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West Virginia Bail Bond — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Bondsman License

Individual license for compensated bail bonding as a professional bondsman. Employees engaged in bonding business hold their own individual license.

Licensing authority: West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Application information

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
Renew an existing license not suspended or revoked; expired reapplication and disciplinary relicensure are separate pathways.
Financial responsibility
Maintain approved deposits of at least one-tenth of outstanding bond liabilities and at least $10,000, subject to grandfathered real-estate terms and Commissioner adjustments to bonding authority.
Fingerprints
Criminal history check at renewal. The current checklist requires fingerprints within 60 days of expiration using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Real estate transition
No new real-estate pledge after July 1, 2024; a professional bondsman licensed as of that date who already pledged real estate may retain it until voluntary surrender or revocation.
Renewal attestation
Attest to section 3 qualifications and provide the statutory affidavit of compliance since the previous license.
Renewal cycle
Renew biennially by the last day of the birth month; expiration year follows initial licensure.
Renewal documents
Submit uniform application, supplemental renewal application, notarized Form A, Form B if applicable and Form E; surety bondsmen also provide Form F of active appointments and confirmation of powers of attorney.
Renewal fee
Rule 4.2 requires $200 nonrefundable bail bond renewal. The August 2026 checklist states $250, itemized as $200 bail bonds and $50 property and casualty or limited lines surety producer renewal; the additional producer charge is preserved as an applicant condition.
Security
Deposit cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or an approved insurance-company bond in an amount determined by the Commissioner, never less than $10,000; submit applicable security and Commissioner power-of-attorney forms.
Security deficiency
Rule 8.7 permits denial of renewal for an uncured professional-bondsman security deficiency.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-04-01.

Reapplication after denial
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Application frequency
114CSR103 §3.5 allows consideration of no more than one application by the same person in a six-month period.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Financial responsibility
Maintain approved deposits of at least one-tenth of outstanding bond liabilities and at least $10,000, subject to grandfathered real-estate terms and Commissioner adjustments to bonding authority.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather exemption
114CSR103 §3.10 exempts a person licensed by the Commissioner on or before June 30, 2024. The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the exemption.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Prior denial
A previous license application was denied.
Real estate transition
No new real-estate pledge after July 1, 2024; a professional bondsman licensed as of that date who already pledged real estate may retain it until voluntary surrender or revocation.
Security
Deposit cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or an approved insurance-company bond in an amount determined by the Commissioner, never less than $10,000; submit applicable security and Commissioner power-of-attorney forms.
Relicensure after suspension or revocation
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Competency test
114CSR103 §3.10.2 requires passing a competency test upon any application for relicensure after suspension or revocation for violation of the rule.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Disciplinary history
License was suspended or revoked for violation of 114CSR103.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Financial responsibility
Maintain approved deposits of at least one-tenth of outstanding bond liabilities and at least $10,000, subject to grandfathered real-estate terms and Commissioner adjustments to bonding authority.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Real estate transition
No new real-estate pledge after July 1, 2024; a professional bondsman licensed as of that date who already pledged real estate may retain it until voluntary surrender or revocation.
Security
Deposit cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or an approved insurance-company bond in an amount determined by the Commissioner, never less than $10,000; submit applicable security and Commissioner power-of-attorney forms.
Reapplication after expiration
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Board instruction
The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the grandfather exemption.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Financial responsibility
Maintain approved deposits of at least one-tenth of outstanding bond liabilities and at least $10,000, subject to grandfathered real-estate terms and Commissioner adjustments to bonding authority.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather reapplication exemption
114CSR103 §3.10.1 exempts a license held before July 1, 2024 that expired in good standing, upon reapplication within one year of expiration, provided the applicant was not under investigation at expiration.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Previous license
Applicant previously held the corresponding West Virginia bail bondsman license and allowed it to expire.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Real estate transition
No new real-estate pledge after July 1, 2024; a professional bondsman licensed as of that date who already pledged real estate may retain it until voluntary surrender or revocation.
Security
Deposit cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or an approved insurance-company bond in an amount determined by the Commissioner, never less than $10,000; submit applicable security and Commissioner power-of-attorney forms.
Licensure by examination
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Financial responsibility
Maintain approved deposits of at least one-tenth of outstanding bond liabilities and at least $10,000, subject to grandfathered real-estate terms and Commissioner adjustments to bonding authority.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather exemption
114CSR103 §3.10 exempts a person licensed by the Commissioner on or before June 30, 2024. The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the exemption.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Real estate transition
No new real-estate pledge after July 1, 2024; a professional bondsman licensed as of that date who already pledged real estate may retain it until voluntary surrender or revocation.
Security
Deposit cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or an approved insurance-company bond in an amount determined by the Commissioner, never less than $10,000; submit applicable security and Commissioner power-of-attorney forms.

surety bondsman

Individual license for compensated bail bonding as a surety bondsman. Employees engaged in bonding business hold their own individual license.

Licensing authority: West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Application information

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
Renew an existing license not suspended or revoked; expired reapplication and disciplinary relicensure are separate pathways.
Fingerprints
Criminal history check at renewal. The current checklist requires fingerprints within 60 days of expiration using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Renewal attestation
Attest to section 3 qualifications and provide the statutory affidavit of compliance since the previous license.
Renewal cycle
Renew biennially by the last day of the birth month; expiration year follows initial licensure.
Renewal documents
Submit uniform application, supplemental renewal application, notarized Form A, Form B if applicable and Form E; surety bondsmen also provide Form F of active appointments and confirmation of powers of attorney.
Renewal fee
Rule 4.2 requires $200 nonrefundable bail bond renewal. The August 2026 checklist states $250, itemized as $200 bail bonds and $50 property and casualty or limited lines surety producer renewal; the additional producer charge is preserved as an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-04-01.

Reapplication after denial
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Application frequency
114CSR103 §3.5 allows consideration of no more than one application by the same person in a six-month period.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather exemption
114CSR103 §3.10 exempts a person licensed by the Commissioner on or before June 30, 2024. The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the exemption.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Prior denial
A previous license application was denied.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Relicensure after suspension or revocation
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Competency test
114CSR103 §3.10.2 requires passing a competency test upon any application for relicensure after suspension or revocation for violation of the rule.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Disciplinary history
License was suspended or revoked for violation of 114CSR103.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Reapplication after expiration
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Board instruction
The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the grandfather exemption.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather reapplication exemption
114CSR103 §3.10.1 exempts a license held before July 1, 2024 that expired in good standing, upon reapplication within one year of expiration, provided the applicant was not under investigation at expiration.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Previous license
Applicant previously held the corresponding West Virginia bail bondsman license and allowed it to expire.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Licensure by examination
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather exemption
114CSR103 §3.10 exempts a person licensed by the Commissioner on or before June 30, 2024. The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the exemption.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Residence
Resident surety applicants; the application separately specifies home-state-license documentation for nonresident surety applicants.
Nonresident licensure
West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam
Affidavit
Submit a notarized affidavit of reading, understanding and compliance with 114CSR103 and W. Va. Code §51-10-1 et seq.
Age
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Application forms
Submit uniform individual producer application, supplemental application, Form A, Form E and Form B where applicable.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Commissioner verification
The Commissioner may request documents, interrogatories and investigations to verify fitness and qualifications.
Competence
Show knowledge, training or experience sufficient to prove competence as a bondsman.
Contact information
Provide home and business addresses, phone numbers, email address and current occupation.
Criminal history
Disclose convictions other than minor traffic offenses, including charge, date, court and disposition.
Criminal record check
Comply with W. Va. Code §33-12-37 criminal history checks and submit fingerprints using West Virginia service code 228NS5.
Employees
List agents, clerks or representatives engaged in bonding business; each such employee must be individually licensed.
Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $200 bail bondsman application fee, additional to applicable producer fees.
Felony disqualification
No prior felony conviction or plea of guilty or no contest; rule 3.12 prohibits licensure of a person convicted of any felony.
Forfeited bond defaults
Disclose defaults on forfeited bonds or recognizances, including amount, forfeiture date, court and case.
Good moral character
The statute requires financial responsibility and good moral character and excludes convictions involving moral turpitude.
Grandfather exemption
114CSR103 §3.10 exempts a person licensed by the Commissioner on or before June 30, 2024. The 2024 instructions state: 1. All applicants are required to pass the West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam. To register for the exam, please visit this link: www.home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx. To prepare for the exam, please review the West Virginia Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook here: WV Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Handbook The controlling rule preserves the exemption.
Identification
Hold a valid current driver’s license or identification card.
Insurer appointment
Provide National Producer Number, each insurer appointment and a qualifying power of attorney from an insurer licensed and in good standing in West Virginia.
Nonresident documentation
Nonresident surety applicants must prove home-state licensure in good standing and producer authority for limited lines surety or property and casualty.
Prior bonding authority
Disclose prior bonding authority, any bond forfeiture and an official contact concerning it.
Producer examination
The 2024 instructions describe property and casualty prelicensing education and the producer examination when pursuing that authority. That other profession’s qualification is an applicant condition. Limited lines surety authority requires no examination.
Producer license
Hold an insurance producer license with property and casualty authority or limited lines surety authority; these are alternative qualifications for the same surety license.
Residence
Applicant is a nonresident surety bondsman and must prove home-state licensure in good standing.

West Virginia Professional and Surety Bail Bond Exam

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
30 questions
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
80%
Examination outline
  • I. INSURANCE COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY AND GENERAL TERMINOLOGY — 5-8 QUESTIONS
    • A. Insurance Commissioner
    • A. Insurance Commissioner / 1. Broad powers
    • A. Insurance Commissioner / 2. Examination of records
    • A. Insurance Commissioner / 3. Notice and Conduct of hearing
    • A. Insurance Commissioner / 4. Penalties
    • B. Definitions
    • B. Definitions / 1. Agent, clerk, or representative
    • B. Definitions / 2. Bond
    • B. Definitions / 3. Bonding business
    • B. Definitions / 4. Bondsman
    • B. Definitions / 5. Cash
    • B. Definitions / 6. Commissioner
    • B. Definitions / 7. Insurer
    • B. Definitions / 8. Person
    • B. Definitions / 9. Surety Bondsman
    • B. Definitions / 10. Professional Bondsman
  • II. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF LICENSE HOLDER — 4-6 QUESTIONS
    • A. Purpose/Requirements
    • B. Qualifications
    • B. Qualifications / 1. Bondsman
    • B. Qualifications / 2. Address
    • B. Qualifications / 3. Age
    • B. Qualifications / 4. Citizenship
    • B. Qualifications / 5. Authority
    • B. Qualifications / 6. Default of payment
    • B. Qualifications / 7. Knowledge, training, experience
    • B. Qualifications / 8. Driver’s license
    • B. Qualifications / 9. Past criminal history
    • B. Qualifications / 10. Past convictions
    • B. Qualifications / 11. Completion of affidavit
    • B. Qualifications / 12. Employee information
    • C. Change of Personal Information
    • D. Surety bondsman
    • D. Surety bondsman / 1. Company appointment
    • D. Surety bondsman / 2. Qualifying power of attorney
    • E. Fingerprinting
    • F. Appointment
    • G. Application fee
    • H. Identification card
    • I. Unauthorized Insurers Act
    • J. Reporting requirements
    • J. Reporting requirements / 1. Annual report by insurers
    • J. Reporting requirements / 1. Annual report by insurers / i. Company appointment terminations
    • J. Reporting requirements / 1. Annual report by insurers / ii. Administrative actions taken
    • J. Reporting requirements / 1. Annual report by insurers / iii. Additional information request
    • J. Reporting requirements / 2. Mandatory reporting requirements
    • J. Reporting requirements / 2. Mandatory reporting requirements / i. Criminal prosecution and administrative action
    • K. Fraud
  • III. RENEWAL OF LICENSE — 1-2 QUESTIONS
    • A. Renewed biennially
    • B. Renewal Fee
    • C. Attestation at time of renewal
    • D. Applications
    • E. Criminal history check/finger printing
  • IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF LICENSE HOLDERS — 5-8 QUESTIONS
    • A. Bonding fee requirements
    • B. List of prohibited activities
  • V. RECEIPTS FOR COLLATERAL — 1-3 QUESTIONS
    • A. Written Receipt Required
    • B. Receipt requirements
    • B. Receipt requirements / 1. Prenumbered and consecutive order
    • B. Receipt requirements / 2. Name and address of the bail bondsman
    • B. Receipt requirements / 3. Name and address of the person providing collateral.
    • B. Receipt requirements / 4. Amount and nature of the collateral and date received
    • B. Receipt requirements / 5. Name of person accepting the collateral
    • B. Receipt requirements / 6. Include total amount of bond for which collateral is accepted
    • C. Accepting cash or check as collateral
  • VI. CANCELLATION OF LICENSE, DEATH, INCOMPETENCE, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION — 5-8 QUESTIONS
    • A. Discontinuing the business of bail bonds
    • B. Death, incapacitation, or incompetence
    • B. Death, incapacitation, or incompetence / 1. Transfer the business to another
    • C. Suspension reasons
    • C. Suspension reasons / 1. Violating the law
    • C. Suspension reasons / 2. Material misstatement or misrepresentation
    • C. Suspension reasons / 3. Misappropriation or conversion of funds
    • C. Suspension reasons / 4. Conviction or pleading guilty to a felony
    • C. Suspension reasons / 5. Fraudulent or dishonest practices
    • C. Suspension reasons / 6. Untrustworthiness
    • C. Suspension reasons / 7. Misrepresentation
    • C. Suspension reasons / 8. Forgery
    • C. Suspension reasons / 9. Failure to return security
    • C. Suspension reasons / 10. Failure to notify the Insurance Commissioner of Contact Information
    • C. Suspension reasons / 11. Failure to file a report or filing a materially untrue report
    • C. Suspension reasons / 12. Affidavits/ False Affidavits
    • C. Suspension reasons / 13. Failure to pay required fees or forfeited bonds to a court
    • C. Suspension reasons / 14. Failure to pay any required fee to the Commissioner
    • C. Suspension reasons / 15. Posting a bond for any defendant without first obtaining a written or oral agreement with the defendant or cosigner of the bond.
    • D. Expiration
    • E. Revocation and suspension
    • F. Nonrenewal
Examination sources