What Information Does a Bail Bondsman Need?

Written by Kacie Roof | Aug 10, 2026, 5:31:58 PM

When someone you love is sitting in jail, every hour feels like a day. The fastest way to get a bondsman working on your behalf is to have the right information ready before you even make the call — instead of playing phone tag while your loved one waits.

Here's exactly what a bondsman needs, and why.

1. Information About the Person in Jail

This identifies who's being bonded out and confirms where they're being held. Have ready:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on their ID)
  • Date of birth
  • Booking number, if you have it — this is how the jail locates their file
  • Name of the detention facility and county
  • The charges, if known
  • The bond amount, if it's already been set at a hearing

If bond hasn't been set yet, that's fine — a bondsman can still start the process and move as soon as the magistrate sets the amount.

2. Information About the Person Signing (the Indemnitor)

Whoever posts the bond isn't just paying a fee — they're becoming legally and financially responsible for making sure the defendant shows up to every court date. Because of that, bondsmen need to actually know who's signing:

  • Full name, current address, and phone number
  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Employment information
  • Sometimes a second contact (a relative or friend of the defendant) as a reference

South Carolina law is specific about this step: a bondsman must identify who is actually paying the premium, and collateral can't come from someone who'd stand to benefit more from the defendant disappearing than from them showing up to court. It's a fraud safeguard, and it's one reason bondsmen ask more questions than people expect.

3. Payment for the Premium

The premium is the bondsman's fee for posting the bond — and it's non-refundable, regardless of the case outcome. In South Carolina, that premium is set by state law at 10–15% of the total bond amount. So on a $10,000 bond, expect to pay somewhere in the $1,000–$1,500 range. State law also sets a minimum down payment of $100 from the indemnitor.

Most bondsmen accept a mix of cash, card, and sometimes payment plans — ask directly, since this varies by company.

4. Collateral (If Required)

Not every bond requires collateral — it usually depends on the bond amount and the defendant's ties to the community. When it is required, it has to be reasonable relative to the size of the bond. Common forms include:

  • Real estate (title or deed)
  • Vehicle titles
  • Jewelry or other high-value property
  • Bank accounts or other liquid assets

If the defendant shows up to every court date, collateral is returned once the case is closed out.

The Quick-Reference Checklist

Before you call, try to have:

  1. Defendant's full name and date of birth
  2. Booking number and jail location, if available
  3. Bond amount, if it's been set
  4. Your photo ID
  5. Your address, phone number, and employer
  6. A way to pay the premium
  7. Collateral information, if the bond amount is significant

You won't always have every item on this list, and that's okay — a good bondsman will work with what you've got and fill in the gaps together. But the more of this you can pull together before you call, the faster your loved one gets home.

This post is for general information only and isn't legal advice. Bond requirements can vary by bondsman and by county — always confirm specifics with the company you're working with.

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