Introduction
Washington’s WAC 308‑19‑320 sets the minimum education requirements for individuals applying for a license or endorsement as a bail bond recovery agent under RCW 18.185. This rule ensures candidates meet baseline qualifications before entering the profession.
📘 What the Rule Requires
- All applicants must have at least a high school diploma or GED, OR
- A minimum of three years of full-time, verifiable experience in the bail bond industry Washington State Legislature+14Washington State Legislature+14LawFiles+14Legal Information Institute.
This statutory authority comes from Chapter 18.185 RCW, and became effective on April 30, 2005 Washington State Legislature+6Legal Information Institute+6Washington State Legislature+6.
⚖️ Why the Rule Matters
Professional Readiness & Public Protection
By requiring either formal education or relevant industry experience, this rule promotes reliable, competent conduct among bail bond recovery agents, enhancing public safety and accountability.
Flexibility for Entry
The rule balances access: applicants lacking a high school credential can qualify through substantial industry experience, creating an inclusive system while maintaining standards.
🧾 Practical Considerations
- Documenting Education: Submit official high school or GED transcripts with your application.
- Proving Experience: Provide employer letters, pay records, or training logs verifying your full-time bail bond industry employment.
- Choosing the Path: Applicants without credentials should gather evidence of experience before applying; alternately, pursue GED programs.
- Legal Precision: Experience must be directly in the bail bond field—not related professions—to qualify under the WAC.
Call to Action
Contact Blanford Law at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for assistance meeting the requirements of WAC 308‑19‑320, compiling application documentation, or navigating bail bond licensing under Washington law.
