The bonding company has to guarantee the appearance of the defendant in court at a given time and place, when a bond is issued. These bail bonds are issued only by licensed "bail agents" who specialize in their underwriting and issuance. These agents act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance companies.

Having a bail bond business entitles undertaking intensive research on marketing techniques, and software, as well as detailed knowledge of handling forfeitures, skip tracing, hiring bail enforcement agents and much more. Someone who wishes to become a bail agent should have a vast store of knowledge on owning and operating a successful bail bond business. They need to study and know about surety companies, BUF accounts, general agents, jail and court systems, and must have an in-depth knowledge of how to maintain an office.