Bail Bond Laws in Tennessee

Premium Rate 10%
Bail Bonds Legal Yes
Licensing Authority Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Licensed Agents 127

10% premium. Active market, especially in Memphis and Nashville.

Bail Bond Guide for Tennessee

Average Bail Amounts in Tennessee

Misdemeanor$500 - $5,000
Felony$5,000 - $50,000
DUI / DWI$1,000 - $5,000

Court System

Tennessee uses general sessions courts for misdemeanors and criminal courts for felonies. Shelby County (Memphis) and Davidson County (Nashville) process the highest bail bond volumes in the state.

Jail Release Times

After posting bail in Tennessee, release from county jails typically takes 4-8 hours. Shelby County Jail in Memphis may take 8-12 hours during busy periods.

Licensing & Regulation

Tennessee established state-level bail bondsman licensing effective March 1, 2026, under the new Board of Professional Bondsmen. Previously, bail bondsmen were regulated at the county level only. The standard premium is 10% of the bail amount.

Top Cities for Bail Bonds in Tennessee

All Cities with Bail Bond Agents in Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds in Tennessee

How much does a bail bond cost in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, bail bond agents typically charge 10% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable premium. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, you would pay approximately $1,000 to the bail bondsman. Some agents offer payment plans for larger bail amounts.

How do I find a bail bondsman in Tennessee?

Use BailBondsHub to search for licensed bail bond agents in Tennessee by city or county. Most bondsmen are available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You can also call the county jail directly for a list of approved bondsmen.

Can I get a bail bond with no money down in Tennessee?

Some bail bond agents in Tennessee offer payment plans or financing options, especially for larger bail amounts. While a fully $0 down bail bond is rare, many agents will work with you on a payment schedule. Collateral such as property or vehicles may be required.

What types of bail bonds are available in Tennessee?

The most common types of bail bonds in Tennessee include: Surety bonds (through a bail bondsman), cash bonds (full amount paid to court), property bonds (using real estate as collateral), and federal bonds (for federal offenses). Immigration bonds are handled separately through ICE.

Data source: State Departments of Insurance & NAIC