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Private Security FAQs

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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:

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 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.
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.
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 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. 

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 kind of bail bondsman must be licensed?

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

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 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.