The process of becoming licensed as a bail bondsman in Virginia includes following these steps:
 | Meet General Virginia Qualifications |
 | Complete Training and Education Requirements in Virginia |
 | Pass your Virginia Examination |
 | Apply for Virginia Licensure |
 | Now that you’re a Bail Bondsman in Virginia |
In Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services licenses three types of bail bondsmen:
- Property Bail Bondsman – pledges cash, real property or other assets as security for a bond
- Agent Bail Bondsman – has the power of attorney to act on behalf of a licensed Property Bail Bondsman
- Surety Bail Bondsman – Also licensed by the State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance as a property and casualty insurance agent; and sells, solicits and negotiates surety insurance to guarantee a bond
You may be licensed in more than one area, but must meet all requirements for each area in which you are licensed as a bail bondsman in Virginia.
Step 1. Meet General Qualifications for Bail Bondsmen in Virginia
In order to become a licensed bail bondsman of any type in Virginia, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete initial training requirements at a certified/licensed private security services training school (see Step 2)
- Pass the bail bondsman exam (see Step 3)
Step 2. Complete Required Training and Education for Virginia Bail Bondsmen
Training
The Virginia DCJS requires all licensed bail bondsmen to complete the 240-hour Bail Bondsmen Entry-Level Training Course (40E). Search the DCJS database to find approved training providers for this course. Content includes:
- Ethical standards
- Code of Virginia and Regulations Relating to Bail Bondsmen
- Basic law
- Surety and property law
- Courts: civil and criminal; federal, state and local
- Release from legal obligation
- Fugitive recovery
- Legal procedures
- Criminal statutes
- Use of recovery agents in Virginia
- Responsibilities when fugitive is in bondsman’s custody
- Recovery procedures
- Documentation
- Required by the courts
- Required by DCJS
- Record keeping
- Reporting
- Retaining records
Additionally, if you plan to apply for Firearms Endorsement, you must complete initial firearms training approved by DCJS. Search this database to find appropriate training providers.
Education
While you do not have to possess a college degree in order to become a licensed bail bondsman in Virginia, it is desirable. Having one of the following degrees can increase your knowledge and improve your chances of passing the Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam:
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration: Criminal Justice Administration
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Human Services
Step 3. Pass the Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam in Virginia
Upon completing the Bail Bondsman Entry-Level Training Course, your training provider will administer the Bail Bondsman Licensing Exam. You must pass this exam in order to proceed with the licensing process.
Step 4. Apply for Licensure as a Bail Bondsman in Virginia
After passing the examination, you are ready to apply for licensure as a bail bondsman in Virginia. The procedure and documentation required differs depending upon the type of licensure for which you are applying:
- Property Bail Bondsman:
- Submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application
- Submit the following fees, payable via check or money order to Treasurer of Virginia:
- License application fee of $900
- Category fee of $250
- Fingerprint fee of $50
- Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable)
- Submit the fingerprint application and completed fingerprint card
- Submit the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation
- Submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form if you are applying for firearms endorsement
- Submit the Property Collateral Verification Form, along with:
- a Title Certificate Report for each individually owned property you are pledging as collateral
- Current tax assessment or real estate appraisal for each property
- Lien or obligation documentation if applicable
- Powers of attorney if applicable
- Current financial statement for cash/CD collateral documentation
- Agent Bail Bondsman:
- Submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application
- Submit the following fees, payable via check or money order to Treasurer of Virginia:
- License application fee of $900
- Category fee of $100
- Fingerprint fee of $50
- Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable)
- Submit the fingerprint application and completed fingerprint card
- Submit the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation
- Submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form if you are applying for firearms endorsement
- Submit a Power of Attorney from a Property Bail Bondsman who substantiates your collateral
- Surety Bail Bondsman:
- Submit the Initial Bail Bondsman License Application
- Submit the following fees, payable via check or money order to Treasurer of Virginia:
- License application fee of $900
- Category fee of $100
- Fingerprint fee of $50
- Firearms endorsement fee of $30 (if applicable)
- Submit the fingerprint application and completed fingerprint card
- Submit the completed Criminal History Supplemental Form and legal presence documentation
- Submit the Firearms Endorsement Application form if you are applying for firearms endorsement
- Submit the Power of Attorney from a Surety Company licensed to do business in Virginia
Mail all applications, documentation and fees to Department of Criminal Justice Services, P.O. Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218.
Step 5. Now That You’re a Licensed Bail Bondsman in Virginia
Well done! You are now a licensed bail bondsman in Virginia! Your license expires every two years, during which time you must complete the 8-hour Bail Bondsmen In-Service Course. Search the DCJS database for approved course providers. At the time of renewal, you must submit the Renewal License Application along with the same fees and documentation you submitted when you initially applied for your license. Mail them to Department of Criminal Justice Services, P.O. Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218.
You might want to consider joining the Virginia Bail Agents Association, in which membership is free. This professional organization helps bail bondsmen with networking and resources for the courts, bureau of insurance, DCJS, continuing education and more.
Sources:
www.vbaa.org/
law.justia.com/codes/virginia/2006/toc1902000/19.2-149.html
www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/special/bailbondsman.cfm