Considering a career change? Thinking about what you want to do after school?
Why not look into becoming a bail bondsman?
Believe or not, becoming a bail bondsman isn’t a very taxing process.
Sure, you have to get your bail bondsman license. And there are a few other things you have to cover.
But the process is relatively easy.
Even easier than sitting still for the dentist!
If you’re unsure about how to become a bail bondsman, never fear!
We’ve compiled a complete guide on the process below!
How to become a bail bondsman
Step 1: Make sure you’re qualified to become a bail bondsman
Like any job that involves working with law enforcement and the court system, there are certain qualifications that you need to meet.
Certain restrictions also apply.
Here are some common qualifications that you have to meet in order to become a bail bondsman:
- Be the required age: In most states, the required age is 18, but in some it’s 21. (For example, North Carolina requires all would-be bondsmen to be 21 or older.)
- Be a resident of the state for a certain amount of time: Like the age requirement, this varies from state to state. (Let’s look at North Carolina again for an example. The residential requirement in that state is six months.)
- Submit to any necessary fingerprinting and/or background checks: Many jobs require a background check for employment. Not many require fingerprinting. In the case of a bail bondsman position, fingerprinting may be a stipulation of employment.
And here are common disqualifiying factors:
- Being any sort of law enforcement officer: Three words: conflict of interest.
- Having been convicted of a felcony.
- Having been convicted of a misdemeanor. (In some states, you can’t have been convicted of a misdemeanor recently to become a bail bondsman. For example, in our favorite example state, North Carolina, you can’t have been convicted of a misdemeanor in the past 24 months.)
Step 2: Talk to bail bondsmen
Before setting out on a new career path, get the skinny on the position from the old souls who’ve lived the life.
That way, you’ll know if the job is really for you.
Step 3: Register and attend the prelicensing class
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was any successful bail bondsman educated in one.
You have to attend the prelicensing class so you know what to do when you actually get your bail bondsman license.
Upon registeration, you’ll have to pay a fee for the class.
Step 4: Put in your bail bondsman license application
Once you satisfactorily complete the class, you can put in an application to get your bail bondsman license!
Whoo, go you!
Just keep in mind, there may be a limitation on how long you have after completing the class to put in your application.
We recommend turning it in the same week.
- By the way, you can also expect to pay an application processing fee.
Step 5: Take the state bail bondsman license exam
You took the class. You put in the application.
Now it’s time to show ’em the kind of bail bondsman material you’re made of.
Like the class and application, you’ll need to pay a fee in order to take the exam.
There you go! The road to getting your bail bondsman license, made simple!
Now go out there and get that license!