Requirements for Becoming a Bail Bondsman
Tracking down bail jumpers is a rewarding career and relatively easy to get into with minimum qualifications. Requirements for becoming a bail bondsman differ slightly in each state; however, they are basically the same. Side-arm applications must be applied for separately at your local sheriff's department if you wish to carry a weapon.
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Time Frame
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The applicant must have no outstanding warrants. Any current litigation must be heard by a judge and taken care of before applying for the job of bail bondsman, including all county court judgments. The applicant must have no convictions, felonies or misdemeanors in any state that would jeopardize his work efforts.
Identification
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The minimum age to apply for a bail bondsman license is 21. Valid identification must be produced to prove your age and identity. You must be a United States citizen, or a permanent resident alien with a green card, living in the United States. Applicants must have earned a GED or have three years' experience working with a bail bondsman, and they must pass the pre-licensing test.
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Considerations
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Submit between $500 and $700 in non-refundable fees with your completed application form. Monetary amounts will differ, depending on the requirements of your particular state. Attach a current set of fingerprints with your application package to enable government agencies to conduct a background check and ensure your name is clear.
Significance
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You are required to divulge your juvenile criminal history, however trivial, as well as any adult convictions. The exceptions are driving offenses, driving under the influence and parking tickets, which do not need to be submitted.
Features
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When you are notified to attend your exams at a driver's licensing location, you have successfully passed your background and criminal checks and are on the last leg to becoming a bail bondsman. If you fail the exams, you are required to go through the entire process again.
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