How to Become a Bail Bondsman in Connecticut

In the State of Connecticut, professional bail bondsmen issue bonds underwritten by their personal assets. Surety bond agents are licensed by the State Insurance Department pursuant to Connecticut General Statute 38a-660 and 660a. The bonds are underwritten by an insurance company.Professional bail bondsmen are licensed by the Connecticut State Police pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 29-144 through 152.

Instructions

1. Get qualified to be a professional bail bondsman. If you furnish bail in five or more criminal cases in any one year, you will be considered a professional bail bondsman and you must get your license.

2. Submit an application with your name, age, residence and occupation, a statement of financial standing (including assets and liabilities) and disclose as to whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. When you submit the application and financials, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. A detailed background investigation will be conducted to determine if you are suitable for the job and to verify your financial status.If you are vested with police powers, you will be ineligible to be licensed as a professional bondsman.The cost of the license is $100.00 per year.

3. Submit the following information within 60 days from the date of your application. If you do not submit the following within 60 days, you will need to complete another application with updated information.Application forms (DPS-166-C and DPS-165-C) accurately completed;Two current 2" x 2" passport style, full face frontal posed photographs;One green State fingerprint card and one blue FBI fingerprint card;A cashiers check or money order for $19.25 and $24.00, both payable to DPS;Motor vehicle driving record for the past five years from the motor vehicle licensing agency in the state or states where the applicant resides;A copy of your current driver's license;A copy of a DD-214 and other documentation to indicate the type of discharge if you were in the military;Four letters of character reference to be sent directly from the author to the Special Licensing & Firearms Unit, ATTN: BONDSMEN. Letters must include the addresses and telephone numbers where the authors may be reached. Form letters are not acceptable and will be returned;A letter of discharge from the respective department if the applicant is retired or separated from a local or state police department;A current credit bureau report; andProof of legal residency for non-citizens.If you do not submit these items within the allotted time period, you will need to complete another application with updated information.

4. Bring all of the completed paperwork to the DPS. While you can mail some forms, you should bring all of the completed forms in at one time, to be sure your entire package is received.

Tips & Warnings

• The State Insurance Department is located at 153 Market Street, Hartford, CT 06103, and can be contacted at [phone] concerning licensing questions or to obtain an application.

• Persons wishing to obtain a Professional Bail Bond License must apply to the Connecticut State Police, Special License and Firearms Unit, located at State Police Headquarters, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06497; telephone number: [phone].