What is the process to obtain a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT Identification Card – NEW in Delaware? – Please note this process has been updated and changed!

STEP #1 – Training

Individuals shall successfully complete a mandatory Bail Enforcement Training Program when they initially apply and when they renew their license/ID Card. This training program must be completed at a state approved training facility which is Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC).  Use the link below or contact Workforce Development at 302-454-3956.

IMPORTANT – Obtain a copy of your Training Certificate as it will be needed when applying or reapplying.

www.dtcc.edu/continuing-education/workforce-training/

STEP #2 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27RX14

STEP #3 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using this email address provided –

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals applying for as a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT must include:

• Bail Enforcement Application
• Initial/New Bail Enforcement Agent Training Certificate

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-BEA NEW Application (for example – smith, john-BEA NEW Application)

Bail Enforcement Agent – Application

If you are initially applying for a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT/Firearms Card (RED CARD) you may also do this at the same time provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications as explained below.

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

• Firearms Certification Form – provided by Firearms Instructor

STEP #4 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

• NEW/INITIAL APPLICANTS – Individuals will be contacted by Professional Licensing for instructions on obtaining a BEA Badge and BEA Certificate. There is an additional $90.00 fee accessed for this service.
• RENEWING APPLICANTS – They will retain their original BEA Badge and will be issued a new BEA Certificate. There is no additional fee for Renewing applicants.

If denied:

• The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

BEA Identification Cards (licenses), new or renewed, are valid for four (4) years.

*If you are submitting an Initial/NEW Application for BOTH an Unarmed ID Card AND an ARMED (Red) ID Card at the same time please follow the directions below:

Firearms/Red Card applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification.  Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. This Certification Form must be included with the application and the applicant must indicate this request on the application Form.

For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3^rd Shoot by December 31^st. The 3^rd Shoot MUST be separated by sixty (60) calendar days.

Once an individual has obtained a Firearms Training Certification and completed their first two (2) Shoots they are ready to apply for Both their Unarmed (Yellow) Card and Armed (Red) Card and should proceed as outlined above.

New Firearms applications can be submitted as part of a New Application for Unarmed Security, Unarmed Armored Car Guard & Bail Enforcement Agent for the same fee. Firearms applications submitted as an UPGRADE at a later date will be accessed an additional fee.

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses outline below may apply for a FIREARMS UPGRADE (Red Card) provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications (consult the requirements outlined below).

• Unarmed Security Guard / Yellow Card
• Unarmed Armored Car Guard / Yellow Card
• Bail Enforcement Agent

What is the process to obtain a FIREARMS Upgrade – DO NOT use this process for FIREARMS RENEWAL – see FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL

STEP #1 –

Firearms/Red Card applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification.  Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3^rd Shoot by December 31^st. The 3^rd Shoot MUST be separated by sixty (60) calendar days.

STEP #2 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27S499

STEP #3 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using email address provided below:

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

• Firearms Certification Form – please follow all Firearms/Red Card directions including Initial Training and Shoot Certifications
• Firearms Upgrade Application

Firearms Upgrade Application

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-FIREARMS UPGRADE Application (for example – smith, john-FIREARM UPGRADE Application)

STEP #4 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

• Your ID card will be mailed to the address provided. Delivery times are based the efficiency of the US Postal Service.

If denied:

• The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

Firearms/Armed-Red Cards are valid for the specific date provided on the ID Card. Annual Re-certifications are mandatory and responsibly of the ID card holder to maintain and submit updates. Professional Licensing does not submit reminders for qualification dates. Failure to submit recertifications when required will necessitate ID Cards/Licenses to be suspended.

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses (Red Card) outlined below are required to submit a FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL. This process does not apply to New or Upgrade Firearms Applications

• Armed Security Guard / Red Card
• Armed Armored Car Guard / Red Card
• Bail Enforcement Agent Firearms / Red Card

Step #1 – Complete and a Low Light (Shoot #1) & Day Light Shoot (Shoot #2) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Please note – Shoot #1 & #2 must be submitted by October 31st as the mandatory 60 day shoot separation will not be possible before the end of the year.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

Step #2 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided to you by your Certified Instructor) for the Low Light (#1) & Day Light Shoot (#2) to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Step #3 – Complete one additional Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing AFTER sixty (60) days from the date Shoot #1 & Shoot #2 were completed. Please note – Shoot #3 must be received at Professional Licensing by December 31^st for the ID to be valid into the following year.

Step #4 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided by your Certified Instructor) for the Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3) to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

What are the legal requirements to become a licensed Bail Enforcement Agent in Delaware?

Minimum Requirements

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Must not have been convicted of any felony.
3. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any charge or been involved in any conduct that may impair the performance of the bail enforcement agent and endanger public safety as determined by the Professional Licensing Section.
4. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving the act of theft within the last 7 years.
5. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving drug offenses within the last 7 years.
6. Must not have been, as a juvenile, adjudicated as delinquent for conduct which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony, unless and until that person has reached their twenty-fifth birthday.
7. Must not have been convicted, within the last 7 years, of any 2 of the following misdemeanors: offensive touching or assault III.
8. Must not have been convicted of any offense involving the impersonation of a police officer or a person of trust as defined in Title 11.
9. Must not have been convicted of any criminal offense involving organized gang activity as defined in Title 11.
10. If served in the armed forces, must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
11. Must not be a member or employee of any law-enforcement organization, as defined by the Council of Police Training, or a member or employee of a law-enforcement organization of any other state or federal jurisdiction.
12. Must meet and maintain the qualifications set and approved by the Board pursuant to this chapter and the rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board and approved by the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security.

What Mandatory Education/Training is required to become or renew as a Delaware Bail Enforcement Agent?

Individuals shall successfully complete a mandatory Bail Enforcement Training Program when they initially apply and when they renew their license/ID Card. This training program must be completed at a state approved training facility which is Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC).  Use the link below or contact Workforce Development at 302-454-3956.

IMPORTANT – Obtain a copy of your Training Certificate as it will be needed when applying or reapplying.

www.dtcc.edu/continuing-education/workforce-training/

For further information on Continuing Education, please contact Delaware Technical & Community College – or search Bail Enforcement Continuing Education on their Workforce Development website.

Please note – Annual Continuing Education is no longer required as of April 2025.

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc

What are the legal requirements to become a licensed ARMED Bail Enforcement Agent in Delaware?

Minimum Requirements

1. Be at least 21 years of age upon application.
2. No conviction of any felony or other disqualifying crime – use the link below – Section 6.0/Criminal Offenses.
3. Complete at 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor.
4. Complete and provide shoot sheets for one day and one low light shoot when applying.

Armed Bail Enforcement Agents applicants must review all other Firearms Rules before training or applying – see the link below.

Obtaining an Armed (Red Card) Bail Enforcement License only permits the Agent to Open Carry a firearm. This is not a Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon (CCDW) permit.

How can a Lost or Stolen Bail Enforcement Agent ID Card (Armed or Unarmed) be replaced?

Come into the Dover State Bureau of Identification office) and request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders fill out the application for replacement (see the link below) or complete one on site. A license must be valid to be replaced. The replacement fee is $10.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site and given to the requestee at that time.

Lost Stolen Form

What if I have a legal name change while my license is valid?

Individuals who are licensed under Professional Licensing and are requesting a Change of Status (Legal Name Change or Agency Name Change) have two (2) options for making this request.

Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office – *please contact before traveling

• The license holder will present themselves in person at the Dover SBI office to request a replacement. No appointment is necessary; however, individuals are recommended to contact Professional Licensing at 302-739-5991 prior to their travel to confirm staffing and technology resources are available.
• The license holder must have their current ID Card and surrender the same.
• The valid License holder will fill out the Change of Status form (use the link below). There are forms available at SBI however Agency Changes require the Agency Approving Person signature.
• Name Changes require legal documentation to prove the new legal name.
• Agency Name Changes must be approved the agency.
• An ID Card must be valid to be replaced, and the license holder may be requested to provide another form of valid, photo identification to verify their identity.
• License Identification Cards will be printed on site.
• There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement ID Card payable by cash, credit/debit card or company issued check.

Option #2 – Submitted via EMAIL – please anticipate 14 days for processing

• The license holder or their agency will email the entire Change of Status Request to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov – subject line License Change of Status Request.
• Name Changes require legal documentation to prove the new legal name.
• Agency Name Changes must be approved the agency.
• The license holder or agency is required to return the prior ID Card to Professional Licensing within ten (10) business days.
• The license holder or the agency must include the $5.00 fee which must be made payable by a debit/credit card. Should the license holder be submitting a money order or a company check, the application will need to be mailed (US Postal) to Professional Licensing to the address outlined at the top of the Request Form.

Change of ID Card Status

How can a Lost or Stolen Bail Enforcement Agent Badge be replaced?

Should a silver, metal badge be lost/stolen it must be reported to the police and the BEA must obtain a report and forward the same to Professional Licensing before their BEA License will be renewed or a badge considered for replacement.

Individuals shall successfully complete a mandatory Bail Enforcement Training Program when they initially apply and when they renew their license/ID Card. This training program must be completed at a state approved training facility which is Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC).  Use the link below or contact Workforce Development at 302-454-3956.

IMPORTANT – Obtain a copy of your Training Certificate as it will be needed when applying or reapplying.

www.dtcc.edu/continuing-education/workforce-training/

For further information on Continuing Education, please contact Delaware Technical & Community College – or search Bail Enforcement Continuing Education on their Workforce Development website.

Please note – Annual Continuing Education is no longer required as of April 2025.

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc

The Board of Examiners of Bail Enforcement Agents, the regulatory body for this industry, meets on a quarterly basis.

Board of Examiners Meeting Schedule

Criteria for licensure can be found at the below links for the law and rules and regulations:

Related Links:

Delaware Code

Rules and Regulations

Apprehension & Surveillance

All BEA’s licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 are required to notify the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the appropriate jurisdiction prior to making any attempt at an apprehension or surveillance. This notification must occur prior to responding to the address of the attempt/surveillance. Notification shall be made to the same PSAP when clearing the address of the attempt/surveillance. If notification cannot be made to the PSAP of jurisdiction, the BEA shall contact the Regional Center for the County – Recom, Kentcom, or Suscom.

BEA Mandatory Display (Uniform/Clothing & Vehicle) when performing duties

No individual licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 shall use any type of uniform or other clothing items displaying logos, badges, patches, or any other type of writing without first being approved by the Board. Under no circumstances shall any item contain the seal or crest of the State of Delaware, any state of the United States, the seal or crest of any county or local sub division, or any facsimile of the aforementioned seals or crests.

All BEA’s shall at all times during the lawful performance of their duties pursuant to 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 and the regulations set forth herein use or display the following:

• Their assigned badge on the front of the outer most garment; and
• Wearing of a ballistic vest; and “Bail Enforcement Agent” must be displayed on the back of the outer most garment, the use of “BEA” only is NOT acceptable.
• All advertisements, including vehicle markings, or other forms of publication, subsequent to their use, are subject to review by the Board for potential misrepresentation.
• The use of auxiliary lights or sirens on vehicles is prohibited.