How to Be a Bounty Hunter in Ohio
Ohio is one of many states that hires freelance bounty hunters, also called surety bail bond agents. Individuals, usually working with private bail bond companies, use their own time to find those who do not appear at court at the appointed time. To work in Ohio, you are required to hold a surety bail bond agent license. This license is offered by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which licenses all insurance agents in the state.
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Instructions
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Take all pre-license coursework. You have the option of taking 20 hours of classroom work or a self-study course. Once completed, you will be given a course completion certificate. This certificate is valid for 180 days.
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Study for your license exam. Pearson Vue, the computer-based testing provider which administrates the Ohio Insurance exams, has content outlines available on its website to help you study. It also offers practice tests online.
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Schedule your exam with Pearson Vue. In 2010, there were 10 examination centers in Ohio. If you are not in Ohio, you can check the Pearson Vue website for testing locations in your area. When you schedule your exam, you will need to pay a fee. In 2010, this fee was $63. You will receive a confirmation number at this point.
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Take your exam. You will need two forms of identification, one with a photo; the certificate you received showing you have completed your pre-license coursework within the last 180 days; your confirmation number; and your credit or debit card. If you are retaking the course due to failure, you will also need the report of your prior score.
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Complete a background check. Pearson Vue offered this at its testing sites for $35 in 2010. The background check requires your social security number as well as demographic information.
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Complete the application for a surety bail bond agent license. Mail the application, along with all supporting papers, to the Ohio Department of Insurance, 50 W. Town Street, Third Floor, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you have completed the steps and are accepted, your license will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
If you don't take your examination within 180 days of completing your pre-license certification, you will have to retake your pre-license coursework.
References
- Ohio Department of Insurance: Surety Bail Bond Pre-License Classroom Course
- Ohio Department of Insurance: Surety Bail Bond Pre-License Self-Study Course
- Pearson Vue: Ohio Insurance Content Outlines
- Pearson Vue: Frequently Asked Questions Ohio Department of Insurance
- Ohio Department of Insurance: Surety Bail Bond Agent License Application
