How to Become a Bail Bonds Agent

Being a bail bonds agent, sometimes called a recovery agent, is an exciting and rewarding career path to take. Part of law enforcement, a bail bonds agent is responsible for finding people who have skipped out on their bond and tracing them. Requirements to become a bail bonds agent are stringent to the point of divulging crimes committed as a minor. However, once you are qualified to become a bail bonds agent, you become a member of a well-respected branch of law enforcement. Side-arms are optional, and weapons permits must be applied for separately from the bail bonds agent application.

Things You'll Need

• Valid identification Current set of fingerprints Appropriate fee GED

Instructions

1. Produce valid identification to prove you are 21, which is the minimum age to apply for the position of bail bonds agent. Acceptable forms of identification are military ID; state ID or a valid driver's license in the state in which you are applying. You must be either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident to be eligible to be a bail bonds agent. The applicant must have passed the GED or had at least 3 years experience of working with a bail bonds agent.

2. Acquire a current set of fingerprints to send off with your application package to enable the authorities to run through the computers to ensure you are not wanted for any crime and are not a threat to society. A nonrefundable application fee must be enclosed with your other documents. This fee ranges from between $500 and $700 dollars, depending on the state requirements in which you live.

3. Ensure you have no outstanding warrants or pending litigation, civil or criminal, in any state. This will immediately disqualify you from becoming a bail bonds agent. You must divulge, where applicable, crimes that were committed when you were a minor. However, driving offenses such as DUI and parking tickets do not have to be divulged.

4. Place into your application envelope, a copy of your ID and current fingerprints, your GED or proof of 3 years bail bonds agent association. Don't forget the appropriate fee that is required in your state and your completed application form that answers all the questions. Send it off to your state's governing authority. Allow at least three weeks for a reply. On acceptance of your application and documents, you will be asked to sit an exam at a driver's licensing office, MVD or Department of Revenue office.

5. Success in completion of your exam with a passing grade and you are eligible to apply as a bail bonds agent anywhere you wish. At this stage, you will have passed all background requirements and have provided all the necessary documents that are needed to begin your new career.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all required documents and fees are enclosed with your completed application, as the fees are not refundable.

• While being a bail bonds agent is an exciting career, it is dangerous and deals with desperate criminals who'd do anything to stay out of jail.

Resources

• Bail Bonds
• Bail Bond Girls
• Absolute Bail Bonds
• AJ's Bail Bonds