Steps to Becoming a Bail Bondsman

In North Carolina, you are required to get a license to become a bail bondsman. Here are the steps to becoming a bail bondsman.

If every person that was arrested spent their waiting period in jail, our jail cells would be well beyond max capacity. Another role that bond agents have is to track down people that fail to appear in court or honor the terms of their release on bail. 

To begin your career in this exhilarating and rewarding career field, you need to follow these steps:

1. You must first meet the license requirements for NC

• Be a resident in North Carolina for at least six consecutive months before applying for a bail bondsman or bail bond runner license
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Have a high school diploma (or the equivalent)
• Have knowledge, training, or experience and competency necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a licensed bondsman
• Have no outstanding bail bond obligations
• Have no current or prior violations of Article 71 of Chapter 58 or Article 26 of Chapter 15A of the North Carolina General Statutes
• Not be disqualified in North Carolina or any other state to participate in bail bonds in any capacity
• Hold a valid and current North Carolina driver’s license or identification card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles

If you meet these requirements, you could be a good candidate for your bail bondsman license!

2. You cannot be a member of any law enforcement agency

If you were a member of law enforcement, this can be a conflict of interest and is not allowed in North Carolina. The conflict excludes you from being any of the following:

• Police Officers
• Sheriffs or Deputies
• Lawyers
• Jailers
• Parole Officers
• Judges
• Other roles that influence the criminal justice system

3. There is a pre-licensing course which must be taken

This is a two-day course that costs between $400-$500 and you can register online for the course to be taken in an area that is most convenient for you.

4. After passing the pre-licensing course, you must apply for your license

There are a few different licenses you can apply for when becoming a bail bondsman. These are the bail bond runner license, the professional bondsman license, and the surety bondsman license. 

A Bail Bond Runner is an associate that works with a professional bondsman to bring defendants to the courtroom or apprehend them as-needed. You might also keep a defendant under surveillance and execute bonds on behalf of your bondsman as allowed.

A Professional Licensed Bondsman can operate under the full capacity of the role. They can offer cash or securities to defendants by following court requirements.

A Surety Bondsman acts on behalf of the insurer and receives the power of attorney to execute or countersign bail bonds. 

5. You’ll have to pass a background check and a final exam

You’ve learned what you need to learn from the pre-license course. After you’ve paid your application fee, cleared the fingerprint background check, and the state accepts your application, it’s time to take (and pass) the bail bondsman licensing exam. 

If you fail the test the first time, you can retake it. However, you must wait for one year from your prior test date before you can retake the exam. Keep in mind that you might need to retake the pre-licensing course to stay eligible for the exam. 

6. First-year supervised by a bail bondsman

After you receive your license, it’s time to get a job! All first-year licensees must work for one year under a supervising bail bondsman. 

Contact us today if you have any questions about the process and if you need help getting started!