Becoming Licensed

• To start a bail bond company, you first need to become licensed by the state where you'll be doing business. Each state has its own requirements for licensing. Some states require you to pass a test, and some require you to be educated in the duties and responsibilities of owning a bail bond company before they will permit you to obtain a license. This information can be found at each state's official website or Department of Insurance offices.
  
  Once you have fulfilled your state's bail bond licensing requirements, you'll need to apply for a business license. Often, this can be done online, and the fees are relatively minimal. In general, a license application will require about $100 in processing fees.
  
  

Marketing Your Business

• One of the main difficulties that a start-up bail bond business faces is attracting clients. A bail bond company is different from other types of businesses and serves a unique set of clients, so many typical marketing techniques, such as radio or television spots, probably won't work. One method of getting business is to put an ad in the Yellow Pages, since many prospective clients look there first when faced with posting bail. It is also helpful to develop relationships with local courts and police stations, as they sometimes provide lists and suggestions for bail bondsmen.
  
  An Internet presence can help steer clients your way as well, and you can operate your bail bond company from your website. Or you can choose to operate from a brick-and-mortar office or opt for both a website and an office for maximum marketing exposure.
  
  

Following the Laws and Dealing With Fugitives

• As a bail bondsman, you need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to running your company. Each state has its own laws that you must follow governing the details of posting bail as well as other responsibilities of a bail bond company.
  
  In the event that a client skips bail, you may need to contact a bounty hunter. For a fee, bounty hunters track down people who have skipped bail. While this service is expensive---often a certain percentage of the cost of the bail bond---it is preferable to losing all the money that has been posted for bail. Bounty hunters can be found online or by contacting detective agencies. If a client skips bail, the bail bondsman is liable for the full amount of the bail, though he or she is usually covered by insurance. A bail bondsman can also sue a fugitive for money lost as a result of skipping bail.