How to Get Bonded in Missouri

The Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) has oversight for Missouri's bonding licenses. After you are bonded by the state you can perform work as a bail bondsman or surety recovery agent. People who are currently bonded can also renew their license through the department.

Instructions

Complete Training and Pass Examination

1. Meet eligibility requirements. You must be at least 21 years old before you apply to be bonded. You are also required to be a United States citizen, and you must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate. If you are a judge, law enforcement officer, attorney, court official or an employee of a Missouri county, state or municipal office, you are not eligible to apply to be bonded.

2. Get fingerprinted. Contact L-1 Identity Solutions (see Resources) online or call the company at [phone] to schedule to have your fingerprints taken for your background check. L-1 Identity Solutions charges a one-time fee which typically runs $12.95 to process electronic applications. You can also complete a Criminal Record Check Application, Form SHP-158K (see Resources) to request a background check. If you chose this route, pay the $20 state and the $19.25 federal processing fees. At the bottom of the application, write in the name and address where you want the results of your fingerprints to be mailed. Sign and return the completed form to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Records and Identification Division, P. O. Box 9500, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.

3. Complete 24 hours of initial basic training at an approved testing center location. (See Resources.) You must complete the training before you apply for a bond license. Bring paper and pencil or a pen with you to the training center.

4. Contact Pearson VUE (see Resources) to schedule to take the bondsman examination. Review the Licensing Information Bulletin that lists the step-by-step instructions on taking the examination. The bulletin also includes an outline of the test. Take the online practice test to become familiar with the types of questions asked. Call Pearson VUE at [phone] should you have questions or concerns. You must pass the examination before you submit your bonding license application. Pearson will notify the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration as to whether or not you passed the test.

5. Fill out the Missouri Uniform Application for Bail Bond or Surety Recovery License, Form B1. (See Resources). Include an original, signed certificate which states that you completed the required initial basic training. Pay the processing fee which typically is $150. Write your check or money order out to the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP). Mail the fee, course completion certificate and signed and completed license application to the Missouri DIFP-Insurance, P. O. Box 4001, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.

References

• Missouri State Highway Patrol

Resources

• License Application
• Criminal Record Check Application, Form SHP-158K
• L-1 Identity Solutions
• Approved Training Locations
• Pearson VUE