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Bail Bondsmen

Property Bail Bondsman – Individuals who pledge real property, cash or certificates of deposit issued by a federally insured institution, or any combination thereof as security for a bond that has been posted to assure performance of terms and conditions specified by order of an appropriate judicial officer as a condition of bail.

Agent Bail Bondsman – Individuals who have been given power of attorney to act on behalf of a licensed Property Bail Bondsman.

Surety Bail Bondsman – Individuals who are also licensed by the State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance as a property and casualty insurance agent, and who sells, solicits, or negotiates surety insurance on behalf of insurers licensed in Virginia, pursuant to which the insurer becomes surety on or guarantees a bond that has been posted to assure performance of terms and conditions specified by order of an appropriate judicial officer as a condition of bail.

 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age;
     
  2. Must be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States; and
     
  3. Must have received a high school diploma or GED.
     
  4. Successfully completed all initial training requirements at a certified or licensed private security services training school. This is to include a minimum passing grade of 70% on the bail bondsman exam.

Initial Application Instructions

  1. Apply online at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
    NOTE: A Criminal History Processing form is part of the online initial application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.
     
  2. Schedule an appointment for fingerprints.  Schedule an appointment at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364. DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.
     
  3. Complete the Bail Bondsman Firearm Endorsement Application during the online application process (if applicable).

 

Initial Training Requirements

The compulsory minimum entry-level training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be:

  1. 40E – Bail Bondsman Entry Level Core Training: 40 hours
  2. Firearms Training Entry Level (if applicable)

Additional Information for Property Bail Bondsmen

  1. Additionally, prior to the issuance of a property bail bondsman license, each property bail bondsman applicant will provide:
    • Proof of collateral of $200,000 on his bonds and
       
    • Proof of collateral of $200,000 on the bonds of each of his agents.
       
    • Any collateral that is not in the form of real estate, cash, or certificates of deposit issued by a FDIC-insured financial institution shall be specifically approved by DCJS before it may be used as collateral.
  2. If the property used as collateral is real estate, such real estate shall be located in Virginia and must be free and clear of all liens/obligations. In addition, the property bail bondsman applicant shall submit to DCJS:
  3. If the property used as collateral consists of cash or certificates of deposit, the property bail bondsman applicant shall submit to DCJS:
    • Control Agreement form (required for each account)
       
    • Current Financial Statement (required for each account)
       
    • Special Power of Attorney form (if applicable)

Additional Information for Agent Bail Bondsmen

  1. Upload a copy of Special Power of Attorney-Appointment of Agent form provided by your sponsoring Property Bondsman with the online application.

Additional Information for Surety Bail Bondsmen

  1. Upload copies of each qualifying power of attorney that will be used to provide surety. All qualifying powers of attorney filed with DCJS shall contain the name and contact information for both the surety agent and the registered agent of the issuing company. In the event an applicant for a surety bail bondsman license is unable to obtain a qualifying power of attorney prior to the issuance of his license, you will be issued a temporary licensure letter affording you thirty (30) days to submit the power of attorney to DCJS. This licensure letter will not authorize you to bond.
     
  2. Upload a copy of your Property and Casualty license issued by the State Corporation Commission (SCC).
     
  3. To view information regarding the licensing process for a Property & Casualty license, please see the SCC, Bureau of Insurance’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/index.aspx.

Renewal Application Instructions

  1. Renew online at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
    NOTE: A Criminal History Processing form is part of the online renewal application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.
     
  2. Schedule an appointment for fingerprints.  Schedule an appointment at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364. DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.
     
  3. Complete the Bail Bondsman Firearms Endorsement Application during the online application process (if applicable).

Renewal Training Requirements

  1. 40I – Bail Bondsmen In-Service Training: 8 hours
  2. Firearms Training In-Service (if applicable)
     

Additional Information for Property Bail Bondsmen

  1. If the property used as collateral is real estate, such real estate shall be located in Virginia and must be free and clear of all liens/obligations. In addition, the property bail bondsman applicant shall submit to DCJS: (required for each property)
    • Property Collateral Verification Form
       
    • Certified True Copy of the Current Tax Assessment or Real Estate Appraisal (if appraisal is over 5 years old)
       
    • Updated Title Search
       
    • Lien/Obligation Documentation (if applicable)
       
    • For any new properties being pledged as collateral, please refer to the Initial Property Bondman requirements
  2. If the property used as collateral consists of cash or certificates of deposit, the property bail bondsman applicant shall submit to DCJS:
    • Current Financial Statement (required for each account)
       
    • For any new cash or certificate of deposit accounts, please refer to the Initial Property Bondsman requirements

Additional Information for Agent Bail Bondsmen

  1. Submit copy of Special Power of Attorney-Appointment of Agent form provided by your sponsoring Property Bondsman.

Additional Information for Surety Bail Bondsmen

  1. Submit copies of each qualifying power of attorney that will be used to provide surety. All qualifying powers of attorney filed with DCJS shall contain the name and contact information for both the surety agent and the registered agent of the issuing company. In the event an applicant for a surety bail bondsman license is unable to obtain a qualifying power of attorney prior to the issuance of his license, you will be issued a temporary licensure letter affording you 30 days to submit the power of attorney to DCJS. This licensure letter will not authorize you to bond.
     
  2. Submit copy of Property & Casualty license issued by State Corporation Commission (SCC).
     
  3. To view information regarding the licensing process for a Property & Casualty license, please see the SCC, Bureau of Insurance’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/index.aspx.

PROPERTY BAIL BONDSMAN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

(Va. Code § 9.1-185.5 and 6VAC20-250-40)

Bail Bondsman License Application

Property Collateral Verification Form

  • Completed Property Collateral Verification (PCV) Form.
  • Include all property being pledged as collateral, its value and the portion of that value being pledged. Complete, readable copies of all required supporting documentation.
  • Proof of sufficient pledged collateral to meet the $200,000 requirement for the property bondsman and an additional $200,000 for each agent property bondsman.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned.

COLLATERAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENT

  1. Real Estate Collateral - (Va. Code § 9.1-185.5.C.)
    1. ​Title Certificate Report
      1. ​A completed DCJS Title Certificate Report Form.
      2. A complete copy of the title search.
      3. Complete copies of all supporting documentation used by the abstractor, including but not limited to all deeds of trust, easements, full copies of all notices of all judgments, notices of liens, easements, proof of satisfaction of liens, etc.
    2. Proof of Real Estate Property Value
      1. ​Appraisal Method - (Va. Code § 9.1-185.5.1.b and 6VAC20-250-40.C.1.b.)
        1. Department of Criminal Justice Services must be an intended user of the appraisal.
        2. A completed copy of the DCJS Third Party Beneficiary Addendum for Appraisal included as an addendum to the appraisal.
        3. An appraisal for the current use of the property completed by a properly licensed appraiser and meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
      2. Tax Assessment Method - (Va. Code § 9.1-185.5.1.a and 6VAC20-250-40.C.1.a.)
        1. A true copy of the current real estate tax assessment, certified by the appropriate assessing officer of the locality wherein the property is located.
    3. Deed of Trust - (Va. Code § 9.1-185.5.C.4 and 6VAC20-250-40.C.4)
      1. A separate Deed of Trust for each real estate property used as collateral.
      2. Must use the appropriate DCJS deed of trust form according to the type of ownership interest (Single, Husband & Wife, Joint Tenants, or Tenants-in-Common). 
      3. Name the local Commonwealth’s Attorney (where the property is located) as the beneficiary.
      4. The dollar amount of the Deed of Trust must be equal to the full amount of the indebtedness of the property bail bondsman (total amount of pledged collateral x 4).
      5. All Deeds of Trust must be properly recorded.
    4. Release of Deeds of Trust
      1. ​Submit a written request to the Department after all of the outstanding bonds written against the pledged property (-ties) have been properly released by the court.
      2. At that time, a Certificate of Satisfaction or Certificate of Partial Satisfaction may be issued by the Department to release the deed of trust.
      3. All Certificates of Satisfaction must be properly recorded.
    5. Property Ownership - Additional Requirements
      1. ​Property Bondsman must have an ownership interest in the property.
      2. Special Power of Attorney must be submitted from the appropriate person.
      3. If the property pledged is owned by any of the following please provide the additional information listed below:
        • LLC or Corporation:
          • List of Managing Members
          • Copy of Operating Agreement
        • Family Trust:
          • List of Managing Members/All Trustees
          • All Authorized Signers
          • All Designated Trustees
          • Complete copy of the Trust
        • Partnership:
          • Copy of Operating Agreement
          • General Partner
  2. Cash or Certificates of Deposit Collateral - (Va. Code § 9.1-185.5.C.2 and 6VAC20-250-40.C.2)
    1. Submit the appropriate completed DCJS Control Agreement Form< for each account pledged.
    2. The dollar amount of the Control Agreement must be equal to the full amount of the indebtedness of the property bail bondsman (total amount of pledged collateral x 4).
    3. There are three control agreement forms available for this purpose:
      1. DCJS Control Agreement for Single Owner
      2. DCJS Control Agreement for Husband and Wife
      3. DCJS Control Agreement for Joint Tenants

APPOINTMENT OF AGENT BAIL BONDSMEN

What is a Bail Bondsman?

A bail bondsman is any person who is licensed by DCJS who engages in the business of bail bonding and is thereby authorized to conduct business in all courts of the Commonwealth.

Can I be more than one type of Bail Bondsman?

Yes. You may carry more than one licensing category, but you must meet all the eligibility criteria for both categories before a license will be issued or renewed. 

What kind of bail bondsman must be licensed?

Property, Surety, and Agent bail bondsmen must be licensed. 

Who is exempted from this law?

This law shall not apply to a person who does not receive profit or consideration for his services. 

What are the licensing requirements for a Bail Bondsman?

The main requirements for both surety and property are as follows, please review the additional requirements listed under the surety or property questions. You must submit the following to the department:

  • Initial Bail Bondsman License and $900.00 nonrefundable licensure fee.
  • Nonrefundable Category fee
    • Property Bail Bondsman- $250
    • Agent Bail Bondsman- $100   
    • Surety Bail Bondsman- $100
  • Complete the 40-hour entry-level training and pass the bail bondsman exam as prescribed by the Board.
  • Fingerprint card, fingerprint processing application and applicable non-refundable fee. For more information, view the Fingerprints page.

For those who will have access to a firearm, they must complete the requirements for a Firearms Endorsement. For more information, view the Firearms Endorsement page. 

Will the industry be represented on the Private Security Services Advisory Board (PSSAB)?

Yes. The PSSAB shall have one member who is a licensed bail bondsman.

What are the minimum requirements for eligibility as a bail bondsman?
  1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
  2. Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States
  3. Have received a high school diploma or GED; and
  4. Complete training and pass the bail bondsman exam at a DCJS certified training school.
What would make a person ineligible to be a bail bondsman?
  • Persons who have been convicted of a felony within the Commonwealth, any other state, or the United States, who have not been pardoned, or whose civil rights have not been restored;
  • Employee, spouse of an employee or residing in the same household of an employee of a local or regional jail; sheriff's office; state or local police department; persons appointed as conservators of the peace pursuant to Article 4.1 (§9.1-150.1 et seq.) of this chapter; an office of an attorney for the Commonwealth; Department of Corrections, Department of Criminal Justice Services, or a local community corrections agency.
If I am an attorney can I be registered as a bail bondsman?

An attorney may be a licensed bondsman provided he does not provide bail for any person if he is also an attorney representing that person. 

What training is required in order to obtain a license?

The compulsory minimum entry-level training hour requirement excluding examinations and practical exercises, is 40 hours.  The course code for DCJS is 40E.  To see the topical outline or find a certified school, check the following links:

Will there be any exemption of training standards for previous training and/or experience as a bail bondsman?

No provision was included in the law to provide training exemptions under the new licensure requirements. 

Where will the approved training be taught?

The following link will help you find an approved training facility: https://www.cms.dcjs.virginia.gov/GLSuiteWeb/Clients/VADCJS/Public/Verification/Business/Search.aspx. 

What criminal history would be a basis for denial as a bail bondsman?

Persons who have been convicted of a felony within the Commonwealth, any other state, or the United States, who have not been pardoned, or whose civil rights have not been restored. 

Does being a Bail Bondsman allow me to carry a concealed weapon?

No. Persons who carry or have access to a firearm while on duty must have a firearm endorsement as described under 6 VAC 20-250-90 of the Regulations. If carrying a concealed handgun, the person must also have a valid concealed handgun permit, and the written permission of his employer pursuant to §18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia. 

How long is a Bail Bondsman license good for?

They are valid for 24 months. Licenses must be renewed prior to licensure expiration to include completion of in-service training. 

I am former law enforcement; do I need to take training?

Yes. All individuals must take the entry-level training to become licensed. 

Do I have to be a current bail bondsman in order to begin the licensure process?

No. You can begin the licensure process and take training without previously being a bail bondsman.

In order to do bail recovery must I also obtain a bail enforcement agent license?

Licensed bail bondsmen are exempt from the bail enforcement law and do not need to obtain a bail enforcement license in order to provide bail recovery. 

Are you issued a Surety Bail Bondsman before you obtain Power of Attorney?

No, you will be issued a temporary licensure letter affording you thirty days to submit the power of attorney to the Department. This licensure letter does not authorize you to bond.