Skip to content

How to Become a Bail Bondsman

There are lots of jobs that most people don’t realize are so important to day to day life. Without jobs like garbage collectors, plumbers, and maintenance personnel, our world would come to a swift (and stinky) stop.

The same can be true of bail bondsman. It’s not a job many people at first think of but it is important to keep the judicial system functioning as it should.

I’m you would like to become a bail bondsman, keep reading to learn about the first steps.

Determine state regulations to become a bail bondsman

It’s hard to make any progress to become a bail bondsman if you don’t first know what your state requires.

Some states do not allow private bondmen. These states include:

  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Oregon
  • Wisconsin

Other states may have special guidelines when it comes to private bonds.

There are also restriction on who can become a bail bondsman.

You cannot be a bail bondsman if you currently are employed as or have previously worked as:

  • Sheriff
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Other law enforcement officer
  • Judicial officer
  • Attorney
  • Parole officer
  • Probation officer
  • Jailer
  • Assistant jailer
  • Employee of the General Court of Justice
  • Any public employee assigned to duties relating to the administration of the criminal justice
  • Any spouse of such person

Complete pre-licensing courses

Before you are eligible to become a bail bondsman, you may be asked to complete Pre-Licensing Bail Education class and Property and Casualty course.

The courses you are required to take depend on the state in which you would like to become a bail bondsman.

For example, in North Carolina you must pass a two day long Pre-licensing Bail Education Class. However, in South Carolina you will need to complete a 20 hour course to become a Professional Bondsman or Bond Runner, or a more in depth 60 hour course to become a Surety Bondsman.

Your state’s Department of Insurance will be able to provide you with information on what courses you will need to complete to become a bail bondsman.

Even if taking one of these courses is not required, it will likely benefit you to take the course anyway.

Get your license

In most states, bail bondsmen are licensed through the Department of Insurance.

While some states have a specific license for bail bondsmen, most will require you to get property and casualty insurance.

If you contact the licensing division of the Department of Insurance in your state they should be able to clarify the requirements for your state, whether or not you will need to be fingerprinted, if a written exam is required, and how much the application costs.

Get to work!

Once you have completed the course requirements and applied to the Department of Insurance, you will be ready to start your career as a bail bondsman.

Many people choose to join an existing bail bond company to gain experience in the market.

If you are already confident in your knowledge of the industry, it is also possible to skip this step and start your own company right off the bat.