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.
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.
Property, Surety, and Agent bail bondsmen must be licensed.
This law shall not apply to a person who does not receive profit or consideration for his services.
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 (PSS_BA) 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 (PSS_FP) 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.
Yes. The PSSAB shall have one member who is a licensed bail bondsman.
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
- Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States
- Have received a high school diploma or GED; and
- Complete training and pass the bail bondsman exam at a DCJS certified training school.
- 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.
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.
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:
No provision was included in the law to provide training exemptions under the new licensure requirements.
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.
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.
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.
They are valid for 24 months. Licenses must be renewed prior to licensure expiration to include completion of in-service training.
Yes. All individuals must take the entry-level training to become licensed.
No. You can begin the licensure process and take training without previously being a bail bondsman.
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.
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.
