To become a bail bondsman in North Carolina, you need to follow these key steps and meet certain requirements:
- Meet Minimum Licensing Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Have no outstanding bail bonds.
- Have no misdemeanor drug violations within the last 24 months.
- Hold a valid North Carolina driver’s license or ID.
- Have no felony convictions anywhere in the USA.
- Be a resident of North Carolina for at least 6 months before applying.
- Cannot be employed in certain law enforcement or judicial roles, or be the spouse of someone employed in such roles.
- Find a Supervising Bail Bond Agent:
- New licensees must be supervised for one year by a licensed bail agent with at least 2 years of experience.
- Take a Bail Agent Pre-Licensing Course:
- Complete a two-day pre-licensing course approved in North Carolina.
- Complete Fingerprints and Background Check:
- Submit fingerprints in North Carolina for a background check as part of your application.
- Apply for the Bail Bondsman License:
- Apply online through the North Carolina Department of Insurance’s system after completing the course.
- Pass the North Carolina Bail Bondsman Exam:
- Pay a $40 fee to take the exam.
- If you fail, you must wait one year to retake it.
- Security Deposit:
- After passing the exam and completing supervision, you need to make a $15,000 security deposit in a US bank before receiving the professional license.
Once these steps are completed, you can work as a professional bail bondsman in North Carolina. This process ensures that you are qualified, trained, and supervised properly to operate in this field legally within the state.
