How to Become a Bail Bondsman in Missouri

Being a bail bondsman in Missouri can be a lucrative business, but you have to meet certain requirements in order to operate as a bail bondsman in Missouri. Here are some of the requirements.

Instructions

1. Turn 18. You have to be at least 18 years old before you can think about getting your bail bondsman license.

2. Be a resident of the state of Missouri.

3. Take the course work. You will need to take a bail bond class license course at a local college. These classes will also help you in applying for your licensing. Be prepared to submit fingerprint and file pictures of yourself to the state

4. Get your bail bond license. Missouri requires that you get a license whether you are a bail bond company or a professional bail bondsman. As a bail bondsman, you will need to be employed by a bail bond company and have a power of attorney that is registered with the state. Contact the department of economical development for the state of Missouri to find out when you can get your license, but you will be required to finish those specialized courses before getting your license.

5. Get a letter of credit. If you plan on opening a bail bond company you will also need a letter of credit or a certificate of deposit in the amount of $100,000 if you are a newly licensed company. This letter of credit will be used if you, the bondsman, perform illicitly. For instance, if you ever accept anything from a principal other than the cost of the bond or collateral security, or if you make any kind of a deal with an official or an attorney in an attempt to reduce the amount of a bond, that would be considered illicit.

6. Renew your license every year. Once you have been licensed, you will need to renew it every year on time.

7. Get bail bondsman surety insurance. In the state of Missouri, you are required to have a surety insurance policy of a million dollars as a bail bond company and as an agent of a company that insurance will cover you, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Becoming a bail bondsman is not that easy, but not that difficult either, if you meet all of the requirements. Your best bet is to start by working for a bail bond company as a clerk or assistant, take the course work that you need to become an agent, and then become an agent for the same company you are working for.