How to Become a Bail Bondsman in Indiana

If you’re thinking of a career in law enforcement, you might want to consider the exciting world of the bail bondsman. This is the person who puts up the money for an arrested individual to make bail. The bondsman gets his money back once the individual appears in court for sentencing. In Indiana, it’s fairly easy to become a bail bondsman, provided you meet the specific requirements of the state, get a license and have the necessary funds.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Printer
• Digital camera
• Credit report
• Fingerprint card
• Criminal history check
• Check/money order
• Certificate of eligibility

Instructions

1. Take the Pre-Licensing Education courses mandated by state law. The state requires a minimum of 12 credit hours, which can be taken at any college or university and usually include criminal-justice classes. Unless you have at least 12 credit hours, you can’t be licensed as a bail bondsman.

2. Apply for a bail-bondsman license directly from the Indiana Department of Insurance. The application is available on their website; however, you must submit a hard copy to the office in Indianapolis. Unlike other states that allow counties and cities to regulate the bail process, the state has control in Indiana.

3. Include everything the state needs to process your application. You’ll need a digital photograph of your entire face, taken either by yourself or at the office in Indianapolis. They also need a credit history/report, a fingerprint card, a criminal-history check and a check or money order for $650 (your application fee).

4. Wait for the IDOI (Indiana Department of Insurance) to send you a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate means the department has reviewed your application and believes you’re fit to handle the position of bail bondsman. It also permits you to take the test for the position.

5. Take the Bail Agent examination at one of the licensed and approved test sites you will be directed to when you receive your Certificate of Eligibility. You’ll need to pay a separate fee to take the test, payable by by check or money order at the testing site.

6. Once you’ve passed the test, choose your fellow workers, have your finances in order and select a site to work from. You must have enough money to operate your business and enough funds to pay your customer's bonds. When you have cleared these hurdles, you can begin advertising your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you include all required materials in your application, and that your handwriting is easily read. An incomplete or illegible application will be returned unprocessed.

• If you’ve already worked in a bail bond office, you can in some cases skip the pre-education requirements. Your work history shows you have knowledge of the law enforcement and bail-bond business and thus fulfills the requirement.

• Not everyone who applies for a license and fulfills all of the requirements will be approved by the state. Indiana has a need for only a certain number of agents, and may not approve your application the first time.

Resources

• Indiana Department of Insurance