Background Check and Disqualifications A clean background is crucial. You cannot have any felony convictions. If you have a felony on your record, you are automatically disqualified from becoming a bail bonds agent.
To conduct business as a bail agent, the professional must receive licensing from the California Department of Insurance. To obtain licensing, he or she must acquire a California bond of bail agent.
If the felonies on your record have been adjudicated by a court, in other words, not mere arrests where the cases have been dropped or dismissed by the prosecutors, then you will be prevented from qualifying for a license as a bail bond agent.
APPLYING FOR A BAIL BOND LICENSE Eligibility for a license is limited to persons who have not previously been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony, or to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty.
The bail bond agent will need you to sign some paperwork in order for you to secure their services. This usually means paying an amount to the agent, usually a percentage of the total bail amount, and signing off on any collateral for the bond.
Be at least 18 years of age. Be a resident of California. Complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved prelicensing classroom study in subjects pertinent to the duties and responsibilities of a bail licensee, including, but not limited to, all laws and regulations related thereto, rights of the accused, and ethics.