We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Career

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get a Bounty Hunter License?

By Darlene Goodman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,844
Share

In the U.S., the laws governing bounty hunters vary from state to state. Several states require licenses for this position, but many do not. Most licenses are available through a state’s department of insurance, and each state sets its own prerequisites for licensure. There are many training programs available online and elsewhere, but not all of these fulfill the requirements to get a bounty hunter license.

Individuals who find and apprehend bail fugitives, but are not employed by official law enforcement, are called bounty hunters. Other names for this occupation include bail enforcement agent, bail fugitive investigator, or fugitive recovery agent. Bounty hunting is illegal in nearly every nation in the world. Only the United States and the Republic of the Philippines allow the occupation.

Although bounty hunting is legal in the U.S., bounty hunter license laws are not uniform across the country. Four states — Wisconsin, Oregon, Illinois, and Kentucky — have outlawed bounty hunting entirely. Others outlaw freelance work, but allow bail enforcement agents to operate as full time 'runners' who work for a bond agent. Many states have no license requirement at all.

Fourteen states require a bounty hunter to be licensed by their department of insurance in order to work. These licenses do not typically transfer from state to state. The requirements for licensure also vary between states, but most involve a similar set of prerequisites, including passing an examination. Persons seeking licensure should contact the department directly to determine the requirements for their state.

The examination requirement is typical for acquiring a bounty hunter license. Some states require 20 hours of education in the field before a license can be issued. These courses are also generally stipulated by each state’s department of insurance. Many online bounty hunter training courses claim to offer certification, but most do not apply toward a state-issued license.

Many states only require individuals applying for a bounty hunter license to take an examination, without specifying any particular training program or number of study hours. Some online bail enforcement agent courses may be helpful in preparing for this test. Research through online searches or through a state insurance department may offer applicants a list of reputable programs.

Most states, even those that do not require a bounty hunter license, have an age minimum for bail enforcement agents. This requirement is typically 18 years of age, while some increase it to 21 years. Also, most states will not give a license to someone with a criminal record. Some states also require applicants to pass a psychological test.

There are often residency laws for acquiring a bounty hunter license. Most states require bail enforcement agents to be United States citizens. Others stipulate that an individual must live in the state for a set amount of time before applying for a license. Most of these types of requirements vary from six months to one year.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon269194 — On May 17, 2012

I cannot afford to pay for classes. Is there any way I can make payments?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-a-bounty-hunter-license.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.