Licensing

The majority of States and the District of Colombia require private detectives and investigators to be licensed.

The majority of States and the District of Colombia require private detectives and investigators to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary, however.

Seven States—Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Dakota—have no statewide licensing requirements, some States have few requirements, and many other States have stringent regulations. A growing number of States are enacting mandatory training programs for private detectives and investigators. For example, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs requires private investigators to be 18 years of age or older; have a combination of education in police science, criminal law, or justice and experience equaling 3 years (6,000 hours) of investigative experience; pass a criminal history background check by the California Department of Justice and the FBI (in most States, convicted felons cannot be issued a license); and receive a qualifying score on a 2-hour written examination covering laws and regulations.

There are additional requirements for a firearms permit.

For information on local licensing requirements, contact your State Department of Public Safety, State Division of Licensing, or local or State police headquarters.