Are you interested in being a saving grace to people come out of the lowest point of their lives on top? Do you have a passion for helping people that are down on their luck? Does the legal system intrigue you?
If you said “yes” to any of the above questions, then you would be a tremendous fit as a bail bondsman.
However, if you’re just opening yourself to the idea, then you might not know how to go about becoming one.
Here are several steps you must follow to becoming a bail bondsman. Be sure to consider all of them as you weigh out this decision.
1. Do Some Research
No self-rewarding career ever started without someone reaching out to learn more about a position that they’re interested in.
Lucky for you, you live in a time where there have never been more ways to find information. You can search the internet, call your local police station, reach out to a local bail bondsman, talk to a family friend who is one, etc.
You might think to yourself “what kind of research do I need to find?”. The most important tidbit is to find out if you’re even legally allowed to become one.
Some states don’t allow bail for criminal defendants. But if you live in North Carolina, then you can reach out to a trusted bail bond agency to get involved.
If you’re passionate about becoming a bail bondsman or at least learning a bit more about it, then be sure to reach out to a bail bond agency to learn more.
2. Find Your State’s Requirements
Most states have different requirements for bail bondsmen that they set with the bail bond agency licensing boards.
While some of them have certain additional regulations, most of them just include being over 18 years old, having a high school diploma (GED will work too), and be sponsored by a surety bond company.
You also need to have the proper financial requirements to be able to post bail for your clientele, complete the bail bond agency pre-licensing classes, and pass your state’s licensing test.
All of this is to make sure all that is licensed as a bail bond agent will uphold the power and integrity that come with the job.
You also need to focus on how to build professional relationships with local police enforcement and detention officers. You’ll be seeing them often, and the closer you get to them, the more business that you’ll have.
3. Request Licensing Information
Now that you’ve researched the licensing requirements that you’ll need within your state’s regulations, it’s time to reach out to a local licensing department.
See if they can point you in the right direction of all the necessary paperwork and materials that you’ll need to achieve the licensing.
If they are unable to help you, then the bail bond agency you’ve been commuting with can be your guide through this process.
Once you receive all the materials and instructions for getting your bail bond license, you must follow each step to a “T”.
4. Pass Your State’s Licensing Exam
Now that you have all of the material that you need, all that’s left to do is study for the test and pass the exam with flying colors.
So… what does the exam-taking process look like? You’ll have an hour to complete the test, which is compiled of 50 to 60 multiple-choice questions.
While that might sound unintimidating, it can cost up to $100 each time that you have to try and take it. Needless to say, you’ll want to pass it on the very first try.
Be sure to remember all the information and documentation that you need to bring with you when you go to take the exam.
The licensing course that you take will give you a certificate saying that you completed the class and are ready for the exam. You’ll also need to bring some form of payment to take the test itself, as well as pay for your fingerprint submissions.
While it might seem like a lot of things to pay for, remember, you’re investing in your future. The small payments you make now will look minuscule after you chisel out a new career for yourself.
5. Apply for a License Through Your State
Now that you’ve passed the test you can officially apply for a bail bondsman license within the state.
That process will require you to find the application on your state’s department of insurance website, filling it out to its entirety, then paying for the fee.
You’ll also need to show proof of both your course completion and score from the licensing exam.
As you’re going through this, be sure to clarify how long your bail bondsman state license will last before you need to get a renewal.
Once you’ve received your license, it’s time to reach out to a bail bondsman agency for you to build your career. Take everything in stride and be sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone that you come into contact with.
Start Your Process for Becoming a Bail Bondsman Today!
Now that you’ve seen the various steps for becoming a bail bondsman, it’s time to get the process rolling along! Start by doing more research and building contacts within your local bail bondsman network.
To get started, be sure to apply now online and we’ll be happy to assist you further!