How to get your license: Bail bond agency/branch office

Who needs a license?

Anyone who offers bail bond services.

Requirements

All company owners, partners, or agents must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
• Have no convictions in the past 10 years that directly relate to your ability to perform your duties or hinder public safety.
• Have a physical business location in Washington State.
• Have a valid business license with Department of Revenue.

If your agency is a corporation you must have:

• A copy of articles of incorporation.
• A list of officers, departments, and their addresses.

What you'll need

• A SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to apply online.
  • If you don't have one, you'll be able to create one before you start.
  • For help visit How to set up account access.
• Copies of your bond documents.
• Written certifications from previous employers if applying using experience.

How to apply

Apply online

• Prepare your documents for upload:
  • Copies of bond documents
  • Written certifications if using experience
• Create or use your SAW account to apply and pay your fees online.

Apply by mail

Send the following:

• Completed Bail Bond Agency/Branch Office License Application
• Written certifications, if using experience
  • If you don't provide proof, you'll be scheduled for an exam within 3 weeks after we've received your paid application.
• $10,000 surety bond
• Check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing)
• If you write property bonds:
  • Court names that have given approval for the placing of property bonds
• If you write surety bail bonds:
  • The name and address of the surety
  • The attorney in fact
  • The name that the build-up fund is in

Mail to:

Questions? Need help?

• Email us: security@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.6611