Two separate permissions
First, the court. Judges routinely impose conditions when releasing a defendant, and the Penal Code §1275 factors — appearance probability and public safety — drive them. Check the release paperwork and the minute order for travel language, surrender of a passport, or an order to remain in the county.
Second, the surety. The indemnity agreement makes travel outside the jurisdiction a matter of written consent, because it increases the risk of non-appearance and the cost of recovery.
How to get approved
- Ask early — at least a week before the trip.
- Give the agency dates, destination, address where you will stay, and return date.
- Confirm no court date falls inside the travel window.
- Get the approval in writing and keep it with you.
What happens if you go anyway
- The surety can surrender you under Penal Code §1300 and return you to custody.
- If a court condition was violated, bail can be increased or revoked at the next hearing.
- Missing a hearing while out of state forfeits the bond under Penal Code §1305 and issues a bench warrant.
- Failure to appear can be charged separately under Penal Code §1320.5 in a felony case.
If you already left
Call the agency before your next court date, not after. A defendant who self-reports and returns for the hearing is usually kept on the bond. One who is discovered out of state after a missed appearance almost never is — see missed court bail bonds.