California Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent Licensing Requirements

Effective July 1, 2023, Assembly Bill AB 2043 established the Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent license in California. Under this law, anyone performing bail fugitive recovery (commonly known as bounty hunting) within the State of California must:

• Be a California resident.

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Hold a valid Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent license issued by the California Department of Insurance.

• Comply with all applicable licensing, education, and legal requirements established by California law.

Important Information for Applicants with a Felony Conviction

California Insurance Code Section 1802.3 provides that an individual with a felony conviction must first obtain a California Bail Agent License before becoming eligible to apply for a Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent License.

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Requirements to Apply for License:

     1. Complete the CDI approved 20-hour pre-licensing classroom course.  Sign up HERE - (BEAclass). Fee $550

     2. Complete a 40-hour Power of Arrest course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training pursuant

         to Section 832 of the Penal Code. (PC 832 certificate does not have to be current.) HERE - (P.O.S.T.). Fee $80-$180

     2. Set appointment and complete a Live Scan. HERE - (APPLICANT SERVICES). Fee $74

         ***If applicant has an active insurance or bail license they are exempt from this requirement.

     3. Set up account and complete application online for a Fugitive Recovery Agent License.  Sign up HERE -(SIRCON). Fee $622

Upload with the application on Sircon to submit for a license:

     1. BEA Class Certificate. Given at the completion of the 20-hour course and P.O.S.T Certificate of 40-hour course.

     2. Proof of a policy of liability insurance for a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) coverage for any one loss or

         occurrence due to either bodily injury or death, or property damage, or both.

     3. Bond of Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent - Form LIC 437-12 (Example HERE) *This comes from the Surety or Bail Company.

     4. Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent Action Notice (Appointment) - Form LIC 437-23B (Example HERE) *This comes from employer.

     5. Action Notice Statement of Employment - Form LIC 438 (Example HERE) *This comes from the Bail Company.

     6. A passport type photo of the applicant, not older than six months.

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​License Renewal:​​​​

The license will expire 2 years from when the license was issued at the end of that month.​​

Renewal Requirements: (renewal may be completed up to 60-days before experation of license):

      1. Must complete a minimum of 12-hours of approved "Continuing Education" classroom study prior to the expiration date.

      2. Complete renewal online for a Fugitive Recovery Agent License through Sircon. HERE -(SIRCON). Fee $188

      3. Upload Application to Renew Fugitive Recovery License Form 431-1B (Example HERE).

      4. Provide proof of a policy of liability insurance for a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) coverage for any one loss or

         occurrence due to either bodily injury or death, or property damage, or both.

      5. Have an active bond on file.

      6. Have an active appointment on file.

***No late renewals allowed.  Licenses not renewed by the expiration date will be required to submit a new application, all required forms and pay double the filling fee - $1244