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California Bail Bond — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CA · License preparation

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Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Bail Agent License

Permits the licensee to solicit, negotiate, and effect undertakings of bail on behalf of a surety insurer while an unrevoked notice of appointment is on file.

Licensing authority: department of insurance · Application information

Reactivation after loss of surety appointments
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
Submit LIC 437-23 with the per-appointment fee to reactivate for the remainder of the two-year term.
Inactive license
The unexpired bail agent license became inactive after losing all surety appointments.
Qualification
This process restores the appointment authority of the existing license; it does not issue a new qualifying examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate bail agency licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Entity
Applicant is a corporation; under § 1810(b), disclose all officers and employees authorized to exercise the license powers, all of whom must meet licensing requirements.
Filing
Obtain name approval, use a California business location, file the $1,000 bond, surety appointment, transaction forms, employment action notices and the POST certificate stated on the CDI corporate instructions.
Implementation
The CDI corporate application requires each officer, director, shareholder and employee to hold an individual bail agent license.
Ownership
One hundred percent of shares must be held by licensed bail agents; shareholders, officers and directors must be individually licensed and disclosed. Stock transfers require prior CDI approval.
Practice
Solicit or negotiate bail for surety insurers only through individually licensed bail agents. The individual license is an applicant condition; this entity pathway imposes no independent corporation examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Corporate bail agency renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Entity
Currently licensed corporate bail agency.
Filing
Renew online for the two-year term, pay the fee and keep an active bond and appointment on file; comply with continued individual licensing and ownership requirements.
Late filing
The CDI page prohibits late corporate renewals and requires a new application and double filing fee if the renewal fee and documents are not filed by expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application following expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Examination
The general § 1810.5 examination rule applies unless the precise statutory recent-licensure exception is independently met.
Filing
Apply as a new applicant under § 1808(b); the one-year double-fee and CDI no-new-exam reactivation period has ended.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Prior license
A prior bail license expired more than one year ago.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Reactivation by new application within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Exemptions
The CDI Bail FAQ states that applicants during this period need no new examination, additional prelicensing education or fingerprint submission.
Filing
Submit a new application, required documents and double the filing fee under § 1808(b).
Prior license
A bail license expired for failure to renew; apply within one year after expiration.
Statutory exception
The § 1810.5 recent-licensure exception controls the qualifying examination; the FAQ describes the one-year administrative reactivation process.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial individual licensure by examination
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Bail permittee obtaining an additional bail agent license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment required by § 1802.1.
Bond
The permittee bond already on file covers both licenses; § 1802.6 does not require the additional bail agent bond.
Prior license
Currently licensed bail permittee meeting the recent-licensure exception of § 1810.5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure on the statutory recent California bail license exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Implementation instruction
CDI pages state initial examination requirements generally; the specific statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 controls this applicant class.
Prior license
Held a Chapter 7 California bail license during part of the annual period ending July 1 preceding the period covered by this application; § 1810.5 expressly removes the examination prohibition for this class.
Remaining requirements
File the application, fees and credential-specific appointments, bonds and other documents. The exception concerns the qualifying examination and does not waive other applicable licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Bail Agent License

Restricted form issued subject to Commissioner-imposed conditions.

Licensing authority: insurance commissioner · Application information

Restricted license replacing an existing recent California bail license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
An existing Chapter 7 license is replaced by a restricted license and satisfies the recent-licensure class in § 1810.5.
Remaining requirements
Retain the bonds, appointments and other requirements applicable to the same licensing capacity.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New restricted license application after expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Prior license
Prior restricted licensure has expired beyond the CDI one-year reactivation period; the general qualifying examination applies unless the statutory recent-licensure exception independently applies.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Reactivation of restricted license within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Filing
Restricted licenses are kept in force and renewed in the same manner and on the same conditions as unrestricted licenses under § 1742; the CDI FAQ requires a new application and double filing fee within one year, with no new qualifying exam, fingerprinting or prelicensing education.
Prior license
The applicant satisfies the recent-licensure exception under § 1810.5.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial restricted licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Bail Agent License (Estate Representative)

Temporary authority for the executor or administrator of a deceased licensee's estate.

Licensing authority: Insurance Commissioner · Application information

Temporary estate administration licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Appointment
File the surety insurer appointment under § 1802.1(a); it must remain effective to transact business.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail agent bond under Insurance Code § 1802(a), or the authorized securities substitution under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit intended transaction forms, employment action notice where applicable and the CDI identification-card photograph.
Duration
The Commissioner may issue the temporary license for one year after death, pending but not after disposal of the business, solely to conduct the estate business under § 1810.8.
Estate
Applicant is the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased holder of the same license type.
Examination
Section 1810.8 does not state an examination exception. The general § 1810.5 qualifying examination rule is retained, with its express recent-licensure exemption as an applicant condition.
Remaining qualifications
Meet the applicable bail-license qualifications and supporting-document requirements, subject to the Commissioner's estate-license authority.

Bail Permittee License

Permits the licensee to solicit, negotiate, issue, and deliver bail bonds.

Licensing authority: Insurance Commissioner · Application information

New application following expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Examination
The general § 1810.5 examination rule applies unless the precise statutory recent-licensure exception is independently met.
Filing
Apply as a new applicant under § 1808(b); the one-year double-fee and CDI no-new-exam reactivation period has ended.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Prior license
A prior bail license expired more than one year ago.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Reactivation by new application within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Exemptions
The CDI Bail FAQ states that applicants during this period need no new examination, additional prelicensing education or fingerprint submission.
Filing
Submit a new application, required documents and double the filing fee under § 1808(b).
Prior license
A bail license expired for failure to renew; apply within one year after expiration.
Statutory exception
The § 1810.5 recent-licensure exception controls the qualifying examination; the FAQ describes the one-year administrative reactivation process.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial individual licensure by examination
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Licensure on the statutory recent California bail license exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Implementation instruction
CDI pages state initial examination requirements generally; the specific statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 controls this applicant class.
Prior license
Held a Chapter 7 California bail license during part of the annual period ending July 1 preceding the period covered by this application; § 1810.5 expressly removes the examination prohibition for this class.
Remaining requirements
File the application, fees and credential-specific appointments, bonds and other documents. The exception concerns the qualifying examination and does not waive other applicable licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Bail License

Restricted form issued subject to Commissioner-imposed conditions.

Licensing authority: insurance commissioner · Application information

Restricted license replacing an existing recent California bail license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
An existing Chapter 7 license is replaced by a restricted license and satisfies the recent-licensure class in § 1810.5.
Remaining requirements
Retain the bonds, appointments and other requirements applicable to the same licensing capacity.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New restricted license application after expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Prior license
Prior restricted licensure has expired beyond the CDI one-year reactivation period; the general qualifying examination applies unless the statutory recent-licensure exception independently applies.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Reactivation of restricted license within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Filing
Restricted licenses are kept in force and renewed in the same manner and on the same conditions as unrestricted licenses under § 1742; the CDI FAQ requires a new application and double filing fee within one year, with no new qualifying exam, fingerprinting or prelicensing education.
Prior license
The applicant satisfies the recent-licensure exception under § 1810.5.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial restricted licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Bail Permittee License (Estate Representative)

Temporary authority for the executor or administrator of a deceased licensee's estate.

Licensing authority: insurance commissioner · Application information

Temporary estate administration licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Bond
File an admitted-surety $5,000 bail permittee bond under Insurance Code § 1802.5, or authorized securities under § 1802.7.
Documents
Submit the application, a detailed current financial statement, transaction forms and the employment action notice where applicable under current CDI application instructions.
Duration
The Commissioner may issue the temporary license for one year after death, pending but not after disposal of the business, solely to conduct the estate business under § 1810.8.
Estate
Applicant is the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased holder of the same license type.
Examination
Section 1810.8 does not state an examination exception. The general § 1810.5 qualifying examination rule is retained, with its express recent-licensure exemption as an applicant condition.
Remaining qualifications
Meet the applicable bail-license qualifications and supporting-document requirements, subject to the Commissioner's estate-license authority.

Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent License

California Chapter 7 bail license.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance; Insurance Commissioner · Application information

New application following expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Examination
The general § 1810.5 examination rule applies unless the precise statutory recent-licensure exception is independently met.
Filing
Apply as a new applicant under § 1808(b); the one-year double-fee and CDI no-new-exam reactivation period has ended.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Prior license
A prior bail license expired more than one year ago.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.
Reactivation by new application within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Exemptions
The CDI Bail FAQ states that applicants during this period need no new examination, additional prelicensing education or fingerprint submission.
Filing
Submit a new application, required documents and double the filing fee under § 1808(b).
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Prior license
A bail license expired for failure to renew; apply within one year after expiration.
Statutory exception
The § 1810.5 recent-licensure exception controls the qualifying examination; the FAQ describes the one-year administrative reactivation process.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial individual licensure by examination
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.
Licensure on the statutory recent California bail license exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Implementation instruction
CDI pages state initial examination requirements generally; the specific statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 controls this applicant class.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Prior license
Held a Chapter 7 California bail license during part of the annual period ending July 1 preceding the period covered by this application; § 1810.5 expressly removes the examination prohibition for this class.
Remaining requirements
File the application, fees and credential-specific appointments, bonds and other documents. The exception concerns the qualifying examination and does not waive other applicable licensing requirements.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent License

Restricted form issued subject to Commissioner-imposed conditions.

Licensing authority: insurance commissioner · Application information

Restricted license replacing an existing recent California bail license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
An existing Chapter 7 license is replaced by a restricted license and satisfies the recent-licensure class in § 1810.5.
Remaining requirements
Retain the bonds, appointments and other requirements applicable to the same licensing capacity.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New restricted license application after expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Prior license
Prior restricted licensure has expired beyond the CDI one-year reactivation period; the general qualifying examination applies unless the statutory recent-licensure exception independently applies.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.
Reactivation of restricted license within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Filing
Restricted licenses are kept in force and renewed in the same manner and on the same conditions as unrestricted licenses under § 1742; the CDI FAQ requires a new application and double filing fee within one year, with no new qualifying exam, fingerprinting or prelicensing education.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Prior license
The applicant satisfies the recent-licensure exception under § 1810.5.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial restricted licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.
Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent License (Estate Representative)

Temporary authority for the executor or administrator of a deceased licensee's estate.

Licensing authority: insurance commissioner · Application information

Temporary estate administration licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Appointment
File the bail agent or surety appointment under § 1802.1(b). Section 1802.1(c) exempts existing agents and permittees whose surety appointments authorize fugitive recovery. The CDI recovery page additionally states: "This form is required even if you are actively licensed as a Bail Agent."
Bond
File the admitted-surety $1,000 bond under § 1802(b)(1), subject to the existing-bond and insurance exception in § 1802(c).
Duration
The Commissioner may issue the temporary license for one year after death, pending but not after disposal of the business, solely to conduct the estate business under § 1810.8.
Estate
Applicant is the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased holder of the same license type.
Examination
Section 1810.8 does not state an examination exception. The general § 1810.5 qualifying examination rule is retained, with its express recent-licensure exemption as an applicant condition.
Liability insurance
Provide at least $1,000,000 liability coverage per loss or occurrence under § 1802(b)(2), subject to the statutory delay authority and existing-coverage exception; the current CDI page requires proof.
Natural person
Only natural persons may hold this license under Insurance Code § 1802.3(c), notwithstanding the corporate provision in § 1810(b).
Practice
Comply with the Bail Fugitive Recovery Persons Act under Insurance Code § 1802.3(b).
Remaining qualifications
Meet the applicable bail-license qualifications and supporting-document requirements, subject to the Commissioner's estate-license authority.
Training exemptions
The current CDI page exempts active bail agents and permittees from the 20-hour course and bond submission. The 2026 objectives also list exemptions for active agents, permittees and solicitors when the training, bond, appointment and insurance items are on file. The statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 remains independently applicable.

Bail Solicitor License

California Chapter 7 bail license.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance · Application information

New application following expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Examination
The general § 1810.5 examination rule applies unless the precise statutory recent-licensure exception is independently met.
Filing
Apply as a new applicant under § 1808(b); the one-year double-fee and CDI no-new-exam reactivation period has ended.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Prior license
A prior bail license expired more than one year ago.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Reactivation by new application within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Exemptions
The CDI Bail FAQ states that applicants during this period need no new examination, additional prelicensing education or fingerprint submission.
Filing
Submit a new application, required documents and double the filing fee under § 1808(b).
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Prior license
A bail license expired for failure to renew; apply within one year after expiration.
Statutory exception
The § 1810.5 recent-licensure exception controls the qualifying examination; the FAQ describes the one-year administrative reactivation process.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial individual licensure by examination
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Licensure on the statutory recent California bail license exception
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Implementation instruction
CDI pages state initial examination requirements generally; the specific statutory examination exception in § 1810.5 controls this applicant class.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Prior license
Held a Chapter 7 California bail license during part of the annual period ending July 1 preceding the period covered by this application; § 1810.5 expressly removes the examination prohibition for this class.
Remaining requirements
File the application, fees and credential-specific appointments, bonds and other documents. The exception concerns the qualifying examination and does not waive other applicable licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Bail Solicitor License

Restricted form issued subject to Commissioner-imposed conditions.

Licensing authority: Insurance Commissioner · Application information

Restricted license replacing an existing recent California bail license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
An existing Chapter 7 license is replaced by a restricted license and satisfies the recent-licensure class in § 1810.5.
Remaining requirements
Retain the bonds, appointments and other requirements applicable to the same licensing capacity.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New restricted license application after expiration beyond one year
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Prior license
Prior restricted licensure has expired beyond the CDI one-year reactivation period; the general qualifying examination applies unless the statutory recent-licensure exception independently applies.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Reactivation of restricted license within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Filing
Restricted licenses are kept in force and renewed in the same manner and on the same conditions as unrestricted licenses under § 1742; the CDI FAQ requires a new application and double filing fee within one year, with no new qualifying exam, fingerprinting or prelicensing education.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Prior license
The applicant satisfies the recent-licensure exception under § 1810.5.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial restricted licensure
Bail Agent Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under 10 CCR § 2056(c).
Application
Submit the verified application and supporting documents required by Insurance Code § 1804 and the current CDI instructions; disclose background matters and obtain written consent under 18 U.S.C. § 1033 where applicable.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Arrest training
Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(2) requires the 40-hour POST power-of-arrest course for a bail fugitive recovery agent and for a bail who hires, trains or designates assignments for recovery agents. CDI Bail Agent application instructions also state: "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 California Penal Code." The statutory applicability controls; the broader CDI instruction is retained here.
Associations
10 CCR § 2057 bars specified associations with criminal courts, arrest-and-detention law enforcement, private patrol operations, active State Bar membership and persons of bad reputation or criminals, subject to the stated transaction and family exceptions.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Education
Complete at least 20 hours of approved classroom bail prelicensing education before the examination under Insurance Code § 1810.7(a)(1).
Exam exemption
Insurance Code § 1810.5 exempts persons licensed under Chapter 7 during any part of the annual period terminating on July 1 preceding the time covered by the license applied for. The Bail Agent Examination is retained for the initial examination route; the applicant-specific exception is recorded here.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and a current identification-card photograph as required by CDI; an applicant holding an active California insurance or other bail license is exempt from fingerprints under the CDI instructions.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
Reputation
The Commissioner must be satisfied as to good business and general reputation, honesty, fiduciary fitness, truthful application disclosures and fitness to hold the license under Insurance Code § 1805 and 10 CCR § 2056.
Residency
California residency for the two years immediately preceding original issuance under 10 CCR § 2056(a); CDI application pages describe residency without repeating this duration.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.
Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
File the employing bail agent or permittee appointment; work as that licensee's employee and only within that employer's authority under § 1803.
Bond
File an admitted-surety $1,000 bail solicitor bond under Insurance Code § 1803.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license term. Under § 1810.7(f), a licensee aged 70 or older with 30 continuous years of good-standing California licensure may submit satisfactory proof for exemption. Internet or correspondence CE requires a provider-graded open-book final examination with a passing grade of at least 70 percent under § 1810.7(i); this course-specific, unnamed assessment is an applicant condition.
Filing
Renew by expiration with proof of current licensure, the renewal fee, current bond and applicable appointments; no late renewal is allowed.
Incompatible licenses
Under 10 CCR § 2059, a bail solicitor may not simultaneously hold a bail agent or permittee license. Multiple employers are permitted only when they are partners, with licensing as solicitor for all partners.
License term
The regular license term is two years under Insurance Code § 1807.7.
Restriction basis
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license in lieu of denying an unrestricted application or revoking a license under § 1742, as incorporated by § 1821(b), and may impose reasonable conditions. Under 10 CCR § 2057(e), family associations described there may support a restricted license for good cause.
Restrictions
Comply with every reasonable condition imposed by the Commissioner; a restricted license may be suspended or revoked with or without hearing or cause under § 1742.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Bail Agent Examination

Provider
California Department of Insurance; PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-based, closed-book multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
75
Time limit
120 minutes
Passing score
70 percent
Examination outline
  • Bail – General (30%)
    • Basic concepts of bail
    • Basic concepts of bail / Prelicensing education (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.7)
    • Basic concepts of bail / Bail as a profession
    • Basic concepts of bail / Consumer protection
    • Basic concepts of bail / Define a bail bond and its purpose
    • Basic concepts of bail / Describe the responsibilities and duties between the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Surety Insurer, Bail Agent, Bail Permittee, Bail Solicitor and Managing General Agent
    • Basic concepts of bail / History of bail
    • Basic concepts of bail / Terms used in the bail industry including, but not limited to, the following: arrestee/defendant; exoneration; forfeiture; indemnitor; liability; negotiating; premiums; reinstatement; summaryjudgment; surety; transacting; transfer bond
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to bail qualification and licensing (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823)
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to bail qualification and licensing (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823) / Specific provisions relating to licensure (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1630, 1633, 1666 through 1672, 1685 through 1698, 1703, 1704, 1708 through 1712, and 1723)
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to filing of true and fictitious names (Cal. Ins. Code section 1724.5)
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733 and 1734)
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to forbidden acts and disciplinary actions (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1736 through 1748.5)
    • General overview of California Insurance Codes relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to recordkeeping-inspection-maintenance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1746 and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2097 through 2104)
    • General overview of Title 10 California Code of Regulations relating to the bail industry
    • General overview of Title 10 California Code of Regulations relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to bail transactions (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104)
    • General overview of Title 10 California Code of Regulations relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to public authority rules and gift prohibition (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2075 and 2078)
    • General overview of Title 10 California Code of Regulations relating to the bail industry / Procedures governing persons subject to Title 18 United States Code (US Code) (sections 1033 through 1034, Crimes by or Affecting Persons Engaged in the Business of Insurance Whose Activities Affect Interstate Commerce, 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2175.1 through 2176.4)
    • General overview of Title 10 California Code of Regulations relating to the bail industry / Civil action for deprivation of rights (US Code section 1983)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the refund of bail (PC section 1166)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the discharge from custody (PC section 1268)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the surrender of defendant (PC sections 1300 through 1302)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the exoneration of bail (PC sections 1303 through 1304)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the forfeiture of bail (PC sections 1305 through 1308)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the prohibition of gifts (PC section 160)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to pretext interviews (PC section 791.03, and General Arrest Statutes, PC sections 821 through 823, 825, 827.1, 834 through 835, 837 through 841, 844 through 847, 849, 851.5, 854 through 855, 862, 976, 979, and 980)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to bench warrants (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980, 982, 983, 1195, 1196, and 1199)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the admission to bail and taking of bail (PC sections 1268 and 1269)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions of bail within the law enforcement and judicial system (PC sections 1269[a], 1269[b], 1269[c], and 1270 through 1298)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the recommitment of defendant (PC sections 1310 through 1316)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the failure to appear (PC sections 1320 and 1320.5)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the bail form (obligation of insurer) (PC section 1459)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Definitions of terms relating to fines and forfeitures (PC section 1463)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to furnishing of aliases and booking photographs to the bail agent (PC section 11105.6)
    • General overview of California Penal Codes (PC) relating to the bail industry / Specific provisions relating to the preparation of false documents (PC section 134)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Types of bail licenses
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Types of bail licenses / Bail agent, bail solicitor and bail permittee
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Action notices of appointment
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Action notices of appointment / By surety
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Action notices of appointment / By employing agent
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Action notices of appointment / Bond of bail agent, bail solicitor, and bail permittee
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Define the qualifications of the three types of bail licenses (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1801, 1802, 1802.5 and 1803 and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2054.2, 2056, and 2059)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Describe the requirements for issuance of a bail license (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1805, 1810, and 1810.7 and 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2055)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Describe the appointment process, filings, and forms (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Explain the Commissioners right of suspension, revocation and refusal of a license (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1668, 1668.5, 1669, 1670, 1738, and 1806 through 1807)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Describe the education, examination, and renewal process (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1677, 1807.7, 1808, and 1810.5 through 1810.9)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Use of Predecessors business name/fictitious names (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1724.5 and 1802.2 and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2066 through 2066.5)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Display of license (Cal. Ins. Code section 1820)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Advertising/Soliciting (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1725.5, 1726, and 1800.75 and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2079 through 2082)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Violations, Fines and Penalties (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1681.5, 1746, 1748, and 1814)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Background changes (Cal. Ins. Code section 1729.2)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Prohibitions (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2057, 2058, 2070, 2072, 2078, 2175.4, and 2175.5)
    • Licensing and appointments (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1800 through 1823, PC sections 1291 and 1459, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2053 through 2104) / Corporations, Partnerships (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2061 through 2061.5)
  • Bail Bond Contracts (8%)
    • Contracts – basics
    • Contracts – basics / Definition of a contract
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Offer
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Acceptance
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Consideration
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Agreement
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Competent parties
    • Contracts – basics / Elements of a contract / Legal purpose
    • Bail industry contracts
    • Bail industry contracts / Contract between bail agent and surety
    • Bail industry contracts / Contract between arrestee and bail agent/surety
    • Bail industry contracts / Contract between indemnitor and bail agent/surety
    • Bail industry contracts / Contract between court and bail agent/surety (bail bond)
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions / Premium Receipts
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions / Collateral Receipts
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions / Promissory Notes
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions / Deeds of Trust
    • Forms used in bail bond transactions / Required Disclosure Statements
    • Enforceability of contracts
    • Enforceability of contracts / Legal age to sign a contract
    • Enforceability of contracts / Comprehension of contract
    • Enforceability of contracts / Comprehension of contract / Language barrier
    • Enforceability of contracts / Comprehension of contract / Mental
    • Enforceability of contracts / Coercion
    • Enforceability of contracts / Duress
    • Contract transaction basics
    • Contract transaction basics / Supplying arrestee/indemnitor:
    • Contract transaction basics / Supplying arrestee/indemnitor: / Copies of all signed contracts
    • Contract transaction basics / Supplying arrestee/indemnitor: / Copies of statement and charges
    • Contract transaction basics / Supplying arrestee/indemnitor: / Copies of premium receipts
    • Contract transaction basics / Supplying arrestee/indemnitor: / Information as to court date
  • Indemnity Agreements (8%)
    • Meaning and purpose of Indemnity Agreement
    • Meaning and purpose of Indemnity Agreement / To secure and pay for losses arising out of, or in relation to, a bail bond transaction
    • Meaning and purpose of Indemnity Agreement / Terms of Indemnity Agreement may be unique
    • Joint and Several Liability
    • Joint and Several Liability / Single or multiple indemnitors and the arrestee
    • Joint and Several Liability / All indemnitors are liable for full amount of damages
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Lawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Lawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement / Small claims
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Lawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement / Superior Court litigation
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Lawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement / Collection agency
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Unlawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Unlawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement / Threats
    • Enforcing the Indemnity Agreement / Unlawful enforcement of Indemnity Agreement / Criminal acts (e.g. extortion, false imprisonment)
  • Financial Responsibilities (15%)
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081)
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / What is a premium?
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / Why is a premium charged?
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / Charging the proper amount of premium (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081(a))
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / Rebating/discounting (California Proposition 103)
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / Rebating/discounting (California Proposition 103) / Agents must pay surety and BUF account based upon filed rate
    • Explanation of premiums (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2081) / Premium fully earned upon defendant’s release (NCF, dismissal), Bail Bond Agreement
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Definition of fiduciary
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Liability for breach of fiduciary duty
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Premium to bail agent (Cal. Ins. Code section 1734)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Theft (Cal. Ins. Code section 1733)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Premium funds derived from cash, check, or credit card MUST be deposited into premium trust account (Cal. Ins. Code section 1734)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Maintenance of Trust Account (Cal. Ins. Code section 1734.5)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Build Up or Reserve Funds (Cal. Ins. Code section 1823)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Maintenance of separate premium trust, collateral trust, and operating accounts (Cal. Ins. Code section 1733 and 10 Cal. Ins. Code section 2088)
    • Fiduciary capacity (Cal. Ins. Code sections 1733, 1734 through 1734.5, and 1823) / Consequences of improper handling of premium (Cal. Ins. Code section 1733)
    • Agent to surety premium relationship
    • Agent to surety premium relationship / Remittance of premium collected to the surety company
    • IRS Form 8300, Report Cash Payments of Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business
    • IRS Form 8300, Report Cash Payments of Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business / Applies to a single cash transaction or series of cash transactions equaling or exceeded $10,000.00
    • IRS Form 8300, Report Cash Payments of Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business / Filing requirements
    • Financed Bail Bonds and Premium Payment Plans
    • Financed Bail Bonds and Premium Payment Plans / Contract translations and notices (Contract Translation Act, California Civil Code [Cal. Civ. Code] section 1632)
    • Financed Bail Bonds and Premium Payment Plans / Creditor notices (Consumer Credit Contract Act, Cal. Civ. Code sections 1799.90 through 1799.104)
    • Financed Bail Bonds and Premium Payment Plans / Debt collecting conduct, practices, and responsibilities (California Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code sections 1788 through 1788.33)
  • Collateral (8%)
    • Definition/purpose of collateral
    • Definition/purpose of collateral / Definition: An item of value pledged to another person for the purpose of guaranteeing performance of an obligation
    • Definition/purpose of collateral / Definition: An item of value pledged to another person for the purpose of guaranteeing performance of an obligation / Relate the definition to the bail transaction
    • Definition/purpose of collateral / Purpose: To provide an incentive to encourage compliance under the terms of release dictated in the bail bond and to further provide a source of funds to pay for losses occasioned as the result of a forfeiture of the bail bond.
    • Types of collateral
    • Types of collateral / Real property/Deed of Trust (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2088.3 and PC section 1276.5)
    • Types of collateral / Real property/Deed of Trust (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2088.3 and PC section 1276.5) / Residential
    • Types of collateral / Real property/Deed of Trust (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2088.3 and PC section 1276.5) / Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural
    • Types of collateral / Personal property
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Cash (including PC section 1275.1)
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Automobiles or mobile homes
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Water vessels
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Stocks and Bonds
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Savings accounts
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Life insurance policies
    • Types of collateral / Personal property / Other personal property (e.g., jewelry, livestock, antiques, art)
    • Types of collateral / Irrevocable Letters of Credit and Assignments of Interest
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession / Capacity and custody (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2088, 2088.1, 2084, and 2087)
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession / Vestings/Titles
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession / Liens/Bankruptcy/Conservatorship/Trusts
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession / Notarization of documents
    • Fiduciary capacity of bail agent, bail permittee and bail solicitor as to cash or collateral in agent’s possession / Misuse of Collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2088)
    • Remedies of collateral
    • Remedies of collateral / When can collateral be converted? (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2089)
    • Remedies of collateral / How to convert different types of collateral
    • Release/Return of collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2088.2, 2088.3 and 2089)
    • Release/Return of collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2088.2, 2088.3 and 2089) / To whom does collateral get returned? (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2088.2)
    • Release/Return of collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2088.2, 2088.3 and 2089) / Legal requirements on timeliness of return
    • Release/Return of collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2088.2, 2088.3 and 2089) / Documenting the return of collateral (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2100)
  • The Criminal Justice System (10%)
    • California courts
    • California courts / Criminal vs. Civil Courts
    • California courts / County court system
    • Criminal court process
    • Criminal court process / Arrest, arraignment, preliminary hearing, trial, sentencing
    • Criminal court process / No charges filed
    • Criminal court process / No charges filed / 15-day rule (PC sections 1303 and 1305)
    • Criminal court process / No charges filed / Charges can be filed up to one year after initial arrest
    • Officers of the court and their roles
    • Officers of the court and their roles / The Judge
    • Officers of the court and their roles / The District Attorney
    • Officers of the court and their roles / The Public Defender
    • Officers of the court and their roles / The Private Defense Attorney
  • Laws Pertaining to Bail Agents and Fugitive Recovery (11%)
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2])
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Training
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Training / A minimum of 20 hours of classroom education in subjects pertinent to the duties and responsibilities of a bail licensee
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Training / A 40-hour power of arrest course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) pursuant to PC section 832. This course is for educational purposes only and not intended to confer the power of arrest of a peace officer or public officer, or agent of any federal, state, or local government.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Fingerprint Submission (Cal. Ins. Code section 1652[a][17])
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Bond
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Bond / A bond having an admitted surety insurer as surety thereon in the penal sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Bond / Bail Agents, bail permittees, and bail solicitors who apply for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from subdivision (b) if they have a current surety bond and liability insurance policy on file with the commissioner.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Appointment
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Appointment / A notice of appointment executed by a bail agent or surety insurer authorizing that applicant to act on behalf of, and pursuant to, the instructions of the appointing license holder.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Appointment / A notice of appointment executed by a bail agent or surety insurer authorizing that applicant to act on behalf of, and pursuant to, the instructions of the appointing license holder. / The surety or sureties providing the appointments must authorize the bail fugitive recovery agent to work under their authority as a bail fugitive recovery agent.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Appointment / If the bail agent or bail permittee who applies for a bail fugitive recovery license has one or more surety appointments on file with the commissioner and the surety or sureties providing the appointments have authorized the bail agent or bail permittee to work under their authority as a bail fugitive recovery agent.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Liability Insurance A policy of liability insurance that provides minimum limits of insurance of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for any one loss or occurrence due to either bodily injury or death, or property damage, or both.
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner:
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner: / 20-hour prelicensing course requirement
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner: / 40-hour POST training
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner: / $1,000 bond
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner: / Bail Agent or surety appointment, if the bail agents, bail permittees, and bail solicitors have a current surety appointment that meets the requirement in subsection 3(b) above
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Exemptions. An active bail agent, bail permittee, and bail solicitor who applies for a bail fugitive recovery agent license are exempt from the following, if these items are on file with the commissioner: / liability insurance requirements
    • Understand the required prelicensing training (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.17), the required bond (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][1] and [c]), surety insurer appointment (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802.1[b]), and liability insurance (Cal. Ins. Code section 1802[b][2]) / Continuing education 12-hour continuing education requirement (Cal. Ins. Code section 1810.7[a])
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Term meanings (PC section 1299.01)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Qualifications (PC sections 1299.02 and 1299.04)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Documentation, written authorization of surety/bail agent to other person (PC sections 1299.06, 1300, and 1301)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / False/misleading representation (PC section 1299.07)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Law enforcement notification (PC sections 1299.08 and 1301)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Entering premises/firearms (PC sections 844, 1299.09, and 1299.10)
    • Understanding Fugitive Recovery Persons Act (PC sections 1299 through 1299.12) / Violations and penalties (PC section 1299.11)
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305)
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Surrender prior to forfeiture (PC section 1300)
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Surrender prior to forfeiture (PC section 1300) / Circumstances where pre-forfeiture surrender may result in return of premium (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2090)
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / PC section 1305’s 180-day period for relief
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Extensions (good cause) of statutory period (PC section 1305.4)
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Forfeiture notices
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Warrants
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Warrants / Verifying warrant status
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Warrants / Verifying warrant status / National Crime Information Center, California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System, local warrant systems
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Warrants / Persons authorized to serve warrants
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Surrender or arrest of defendants who are in custody
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Surrender or arrest of defendants who are in custody / In jurisdiction of underlying case
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Surrender or arrest of defendants who are in custody / Out of jurisdiction, out of state, out of country
    • Understanding forfeitures and remedies (PC sections 849, 978.5, 979, 980[b], 982, 983, 1195, 1196, 1199, and 1305) / Technical grounds for relief from forfeiture
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312)
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Legality of arresting bail fugitives (Cal. Pen. Code sections 1300 and 1301)
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Written authorization of surety/bail agent to other person (PC section 1301)
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Best practices and methods of arrest
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Liability considerations
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Wrongful arrests – consequences and liability
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Qualifying persons who perform fugitive recovery
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Supervising persons who perform fugitive recovery
    • Bail Agents executing an arrest (PC sections 821 through 827.1, 840, 841 through 847.5, 941, and 1312) / Coordination with local law enforcement
    • Transporting prisoners
    • Transporting prisoners / Liability considerations
    • Transporting prisoners / Best practices
    • Transporting prisoners / Coordination with law enforcement
    • Out of state/country activities (PC sections 847.5 and 1305[f] and [g])
    • Out of state/country activities (PC sections 847.5 and 1305[f] and [g]) / Liability considerations
    • Out of state/country activities (PC sections 847.5 and 1305[f] and [g]) / Notifying local law enforcement
    • Out of state/country activities (PC sections 847.5 and 1305[f] and [g]) / Knowledge of local laws
    • Out of state/country activities (PC sections 847.5 and 1305[f] and [g]) / Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution, provisional arrest warrant, Interpol red notice
  • Privacy Protection Provisions (5%)
    • Insurance/Privacy Protection Act (Cal. Ins. Code sections 791 through 791.26)
    • Confidential Communications (10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2069)
    • Relations with clients, governmental employees and the public
  • Ethics and California Insurance Code (5%)
    • Best Practices
    • Best Practices / Keep informed and updated on all laws that regulate the bail industry
    • Best Practices / Keep informed and updated on all laws that regulate the bail industry / Understand that the Cal. Ins. Code and the Cal. Code Regs. identify many unethical and/or illegal practices, but the Cal. Ins. Code and Cal. Code Regs. are not a complete guide to ethical behavior
    • Best Practices / Keep informed and updated on all laws that regulate the bail industry / Keep apprised of other local, state, or federal laws that may affect your duties as a bail agent
    • Best Practices / Keep informed and updated on all laws that regulate the bail industry / Always keep in mind that ignorance of the law is not a defense
    • Best Practices / Identify the needs of consumers and make sure that your representations and agreements are within the laws and contents of agreements and contracts
    • Best Practices / Know, understand, and practice the confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility of the information you have obtained about and from your clients
    • Best Practices / Know, understand, and practice the confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility of the information you have obtained about and from your clients / Familiarize yourself with the laws that regulate confidentiality of information, especially financial information (e.g. the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)
    • Best Practices / Avoid unfair or inaccurate remarks about the competition
    • Best Practices / Promptly and formally notify indemnitors of the possible liability or penalties in the event of non-appearance or surrender to custody of the defendant
    • Best Practices / Cooperate with judiciary, law enforcement, and public prosecution agencies without violating confidentiality laws
Examination sources