Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent
Authorizing Act:
Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.3 reads, in part: A bail fugitive recovery agent’s license, by its terms, permits the licensee to engage in the activities of a bail fugitive recovery agent as set forth in subdivision (d) of Section 1299.01 of the Penal Code. Additional information can be found at state legislative bill AB 2043 Bail Bonds.
Eligibility to Apply (Individual License)
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a resident of California.
- Complete 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. Active Bail Agents and Permittees are exempt from this requirement.
Application Filing Requirements
- Apply for a Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent license at Sircon.
- Fees are $622 for a two year license term. All filing fees submitted are not refundable, whether or not the application is acted upon or the examination taken.
- Submit Fingerprint Impressions. If the applicant has an active insurance or bail license they are exempt from this requirement. See Fingerprint Processing link for fees.
Attach/upload the following to the application:
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A Bond of Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent, LIC 437-12, in the penal sum of $1,000 executed by a California admitted surety, and signed by the principal. Active Bail Agents and Permittees are exempt from this requirement.
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A course completion certificate for a 40-hour power of arrest course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training pursuant to Section 832 of the Penal Code.
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Proof of a policy of liability insurance for a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) coverage for any one loss or occurrence due to either bodily injury or death, or property damage, or both.
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An Action Notice Statement Of Bail Employment: LIC 438.
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A 2x2 passport photo, not older than six months. A Bail Identification card will be issued for all individual licensees
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A Bail Agent Fugitive Recovery Form LIC 437-23B
License Renewal Requirements:
- License renewal for another two year term. Apply at Sircon.
- License renewal fees are $188. All filing fees submitted are not refundable, whether or not the application is acted upon or the examination taken.
- Must complete a minimum of 12 hours of approved continuing education classroom study prior to each license two year term expiration date.
- A current list of education courses approved for credit can be found here. The continuing education provider has 30 days from the course completion date to submit the student roster to the department.
- Late renewals are prohibited by state insurance law Cal. Ins. Code 1808. Licenses not renewed by the expiration date will be required to submit a new application and all required forms and pay double the filing fee. Late is defined as any license renewal for which the filing fee, continuing education and required documents are not on file by the expiration date of the license.
Additional Information:
Federal law (Title 18 United States Code Section 1033) prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust from conducting the business of insurance unless they have obtained the written consent of the Insurance Commissioner. It is a violation of this statute to conduct business of insurance without the Commissioners written consent. If you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust then you must attach a copy of this consent. If you have not obtained this written consent you must do so by filing a 1033 Short Form Application for Written Consent prior to filing your application.
To obtain approval to submit insurance licensing forms by mail, send an e-mail request to: contactsups@insurance.ca.gov Attn: Bureau Chief, Bail
To obtain Bail insurance licensing information, you can use the Bail FAQ Page or you may call the Producer Licensing Bureau Bail Unit at (916) 492-3035 or email sac.bail@insurance.ca.gov. Please allow 3 business days for a return call.
All fees mailed to the Department must be addressed to:
Department of Insurance
PO Box 1139
Sacramento, CA 95812-1139
