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- Bail agents must obtain a license prior to opening a bail business. Prerequisites for the certificate include three years' work experience for a bail agent or insurer, good moral character and passing an exam issued by the Insurance Commissioner. Applicants then submit an application for licensure with the commissioner, including business information and names of agents with a certificate of qualification, and post a $10,000 bond.
- Agents licensed for less than 25 years must complete 16 hours of continuing education, while agents licensed for more than 25 years must complete eight hours of continuing education to stay up to date on new and changing insurance laws. The Maryland Insurance Administration oversees education and insurance licensing for bondsmen.
- If the accused fails to appear in court, the court will issue an arrest warrant and bail is forfeited. If the bonds agent finds the accused and she appears in court within 90 days, the bond agent will recover the bail except for court expenses. The bail agent may request a hearing for the awarding of an allowance to cover the expenses of finding and bringing in the accused.
- Bail bonds businesses must also abide by other state and local requirements. Businesses must register the business name and business structure, such as limited liability corporation or partnership, with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. In addition, the business must obtain federal, state and, depending on the businesses location, local tax identification numbers for annual tax filing.
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