have a simple form for you to fill out and can usually get the bond completed the same day. They can overnight the bond to you and send an invoice for all charges.
2. Sign and notarize the bond.
Once you receive the bond in the mail, you will need to have it signed and notarized before sending it off to the state to register your Sweepstakes.
3. Fill out the state registration form.
A registration form for each state must be filled out and mailed in with a check for $100.
4. Send all information to the state.
Send the following information to the state to register your drawing:
- Printed copy of official rules
- Notarized surety bond
- Signed registration form
- Check for $100
We recommend sending this packet with a return receipt or some way to track that it was received. Once you have proof that the state received the package, contact us, and we will quickly review your Sweepstakes so it can go live.
Understand: Sweepstakes Review Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states require Sweepstakes registration and bonding?
Publicly available information indicates that New York requires registration and bonding for all Sweepstakes with prizes totaling more than $5,000. Florida only requires it for Sweepstakes over $5,000 if the sponsoring organization is not a 501(c) organization. Other states may also have regulations concerning registration and bonding.
What is the prize value threshold for registration and bonding?
Each state can set its own threshold. In NY and FL, if the total value of all prizes is less than $5,000, you may not be required to register or bond your Sweepstakes.
How much does registration and bonding cost?
State registration typically costs $100 per state (plus any express shipping fees). The surety bond typically costs 2% of the total prize value (plus express shipping fees). If registering in both New York and Florida, for example, you’ll need two separate bonds. Each state sets its own fees, and each surety company sets its own bonding rates.
Can I make changes to my Sweepstakes after getting bonded?
No, your Sweepstakes must be completely set up before acquiring the bond. Once the bond is obtained, you cannot make any changes to your Sweepstakes.
How long does it take to get a surety bond?
The bonding firm that RallyUp often refers organizations to can usually complete the bond the same day you fill out their simple form. They can overnight the bond to you along with an invoice for all charges.
What documents do I need to send to the state for registration?
You need to send a printed copy of the official rules, the notarized surety bond, the signed registration form, and a check for $100. Send this packet with tracking to confirm receipt.
When will my Sweepstakes go live?
Once you have proof that the state received your registration package, contact RallyUp. After confirmation, RallyUp will quickly review your Sweepstakes to ensure it meets our internal standards so it can go live. RallyUp doesn’t determine or guarantee that a Sweepstakes is legal or compliant — confirming that is the organizer’s responsibility, through their own research and legal counsel as needed.