California Bail Agent Bond

Surety1 does not offer bail bonds; however, we do offer surety bonds for bail agents. A bail agent is a person who can ask, arrange, and effect undertakings of bail for a surety insurer. All applicants for a bail agent license in California, including both individual bail agent and corporations, are required to file a California Bail Agent Bond in the amount of $1,000. This bond ensures the proper application and handling of all money collected or received by the bail agent or company.

The continuous nature of this bond makes it valid in full force and effect until the bond is cancelled or until a new bond is filed in its place.

What are the requirements to be a Bail Agent in California?

To qualify as a bond agent in California, you must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the state. You must also file the following with the California Department of Insurance:

• Prelicensing Experience/Education: 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
• Continuing Education: a minimum of 12 hours of approved continuing education study
• An application for a Bail License (please note there is an application for individuals, and an application for corporations)
• A Bail Agent Action Notice, form LIC 437-23, executed by a surety insurer or it’s authorized representative
• A copy of the forms or documents which the bail agent intends to use regularly or frequently in connection with bail transactions
• Form LIC 438, is required when employing or terminating the employment of another bail agent or permittee.
• Licensing Fee of $566
• Examination Fee of $56 (if individual)
• Fingerprinting and associated fee (if individual)
• A California Bail Agent Surety Bond, form LIC 437-9, in the penal sum of $1,000 executed by a California admitted surety
  • Note: Surety1 is licensed in all 50 states and is located in Rancho Cordova, California!

The License Requirments.

The California Department of Insurance will not issue a bail license until the license applicant files a California Bail Agent Bond with the commissioner. The purpose of this bond is to protect the public. It guarantees that the bail agent will properly collect and handle money. It does not serve as insurance. Licenses for bail bond agents and companies are distributed by the California Department of Insurance.

Where can I get a California Bail Agent Bond?

To obtain a California Bail Agent Bond, all you need to do is take a few minutes to fill out our free online application! Within one business day one of our licensed agents will contact you with a no-obligation quote for the price to obtain your bond (the “premium”). Once any necessary paperwork is signed and the premium payment is processed, your surety bond will be shipped to you via USPS Priority Mail (overnight shipping options also available).

The surety bonding experts at Surety1 are here to help you get bonded quickly and reliably. We work with over a dozen “A” rated surety markets to ensure we find you the lowest rate for your bond. We are also licensed in all 50 states and maintain an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.