How To Become A Bounty Hunter, Bounty Hunter License And ...

What is a Bounty Hunter?

As defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a bounty hunter is someone who catches criminals that have not been caught by the police in exchange for a reward. The practice of bounty hunting has been around for centuries in many forms. For the purpose of this website, we will stick to discussing the modern bounty hunter in the United States. 

FIND SCHOOLS1Degree CompletedHigh School Diploma/GEDSome CollegeAssociate DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDoctorate Degree2Desired DegreeDiploma/CertificateAssociate DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDoctorate3Program of InterestAll Criminal Justice ProgramsCriminal JusticeCyber SecurityEmergency ManagementForensicsHomeland SecurityInternational Relations/Global AffairsLaw & ParalegalLaw EnforcementSocial Work4 GO! Sponsored Content

A modern bounty hunter can have several different occupational titles, such as bail enforcement agent, bail agent, recovery agent, bail recovery agent, or fugitive recovery agent. Bounty Hunting is a civil matter and does not always mean fugitives are being sought after for criminal conduct.

While bounty hunters are working, they often wear bullet proof vests and clothing that is branded with titles such as “FUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENT.” Many agents work in teams using two-way radios to communicate with each other. Bounty hunters also typically carry firearms, although some agents choose to carry less lethal weapons such as Mace®, electric stun guns, pepper guns and blinding flashlights.

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you. (It’s fast and free!)

FIND PROGRAMS

Featured Schools

Sponsored School(s) Southern New Hampshire University Featured Program(s): MS Criminal Justice, AS Criminal Justice, BS Criminal Justice Request Info Liberty University Featured Program(s): AA: Criminal Justice, MBA: Criminal Justice, BS: Criminal Justice Request Info Arizona State University - Online Featured Program(s): Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing), BS Request Info

Find Out How to Become a Bounty Hunter in your State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Choose a stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

How much can I make as a Bounty Hunter?

Bail agents will reward bounty hunters in the ballpark of 10-20% of the amount of the bond to apprehend the subjects. So, if a bounty hunter returns a fugitive to the authorities that skipped a $50,000 bail, their reward could be $5,000 – $10,000.

Why are Bounty Hunters needed?

There are not enough police to apprehend all fugitives. When a person is arrested and bail is set by the court, the person may look for a bail agent to pay the bail for them. Bail agents are the most common employer of bounty hunters. When individuals who are out of jail on bond do not show up for their court date, the bond is due to the court.

Discover bounty hunter and criminal justice programs that are a match for you!

FIND SCHOOLS

What education is required to be a Bounty Hunter?

Have you wondered about bounty hunter certification? When you are looking for how to become a bounty hunter, you want to consider your education. What about a bounty hunter license? Common state requirements for bail agent licensure include reaching a certain age, paying a fee, passing an exam, completing education requirements, and submitting a criminal background check. There are additional prohibitions against employment in specified professions, most commonly judicial officers, members of law enforcement, and attorneys.

Read Transcript So you’re thinking about becoming a Bounty Hunter. First thing you will need to do is find a training program from a private academy or a community college. Next you will need to obtain your license. Most states require a bounty Hunter to be licensed in their state and to be at least 18 to 21 years of age. Now it’s time to find work. Typically bail bondsman are the best resources for bounty hunters to find bail jumpers. You will always want to maintain your license and continue your education to improve upon your skills and learn new techniques. A great way to get more exposure to your business is to register with the National Association of Fugitive Recovery Agents (NAFRA).