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Bounty hunting is a profession that involves tracking down and apprehending fugitives who have skipped bail or fled from the law. In Ohio, bounty hunters are also known as surety bail bond agents, and they must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Here are the main steps to become a bounty hunter in Ohio:
Meet the minimum requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legally eligible for employment, and have no felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude.
Complete the pre-licensing education: You must take a 20-hour course from an approved provider that covers the laws, regulations, and practices of bail bonding in Ohio.
Pass the surety bail bond exam: You must score at least 70% on a 100-question exam that tests your knowledge of the bail bond industry and Ohio law. The exam fee is $49.50, plus a $25 processing fee.
Submit a background check: You must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. The background check fee is $80 if done at the same time as the exam.
Apply for your license: You must submit an online or paper application to the Ohio Department of Insurance, along with a $150 license fee and proof of your education, exam, and background check. You must also have a sponsoring bail bond company or agent who will supervise your work.
Maintain your license: You must renew your license every year in February, and pay a $150 renewal fee. You must also complete 7 hours of continuing education every year, including 6 hours of bail bond-specific courses and 1 hour of ethics.
You can find more information about becoming a bounty hunter in Ohio on the Ohio Department of Insurance website or the Bounty Hunter Education website. I hope this helps you pursue your career goals. Good luck!