Becoming a California Bail Bondsman

How to Meet the State's Licensing Requirements for Bail Agents

Jul 11, 2008 Felicia A. Williams

California criminals who are unable to post the court-required bail usually seek the services of a bail bondsman.

A bail bondsman posts the necessary bail so that the criminal doesn't have to spend the time between the arrest and the appointed court date sitting in a jail cell. For individuals looking for a career change, becoming a bail bondsman can be a viable alternative.

California Bail Bondsman Requirements

All applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and must have lived continuously in the state of California for at least two years. Upon satisfying the age and residency requirements, the best place to begin the research process is by visiting the California Department of Insurance website. The California Department of Insurance regulates the bail bondsman laws and the site lists all of the specific requirements for becoming a bail bondsman.

Become familiar with the California bail bondsman pre-licensing education program requirements. The California Department of insurance provides a rather extensive list of the pre-licensing requirements that each bail agent must satisfy. Currently applicants must have a minimum of 12 classroom hours of study to obtain a license. The pre-licensing requirements are downloadable from the Department of Insurance website.

Satisfy the Education Requirements

To satisfy the 12 hours of classroom study, applicants must obtain a listing of the approved education providers. The easiest way to obtain such a list is to access the database through the California Department of insurance website. For individuals who don't have internet access, call the California Department of Insurance and request a listing of education providers.

After receiving the list of approved education providers, evaluate and select a school. Not all schools offer the same course time schedule or the same pricing. Applicants should take the time to evaluate and choose the one that best fits their current schedule and affordability. Upon making a selection, register and begin taking the required pre-licensing bail bondsman classes.

Submit the Necessary Paperwork

Once applicants have successfully completed and passed the pre-licensing education requirements, the final step in becoming a bail bondsman is obtaining a license. Submit the necessary bail bondsman licensing applications along with the appropriate fee payment.

Once the applicant receives a valid California bail bondsman license, the newly licensed bail bondsman can seek to start one's own bail bondsman business or join an existing company to gain some experience before venturing out alone.

License Renewal Requirements

A California bail bondsman is required to take a minimum of 6 classroom hours of continuing education in order to renew the license annually.

Since there does not appear to be a shortage of criminals in need of bail bondsman services, why not take advantage of the opportunity?

The copyright of the article Becoming a California Bail Bondsman in Career Advice is owned by Felicia A. Williams. Permission to republish Becoming a California Bail Bondsman in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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