Download Article
Download Article
Being a bail bondsman can be a profitable, yet risky, business. Not all states allow arrested persons to post commercial bail. However, these companies are very popular in the states that do allow the businesses. Consider the following if you are still interested in taking the steps to become a bail bondsman.
Steps
-
Find out your state's private bail bond policy. Check to see if the state where you plan to work as a bail bondsman allows private bail bonds for posting bail. Some states do not allow private bonds, [1] X Research source and a few other states have special guidelines regarding private bonds. Check with your state's Department of Insurance to find out your state's policies.
- States, such as Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin do not allow commercial bail. Massachusetts allows it but has rigorous requirements for new bail bondsmen when it comes to licensing. Texas and Georgia also have special guidelines pertaining to bail bondsmen.
-
Gain information pertaining to being a bail bondsman in your state. Each state may have different rules and regulations for licensing. Even if you are already licensed in one state, do not assume you can operate in another. Most states only require a high school diploma as a prerequisite to becoming a bail bondsman, but an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in finance, business, economics, or law would be helpful. [2] X Research source
- You may not be able to be a bail bondsman if you have a felony conviction on your criminal record, so expect a background check. In states where there is no certification or licensing of bondsman, a felony conviction does not preclude your from becoming a bail bondsman, though it may still be difficult to find a firm that will hire you. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Conference of State Legislatures Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents Go to source
- Ask your state's State Department of Insurance for information about bail bondsman schools and licensing requirements.
- Keep in mind that while there can be a lot of benefits to being a bail bondsman—mostly having to do with the financial gain—there is also considerable risk. If you serve as the recovery agent for offenders who do not report to their court dates, you could risk violent encounters. Some bail bondsman hire bounty hunters from outside their business for this reason. You may also be held accountable for the balance of bail fees should a client miss his or her court date.
Advertisement -
Complete any pre-licensing courses or requirements. Your state may require you to complete a pre-licensing course in order to be eligible to become a bail bondsman. Such courses are designed to help with preparation for the licensing exam and the rest of the licensing process. [4] X Research source Again, your state's Department of Insurance should be able to give you the information you need about pre-licensing courses or requirements.
- Your state may offer but not require a pre-licensing course, but it is a good idea to complete it anyway.
Advertisement
-
Take a written examination if required by your state. The examination may last an hour and include 50-60 multiple-choice questions. You may have to pay an examination fee of between $40 and $100 to take the test. Check with the State Department of Insurance to find out where and when the test is being given and how to sign up. [5] X Research source
- You may also have to get your fingerprints recorded at the time of the exam, which may incur a separate fee.
-
Apply for Your license with the state. Once you have passed your examination and met all other eligibility, you may apply for your bail bondsman license. You will likely have to submit an application with the State Department of Insurance and pay a fee via check, money order, or credit card. [6] X Research source
- You will also need your score from the state licensing examination.
- Other requirements may vary by state.
-
Join or start a bail bond company. Joining an existing company may help you get the experience you need should you ever want to open your own bail bond business. This may also help you to create a network of financial partners. Starting your own business may require a separate license and other requirements including a surety bond, and incorporation. [7] X Research source
-
Take continuing education courses. Continuing education courses may be necessary to renew your license. Licenses may be valid for between one and three years. [8] X Research source
- Some states require 6 or more hours of educational classes each year. Be certain to check with your state when you apply for your license.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- You will probably want to find a person or agency to act as a bounty hunter for your business. These individuals help track down any people that skip town after you have posted bond for them.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Look into all of the consequences in the event that your client does not return to court.Thanks
- Be certain to check on adequate insurance to cover yourself and your family.Thanks
- It is extremely important for anyone desiring to become a bail bondsman to carefully study the laws and be aware of the risks that he or she is taking.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ http://www.aboutbail.com/pages/states-with-no-private-bail
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- ↑ https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/bail-bond-agent-licensure.aspx
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- ↑ http://www.bountyhunteredu.org/how-to-become-a-bail-bondsman/#eligibility
- http://www.bailyes.com/howtobecomeabailbondsman.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To become a bail bondsman, start be researching the rules and regulations in your state, since they can vary from one state to another. In most states, you'll need at least a high school diploma or GED for this job. Next, complete the pre-licensing courses required by your state and take the written examination administered by the State Department of Insurance. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for your bail bondsman license. Then, start looking for an open position with a bail bond company! For more details about the written examination, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 164,977 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Making the phone call to my state Department of Insurance is the tip I needed to get the answers I need. Thank you."
Advertisement
97%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Making the phone call to my state Department of Insurance is the tip I needed to get the answers I need. Thank you."
"The info helped me make a choice about being a bail bondswomen! I kind of like it, thanks for posting."
"It's helped me a lot. It's given me a good understanding on how to become a bail bondsman."
"It gave me a little outlook on how to take the proper steps in becoming a bail bondsman. "
"It was all very helpful. Showed me exactly what to do to become a bondsman."
