If you are interested in becoming a bail bond agent, you probably have a keen interest in criminal justice and law.
To become a successful bail bond agent, you need to understand the Virginia DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice System).
Here are some of the things you’ll need to know.
Minimum Eligibility
The great state of Virginia has minimum eligibility qualifications if you want to be considered as a bail bond agent.
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a US citizen or legal resident
- Must pass the entry-level training course
- Must pass the bail bondsman exam with at least a 70%
The online application requires a non-refundable fee. You’ll also have to schedule fingerprinting to complete a background check.
If anyone is interested in taking the firearms training course, they will also have to apply for a firearms application.
Education and Training Qualifications for the Virginia DCJS
Education
Only a high school diploma or GED is required, but any college or advanced education will help as you start your career.
College degrees in criminal justice are generally the most popular and helpful. Former or retired police officers also have an advantage in this field.
The more education you have on the topics, the easier it is to pass the licensing exam.
Training
After your application is submitted, you will have to start your entry-level training. The 40E training course covers the following topics:
- Basic law
- Regulations for bail bondsmen
- Ethics
- Surety law
- Property law
- Civil and criminal courts
- Legal obligations
- Fugitive recovery
Some of these topics are expanded. Fugitive recovery covers a range of subtopics such as criminal statutes, recovery procedures, responsibilities, legal processes, and documentation.
Documentation is the single most important part of protecting you from any liability. The courts and Virginia DCJS require accurate and detailed documentation for every transaction or engagement.
If you applied for the firearms training course, then you will need to take this at the same time or close together.
Examination
After meeting the minimum requirements and training, you’ll be able to finally sit for the examination. Passing the bail bondsman examination allows you to finally apply for licensure in Virginia.
Additional Requirements for Property Bail Bond Agents
To become a property bail bond agent, you’ll have to show proof of collateral before you’re licensed. Collateral can be in the form of cash, real estate, or certificate of deposit.
You must prove at least $200,000 in collateral for you and each of your agents if you have any.
If you use real estate, the following documentation must be submitted:
- Lien Documentation (must be free and clear)
- Title Certificate Report
- Special Power of Attorney form
- Deed of Trust form
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Property Collateral Verification form
If cash or certificates of deposit are used, provide the following documentation:
- Current financial statements
- Special Power of Attorney form
- Control Agreements
Any method of collateral not mentioned must be approved by the Virginia DCJS. If real estate is your main source of collateral, then it must be located in the state of Virginia with no exceptions.
Additional Requirements for Surety Bail Bond Agents
A qualifying power of attorney is required for surety. Copies filed with the Virginia DCJS will need to contain the names and contact information of each surety bail bond agent and the registered agent of the company.
It can take time to acquire a qualifying power of attorney, so there is a temporary license available that will extend thirty days to you. The temporary license does not make you a full bail bond agent yet.
You will also need to submit a copy of your Property and Casualty licensed. This is issued by the State Corporate Commission (SCC) and holds a separate licensing process.
License and Fees
You have completed the training and examination and proved collateral. You’re finally ready to apply for your license and be made a full bail bond agent.
Different types of bond agents require different exams. Take a look for what you’re applying:
Surety Bail Bond Agent
- Initial License Application form
- Initial License Application fee of $900
- Fingerprint fee of $50
- Category fee of $100
- Fingerprint application and card
- Power of Attorney
It’s important to remember that the power of attorney must come from a company licensed to do business in Virginia. Don’t forget to add a firearms endorsement application and fee if you plan to carry a weapon.
Property Bail Bond Agent
- Initial License Application form and fee of $900
- Fingerprint card and fee of $50
- Category fee of $250
- Title Certificate Report
- Lien Documentation
- Current financial statements
- Property Collateral Verification form
There should be one Title Certificate Report for each property you plan to use as collateral.
If you’re looking to be an agent working on behalf of the property or surety agent, then you’ll need to apply as an Agent Bail Bondsman.
Agent Bail Bondsman
- Initial License Application form and fee of $900
- Fingerprint card and fee of $50
- Category fee of $100
- Power of Attorney from a property bail bond agent who is sponsoring your collateral
Every category will also require a criminal history form. Fees can be paid by check or money order to the Treasurer of Virginia.
Paperwork and applications can be mailed to this address: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, PO Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218.
Now that you’re finished, you will be issued a license making you official in the state of Virginia. After two years, you’ll be required to renew your license with a course and application materials.
Start Your Career Now
There will never be a shortage of people who need reliable bail bond agents.
Take your interest in criminal justice to the next level by becoming a bail bond agent registered with the Virginia DCJS.
Start your new career here and join a winning team.