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Become a California

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

CALIFORNIA LICENSED PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

What is a Private Investigator? A private investigator is an individual who amongst other duties (1) investigates crimes, (2) investigates the identity, business, occupation, character, etc., of a person, (3) investigates the location of lost or stolen property, (4) investigates the cause of fires, losses, accidents, damage or injury, or (5) secures evidence for use in court. Private investigators may protect persons only if such services are incidental to an investigation; they may not protect property. An individual, partnership, or corporation licensed as a private investigator may employ a qualified manager to manage the business on a day-to-day basis. To be eligible to apply for licensure as a private investigator/qualified manager, you must meet the following requirements:

California Private Investigators are regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). To become a licensed Private Investigator in California, you'll have to earn a license by completing BSIS' specific requirements, which is a combination of education, experience, and examination.

To be eligible to apply for licensure as a private investigator/qualified manager in California, you must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 or older.

Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Applicants are responsible for paying all Live Scan, FBI and DOJ processing fees at the time of fingerprinting. For more information on the Live Scan process, the associated fees. ALERT: Per FBI guidelines, you must submit your application to the Bureau before completing a criminal history background check. To prevent application processing delays, keep a copy of the Live Scan form, which must include the ATI number and the signature of the Live Scan Operator. NOTE: You must complete a criminal history background check even if you have previously submitted fingerprints for another BSIS license, registration, certificate, or permit.
Have at least three years (2,000 hours each year, totaling 6,000 hours) of compensated experience in investigative work; or have a law degree or completed a four-year course in police science plus two years (4,000 hours) of experience; or have an associate degree in police science, criminal law, or justice and 2 ½ years (5,000 hours) of experience.

Experience must be certified by your employer and have been received while you were employed as a sworn law enforcement officer, military police officer, insurance adjuster, employee of a licensed PI or licensed repossessor, arson investigator for a public fire suppression agency, or an investigator for the public defender's office. (Work as a process server, public records researcher, custodial attendant for a law enforcement agency, bailiff, agent who collects debts in writing or by telephone after the debtor has been located, or person who repossesses property after it has been located is not considered qualifying experience.)
Pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination covering laws and regulations, terminology, civil and criminal liability, evidence handling, undercover investigations and surveillance. A copy of the Private Investigator Act will be sent to you; and
Upon notification that you have passed the examination, you must submit a licensing fee to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

To apply for a California Private Investigator License, Submit:

Completed application

Two recent passport-quality photographs

The application fee

Apply Online through BreEZe: The Bureau recommends submitting and paying for your application online as it bypasses the Cashiering Office, which can reduce the processing time by up to two weeks.

For more information and resources on applying for a PI license, visit www.bsis.ca.gov/licenses.

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Private Investigator Act

Access the Private Investigator Application Packet

Review the Bureau's Fees

NOT YET A CALI MEMBER?

After you’ve become a licensed private investigator, become an Active member of the California Association of Licensed Investigators and attend the Newly Licensed Investigator Training and Education (NLITE).

The Newly Licensed Investigator Training and Education provides an overview of the profession, the must haves when starting and operating a business, the laws that new PI's must be familiar with, ethical issues and professional responsibilities. Each attendee will leave with the practical knowledge and tools needed to be a successful Private Investigator and business owner. Read more about NLITE special rate & attendee benefits here.