What Are Bail Bondsman Requirements?
Becoming a bail bondsman can be risky, but it can also be profitable. Bear in mind that it is nowhere near as exciting as what you see on popular TV shows. What reality TV doesn’t show are the hours of office work and all the behind-the-scenes work. With that said, this can still be a rewarding and interesting career choice. Training and licensing requirements vary from one state to the next, but there are some general guidelines you should know about bail bondsman requirements you can find on sites like this.
What Does Your State Allow?
Commercial bail is not allowed in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, and Kentucky. Massachusetts has bail services, but the requirements for licensing are quite strict and tedious to ensure the quality of service. Georgia and Texas also have their guidelines related to bail services and bail bonds professionals.
If you’re not already aware, make sure that private bail services are permitted and regulated in the state where you are going to work. You can find the details of each state’s laws and requirements through the Department of Insurance. You can also ask them about available schools or training programs that meet licensing requirements since the laws are different from one state to the next.
Minimum Requirements
The majority of states in the U.S. currently only require a high school diploma for those interested in working in the bail bonds industry. Of course, any kind of higher education or degree in law enforcement or criminal law would be beneficial and create more potential career options. In states where licensing isn’t regulated or mandated, those with felony convictions may still find work in bail bonds, but some firms may be less willing to hire convicted felons due to the nature of the business.
Some states will mandate a full criminal background check. In this case, any felony convictions may automatically disqualify you from becoming a bail bondsman. If licensing is required, you will need to attend mandatory courses or training programs and then pass the written examination. Some states will require you to submit your fingerprints at the time of testing or when you apply for licensing, as well.
Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to apply with your state’s Department of Insurance. There is usually an application or licensing fee that must be submitted with the application, and you will need to include your exam scores for validation. After your license has been approved, you can find work at a bail bonds agency or start your firm if you’re up to the challenge or live in an underserved market.
Classes and Topics
If you are required (or simply choose) to have some formal classroom education or training in bail bonds before you start working in the field, you will take classes that cover things like:
- Introduction to basic bail bonds procedures and principles
- Laws and regulations surrounding bail in your state
- Financial courses related to bonds and recovery
Important Safety Considerations
While the financial benefits of becoming a bondsman are great, the potential risks involved need to be carefully considered by anyone considering this career. Primarily, you will be held responsible for bail costs and related fees if clients miss court dates, or face other financial obligations as a result of their failure to comply with state and firm-specific bail requirements.
Another concern is for your physical safety. If you are working as a recovery agent, you could find yourself in violent situations trying to track down people who have skipped bail or missed a court date. There are bounty hunters whose entire purpose is recovery, and many bail bonds companies will outsource to these individuals to take the risk of physical violence away from their employees.
While there are occupational hazards in many careers, the latter is one that not everyone wants to face. Make sure that you take the time to consider the risks versus the rewards when considering a career as a bail bondsman.
Wrapping Up
The best way to begin is to find out the specific requirements for bail professionals in your state. Your state Department of Insurance will have all of the information that you need. In some cases, you may be able to contact a local firm that will sponsor you and help you become a working bondsman, including any education or training that may be required.
When you first become licensed or begin working as a bondsman, you typically will work under someone else or be a trainee, of sorts, until you gain experience. Although it is possible to start your firm when freshly licensed, you don’t yet have a professional network or industry experience to have the best chances of success as a business owner.