How do I know if someone is approved to issue bail bonds in Minnesota district courts?
Bail bond agents, agencies, and sureties approved to issue bail bonds in Minnesota district courts are listed on the
Approved Bail Bond Agents List. The list is used to verify an agent's approval to issue bail bonds and to verify the agency and surety for whom the agent is authorized to issue bail bonds.
How do I become a bail bond agent in Minnesota?
Individuals must obtain approval from the State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) to issue bail bonds in Minnesota districts courts as a bail bond agent. Applicants must obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, submit a New Bail Bond Agent Application through the new Bail Bond Program Database, and a criminal background check from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Applicants must also maintain a bonding agency affiliation and at least one surety appointment to be considered for approval.
I am an approved bail bond agent. Why is my name not listed on the Approved List?
Bail bond agent names may be removed for various reasons, including:
- Failure to meet Bail Bond Agent Qualifications (Bail Bond Procedures, section III)
- Expired approval status
- Loss of Department of Commerce licensure
- Loss of sole surety appointment
- Disciplinary sanctions
I have a criminal history. Can I be approved to work as bail bond agent?
SCAO requires each agent applicant to submit a criminal background check report from the
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. SCAO staff review criminal history reports along with the other application materials to determine whether an agent’s application should be approved or denied. Criminal convictions are not a basis for automatic denial, but are factored into the application decision. Standards for Denial of bail bond applications are provided in Section V.A.4. of the Bail Bond Procedures.
What are the Standards of Conduct for agents and agencies?
Bonding agencies, agents and surety companies are expected to conduct themselves ethically and professionally while doing business with the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Each has a responsibility not only to the defendants, defendant’s families and the courts, but also to the continuing improvement of bail bond services. Bonding agents, agencies, and sureties are responsible for their personal conduct or the conduct of their agents while conducting bail bond business with and in the courts. The Bail Bond Procedures Standards of Conduct are provided in section VI.
How do I get a bail bond agency approved to issue bonds in Minnesota district courts?
Bonding agencies must obtain approval from the SCAO to issue bail bonds in Minnesota districts courts as a bonding agency. To apply, bonding agencies must obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and submit a New Agency Application through the new Bail Bond Program Database. Applicants must maintain at least one surety appointment to be considered for approval.
How do I change bail bond agencies?
Agents must submit a Change of Agency Application Form through the new Bail Bond Program Database to SCAO who will approve or deny the application. A Change of Agency application must be approved before an agent may begin issuing bail bonds for the new bonding agency.
What information am I required to report to the SCAO?
Bail bond agents are required to report changes to their contact information or criminal charges or convictions. Details and timelines for reporting information to SCAO are noted in the Bail Bond Program Notices and required by the Bail Bond Procedures.
How do I file a complaint against an agent or agency?
Complaints related to violations of the Bail Bond Procedures' Standards of Conduct by bail bond agents and bonding agencies, may be submitted to the SCAO according to section VII. Complaints will be evaluated to determine whether the allegations, if true, would constitute grounds for discipline.
How do I log in to the Bail Bond Program Database?
The secure log in process includes 4 steps:
1. Register for a MyCourtMN account.
2. Verify registration via email
Quick Reference Guide (QRG) - Creating a MyCourtMN User Account
3. Authenticate account with a one-time code
4. Confirm with second code to login (To be used by existing agents, agencies and sureties)
Please note, for agencies and sureties, the Authorized Contact should set up a MyCourtMN account. The Authorized Contact is the person submitting the application and is authorized to act on behalf of the agency or surety. They will receive notifications and certify that all of the information submitted in the application and attachments are true and complete.
What should I do if I need a disability accommodation?
If you need an accommodation, go to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations page.
Why does my screen reader stop reading?
Please ensure you are using the latest release or version of NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA). Also, the preferred browser of the Bail Bond Program Database is Google Chrome.
I am experiencing issues with “Talk Back” for Android, or “Voice Over” for iOS, what can I do?
Submit a
Technical Support Request for help with your Digital Accessibility issue. Include message and contact information and details.