Any qualified agent or agency that posts insurance surety bail bonds in the state of Washington must also have a license from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner as required by RCW 48.17.060.
There is no standard contract with sureties. Each perspective qualified agent must negotiate their contract with an approved surety company.
On request, the Washington State Bail Agents Association (WSBAA) can provide a list of Bail Bond Sureties that have a Certificate of Authority (RCW 48.05.030) in the state of Washington. For information and insurance applications please call (360) 725-7080, or write to:
Insurance Commissioner
PO Box 40257
Olympia, WA 98504-0257
An examination is required for bail bond agencies (qualified agents) that do not have 3 years of experience.
A notary is an impartial witness to the identity, signature, and statement of the person appearing before the notary. Notaries are appointed officials in and for the state of Washington. Notaries are expected to know and comply with RCW 42.44.
The Department of Licensing issues notary public licenses. The fee is $20 for a 4-year appointment and does not require exams.
WSBAA advises that bail agents obtain a notary public appointment and attend an instructional seminar before performing notary acts as a bail agent. WSBAA can put you in contact with organizations offering these seminars. For notary appointment information and applications please contact:
Notary Public
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9027
Olympia, WA 98507-9027
Phone: (360) 664-1550
Yes, we have approved this badge design for the bail bond recovery agent. It is not required that you carry a badge while working as a bail bond recovery agent, however, if you are going to, the design must be approved by the Department of Licensing. If you are interested in using this badge, you may contact the following companies to order a badge:
