How to Become a Bail Bondsman in Texas

A bail bondsman posts bail for a defendant to make sure he doesn't miss his court date.

A bail bonds agent, also known as a bail bondsman, is responsible for putting up money for a defendant who needs bond. Sometimes these people will work as bounty hunters to catch a defendant who has had his bail revoked for some reason. This is a risky job that includes working with criminals, so becoming a bondsman is not for everyone. If you live in Texas and are thinking you have what it takes for the job, you will need proper training and certification.

Instructions

1. Make sure you fit the requirements to become a bondsman. In Texas, you must be a resident of both Texas and the United States, be at least 18 years old and you can't have a past felony or misdemeanor that involves moral turpitude (such as murder or theft).

2. Work with a licensed bail bondsman. Texas requires at least one year of employment of no less than 30 hours of work per week. You must be doing the work of a bail bondsman, so secretarial or janitorial work for a bonds agency wouldn't count.

3. Take at least eight hours of criminal law or bail bond courses. This will give you the educational foundation to run a bail bonds business.

4. Send in your application and $500 application fee to your county's bail bonds board or to the state. Contact your county courthouse to get a copy of the application. The standard form will ask questions about you, your future bail bonds business and your legal history. You will also need to submit a photo, fingerprints, provide three letters of recommendation and a sworn financial statement. As a bondsman, you will be putting your money and property up for bond, so the state wants to make sure you have the means to do so.

5. Wait for your license. If the county accepts your application, you will receive written notification and your license.

6. Deposit at least $50,000 with the county treasurer. You might deposit less if you are working in a county with less than 250,000 people. This can be in the form of cash, deeds or property. If you are using property, an appraiser from the state will evaluate the cost of the property.

Tips & Warnings

• This application only grants you the ability to work as a bondsman. If you want to become a bounty hunter, you must apply for a different license. Working as a bounty hunter without a license is a felony in Texas.

References

• Bail Bondsmen Applicant Eligibility Requirements
• Bondsmen Security Requirements
• Bondsmen Application Requirements
• Continuing Bail Bonds Education

Resources

• Example Bail Bond License Application
• List of Bondsmen in Texas
• Bail Bonds Law Courses