Insurance Bail Bond / Surety Recovery Licensing FAQ
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How can I determine if I am qualified to apply for a bail bond, general bail bond, or
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I have a license in another state. As a non-resident, can I apply for a bail bond or surety recovery agent license in MO?
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I am applying for a bail bond agent license. Must I work under the authority of a MO licensed general bail bond agent?
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When I am licensed as a bail bond agent, will I be authorized to write bonds and engage in fugitive recovery (bounty hunting)?
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I am applying for a surety recovery agent license. Must I work under the authority of a MO licensed general bail bond agent?
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When I am licensed as a surety recovery agent, will I be authorized to write bail bonds and engage in fugitive recovery (bounty hunting)?
How can I determine if I am qualified to apply for a bail bond, general bail bond, or surety recovery agent license?
Pages 3 – 5 of the bail bond / surety recovery agent application (MO375-0112N) provides qualification information.
Can I still get a license if I have a criminal conviction?
You are not automatically disqualified from obtaining a license if you have a criminal
record.
On the application for a license, there are specific instructions about the information to
provide about your criminal record on the conviction.
• Disclose all criminal history whether or not sentence was actually imposed.
• Describe the circumstances surrounding your arrest, the charges, and the
conviction.
• Provide a certified copy of the Indictment or Information and the Judgment
and Sentencing documents that show the disposition of each criminal charge.
• Submit complete information with your application.
How do I schedule the 24 hours of Initial Basic Training?
Contact one of the Insurance Approved Initial Basic Training Providers.
You must submit an application to Insurance to apply for your license within one year of
completing the Initial Basic Training.
How do I apply to take an examination?
Contact Pearson VUE for the Licensing Information Bulletin, which contains
step-by-step instructions and an outline of the examination.
Pearson VUE
Missouri Insurance
PO Box 8588
Philadelphia,, PA 19101-8588
(866) 274-4740
Pearson VUE will notify the department of your examination results. You must apply for
for your license to Insurance within one year of passing the examination. The examination
scores are not valid after one year.
I have a license in another state. As a non-resident, can I apply for a bail bond or surety recovery agent license in MO?
Pages 3 – 5 of the bail bond / surety recovery application provides non-resident
qualification information. You may contact the Licensing Section for additional
information.
Must I be fingerprinted prior to applying for a license?
Yes. You should contact:
Identix Identification Services
1-(866)-522-7067
Insurance ORI Number: MO920440Z
to schedule your fingerprint-based background check.
I am applying for a bail bond agent license. Must I work under the authority of a MO licensed general bail bond agent?
Yes. You must provide the name, license number, and signature of the general bail bond
agent under whose authority you will be working on your application.
When I am licensed as a bail bond agent, will I be authorized to write bonds and engage in fugitive recovery (bounty hunting)?
Yes.
I am applying for a surety recovery agent license. Must I work under the authority of a MO licensed general bail bond agent?
No.
When I am licensed as a surety recovery agent, will I be authorized to write bail bonds and engage in fugitive recovery (bounty hunting)?
No. As a licensed surety recovery agent, you will be authorized to engage in fugitive
recovery only. You will not be authorized to write bail bonds.
How do I renew my license?
Insurance will send a renewal notice to you approximately 60 days before your bail bond,
general bail bond, or surety recovery agent license expires. The renewal notice will
provide instructions for completing a renewal application and continuing education.
Your renewal is due on or before the expiration of your license. Licenses will
terminate if complete renewal documents are not received by the expiration date.
How do I renew my license after it has expired?
You may late renew your license by completing the renewal application, complying
with all instructions found on pages 2 and 3 of the application, completing and reporting
8 hours of continuing education, and paying a $25.00 per month late fee, in addition
to your $150.00 renewal fee. Insurance does not accept personal checks.
How do I meet my continuing education requirements?
All resident and non-resident bail bond, general bail bond, and surety recovery agents are
required to complete and report 8 hours of continuing education at the time of their
biennial renewal.
The continuing education hours must be reported on a Bail Bond Agent, General Bail
Bond Agent and Surety Recovery Agent Continuing Education Certification Summary
My name or address changed. What do I need to do?
All changes or corrections to your name, address, or SSN must be submitted by the bail
bond, general bail bond, or surety recovery agent in writing. Changes must be reported
to Insurance within 30 days on the proper change of status form.
My license got destroyed. How do I get a new copy?
If your license is lost or destroyed, or if you need a corrected license, you must make a
written request (please include your name, residential address, mail address, SSN or
license number, signature, and a postage-paid envelope) and submit a $10.00 fee. Insurance does not accept personal checks.
How do I pay my fees?
You may pay your fees with either:
• A business check,
• a money order, or
• a cashiers’ check.
All fees must be made payable to DIFP-Insurance.
Insurance does not accept personal checks.
How do I contact the Licensing Section?
We can be reached at:
First Class Mail:
Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
PO Box 690 (or PO Box 4001 for correspondence with fees)
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Legal Address:
301 W. High St, Room 530
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3518