PI LICENSING: Pennsylvania

[Mary Lynn Warner]

NO PI LICENSE NEEDED
If you fall into the following Categories:

NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigator or any person regularly employed as special agent, detective or investigator exclusively by one employer in connection with the affairs of that employer only


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigator employe of any such company while performing any investigatory activities engaged in by his employer


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators in the employment of credit bureaus


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators employed by insurance companies to investigate the personal habits and financial responsibility of applicants for insurance, indemnity bonds, or commercial credit,


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators employed by insurance companies to investigate claimants under insurance policies,


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigates or any person, partnership, association, or corporation or any bureau or agency, whose business is exclusively the furnishing of information as to the business and financial standing and credit responsibility of persons, partnerships, associations, or corporations;


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators whose corporation is duly authorized by the Commonwealth to operate a fire alarm protection business,


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators or any person while engaged in the business of adjuster for an insurance company,


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators or any charitable or philanthropic society or association duly incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth and which is organized and maintained for the public good and not for private profit


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigator employed by an attorney: nor shall anything in this act contained be construed to affect in any way attorneys or counselors at law in the regular practice of their profession, but such exemption shall not enure to the benefit of any employe or representative of such attorney or counselor at law who is not employed solely, exclusively and regularly by such attorney or counselor at law


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators or persons in the exclusive employment of common carriers subject to regulation by the interstate commerce commission or the Public Utility Commission of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nor any telephone, telegraph or other telecommunications company subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission or the Public Utility Commission of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


NO LICENSE NEEDED FOR Private Investigators who are a detective officer or employee belonging to the Pennsylvania State Police, or to the police force of any county, city, borough, township, or incorporated town, or any employe of such State Police, or such police force, appointed or elected by due authority of law, while engaged in the performance of their official duties;

FURTHER: "Nothing in this act (PI Licensing Statutes) shall prohibit the right of any person to become affiliated with, or to continue as a member of, any union, association, society, or organization of his own choosing."

Source:Pennsylvania Private Detective Exemptions (http://www.pali.org/papdact.htm#sec25)

<hr>

IF YOU WANT A PI LICENSE:


Private Detective Act of 1953, as amended:

"Every such applicant, if he be a person in the case of a partnership, association, or corporation, at lease one member of such partnership, association, or corporation, has been regularly employed as a detective, or shall have been a member of the U.S. government investigative service, a sheriff, or member of a city police department of a rank or grade higher than that of patrolman, for the period of not less than three years.

"The application/petition shall state the full name, age, residence, present and previous occupations, of each person or individual; citizen of U.S.; address of principal place of business and any branch office, bureau, agency, sub-agency; affidavits signed by at least five (5) reputable citizens attesting to the good character of applicant; if the applicant is a corporation, the amount of the corporation's outstanding paid up capital stock and whether paid in cash or property and if in property, the nature of the same, and accompanied by a certified copy its certificate of incorporation; two (2) photographs of each individual and corporate officer (passport size); two (2) fingerprint cards for each individual/corporate officer; Corporate Bond in the sum of $10,000 executed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Preliminary and Final Order of Court for Judge to sign.

Present Original Application/Petition to the Court of Common Pleas Motions Judge for hearing date.

Copy of Application and Order with hearing date set for District Attorney's Detective Bureau and one (1) set of fingerprints.

Original Application and Order with hearing date set with fingerprint cards and two (2) passport size photos to be filed with Clerk of Courts office.

Bond in the sum of $10,000 to be filed in the Clerk of Courts office.

After approval of license, fee of $205 for individual, $305 for corporation, to be received by the Clerk of Courts office.



Source:Pennsylvania Private Detective Law (http://www.pali.org/papdact.htm)

http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2001/0/HB0340P2738.pdf

[Christine Anderson -]

Originally posted by R. T. CONNER
What are the licensing requirements for the state of PA
Thank you,
R.T.CONNER

Here are the licensing requirements for Pennsylvania.


Minimum age: 25
Experience Required: 3 years with a P.I. Agency
Courses Required: None



"Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is no central licensing agency. This function is performed by the Clerk of Courts of Common Pleas in each of the sixty-seven (67) counties in the Commonwealth. The application process must be initiated through the county in which you intend to headquarter your operation.

In the Event that you have any further questions concerning the Private Detective Act, do no hesitate to contact this office by corresponding to this address or telephone Trooper Dennis Plant at (717) 783-5592".

M.I. Simmers, Captain
Director, Records and
Identification Division



I hope you find this information helpful. :)

[Richard L Johnson]

HELP:confused:

I went to my county D.A.'s office then they directed me to an attorney that they work with. I asked the attorney if I would be allowed to work as a Private Investigator for an agency and he said yes but I would be working for the agency and I couldn't advertise myself as a Private Investigator. Keep in mind I have no background in law enforcement. Next I asked how I could go about getting my license and he said without 3 years in law enforcement I wouldn't be able to. Next I asked if I would be able to get it by working 3 years for an agency and he said flat out "No".

I'm a little confused I've been reading what's in the forums and I read our Pennsylvania laws for Private investigators. I was just wondering what is correct?

Will I be able to use the experience I get through IPIU to get my own license after 3 years. Or will I forever have to work for an agency since I was never in law enforcement?

I look forward to your response.

Thanks

[Carl Violando]

Richard,

Don't take this as a definite answer, but looking through the PA licensing info, I found this:

" Every such applicant shall establish, to the satisfaction of the court of quarter sessions and by at least two duly acknowledged certificates, that such applicant, if he be a person, or, in the case of a partnership, association, or corporation, at least one member of such partnership, association, or corporation, has been regularly employed as a detective, or sheriff, a member of the Pennsylvania State Police, or a member of a city police department of a rank or grade higher than that of patrolman, for a period of not less than three years. "
Italics and underline added for emphasis

This seems to imply that you can attain the three years by working as a detective. This would also seem to agree with most other states statutes that I have reviewed.

Again, This is not a legally binding answer, but seems plain enough.

I'm sure Legal will be by with a more thourough reply.

[Richard L Johnson]

Thanks for the quick response. I guess I'll also know more when I get notified by different agents.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[Mary Lynn Warner]

Originally posted by Richard Johnson
I asked if I would be able to get it by working 3 years for an agency and he said flat out "No".

I'm a little confused .
You should be confused if you're taking his advice seriously. :mad:

That was from attorney? I'm glad he's not on my list of referrals! He just does not know the law!

Read the above post that is quoted from the statutes. After being employed as a private investigator for three years of hours, you get your experience!

(This sounds like the guy has cops who are friends that are PI's, and they feel competition from you)

[Richard L Johnson]

Mary,

Thank you it's nice to know someone feels the same as me. To be honest I was very disappointed, but then that quick I decided to wait until I checked here on the Forum to see what others had to say.

I really want this to work out for me so to hear that almost brought me down. But I should have guessed.

I know I have to get LOTS of training before I even think about getting my license, but it's nice to know it's a reachable goal.

thank you again!:D



Originally posted by Mary Lynn Warner

You should be confused if you're taking his advice seriously. :mad:

That was from attorney? I'm glad he's not on my list of referrals! He just does not know the law!

Read the above post that is quoted from the statutes. After being employed as a private investigator for three years of hours, you get your experience!

(This sounds like the guy has cops who are friends that are PI's, and they feel competition from you)

[Carl Violando]

Originally posted by Richard Johnson
I really want this to work out for me so to hear that almost brought me down. But I should have guessed.


Richard,

Almost every day you will run into a couple of people who will tell you, you can't do something.

That's where family comes in to support, There are over 3500 bothers and sisters here that will tell you, you CAN do it.

GO FOR IT!!

[Mary Carver]

I just wanted to say thank you, to all of you for your help, in the licensing law form. We have had many calls lately concerning this topic. The information that you have all looked into to answer these questions is greatly appropriated.:)






Mary Skates

[Sherita Y. Cotten -]

I did contact the Pa. Association for Licensed Investigators. They are not in Harrisburg, Pa. any more. Their new phone number is 1-610-687-2999 in Gladwayne, Pa. The President is Jim Carino. He told me to contact my county clerk office which I did. I recieved a package that is tedious and cumbersome with several fees. Mr. Carino did stated that a person needs 3 yrs. of law enforcement experience and 5 character references. Does my 11 yrs. as a Juvenile Probation Officer count? Also, I am confused about the fingerprinting process. I am already on file with IPIU. Why do I need to pay for additional fingerprints?

[Sara Livingston]

Originally posted by Melanie Downey
if I'm working for a company to get my 3 years experience, am I responsible for the bond or is it the company I work for?
Probaby the company - which they will inform you at the time.

[Donna Reagan]

Originally posted by Ryan Lynn
i was in the army for 5 years as an infantryman does that count against the 3 year rule. Not unless you were Military Police.

For newcomers, please click here:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5008

[Crystal C Tompkins 1 -]

How can you get started in an agency in order to get the three years that is required to become a PI? What training takes place initially? I have read the above comments and they seem to contradict. Do you actually need a state license to practice? Sorry, it's all new to me and I just want to make sure I am taking the right steps. Thanks!

Crystal

[Ted W Primm]

Would doing PI assignments for ipiu such as Anti-Piracy
assignments for three years & my military police experience
count as far as getting my Pa., pi license?

If one of the moderators would reply to this i would be ever so thankful.

Thanks
Ted W Primm

[B Ann Craig]

Would doing PI assignments for ipiu such as Anti-Piracy
assignments for three years & my military police experience
count as far as getting my Pa., pi license?

If one of the moderators would reply to this i would be ever so thankful.

Thanks
Ted W Primm
Ted, yes, your Military Police experience would count, plus any investigative hours of experence through IPIU referrals would count (depending on the agency).

Read the link Donna Reagan posted in her reply above for the Military Police. Also, read the two posts above by Mary Lynn Warner. IPIU will keep track of your hours of work.

The hours has to add up to three years. I don't know how many hours, or years you were a Military Police? Both will count. I hope this will help. Good luck in all you do. ;)

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)

[Mark Aloise]

Does anyone know a short answer to this question: I am relocating to the tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT), but will be living very close to the PA border. Do the individual states require a licensee to be a resident of that particular state? My goal will be to get licenses for NY, NJ & PA.

[Karla Jackson]

Wow, There are some wonderful post here. I learned alot of information. I guess that is the point. I hope I made the right decision considering what I am reading about obtaining a license in pennsylvania.

[Tanesa Sanchez]

I found this to be some great information for the state of Pennsylvania. Thank you for sharing.

[Raymond Jones]

Yes thank you all for your questions and answers as I have just learned awhole lot just reading this forum and look foward to getting started on my three years of experience.

[Ted W Primm]

Hi,
Thanks for that information on the requirements if this is all true then can i use IPIU for my reference credentials here in Pennsylvania?,
Thanks
Agent Ted W Primm

[admin]

can i use IPIU for my reference credentials here in Pennsylvania?
Yes and no. Your credentials are not a state license, but they can be used as a professional tool when applying to unregulated companies performing investigations. Regulated companies would either require you to have a state license, or they could allow you to work under their agency license.

But before you go applying, click here for further instructions:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6432

And here:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8393

[Barbara Ryan]

I just found this and thought others may find it interesting. It is a house bill from Feb. 2004 regarding PI licensing.
House Bill # 2335

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA House Bill # 2335

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 3, 2004 AN ACT

Amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 22 (Detectives and

Private Police) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes,

adding the offense of impersonating private detective;

codifying the Private Detective Act of 1953; and making a

repeal related to that codification.
View The Entire Bill (http://www.pali.org/forms/HB_2335.pdf#)

Bonnie

[David Copeland]

I just found this and thought others may find it interesting. It is a house bill from Feb. 2004 regarding PI licensing.
House Bill # 2335

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA House Bill # 2335

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 3, 2004 AN ACT

Amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 22 (Detectives and

Private Police) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes,

adding the offense of impersonating private detective;

codifying the Private Detective Act of 1953; and making a

repeal related to that codification.
View The Entire Bill (http://www.pali.org/forms/HB_2335.pdf#)

Bonnie
Although this item states the House has only referred their bill to the committee, it has not become law. When it does become law, their website will include the amendment.

The proposed bill does not affect the licensing requirements or the exemptions and provisions of unregulated private investigations. It only addresses a diliberate attempt to impersonate a licensed PI.

[Lance Seldin -]

I checked w/ one Pgh, PA agency, and the owner told me, "The DA would not let me hire you to do an investigation." I am untrained and new to the field.

Lance Seldin

[M Michelle Le Fevre--]

I checked w/ one Pgh, PA agency, and the owner told me, "The DA would not let me hire you to do an investigation." I am untrained and new to the field.

Lance Seldin


Lance,

Please ask this question by posting it in your Introduction Topic where the trainers can better direct your inquiry to the existing titled topics that answer your question.

If you have not done so yet, please open an intro topic here:
Forum Members Intro Lounge (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=45)

Thank you for your support.

[David Copeland]

I checked w/ one Pgh, PA agency, and the owner told me, "The DA would not let me hire you to do an investigation."

1) The PI agency owner you spoke to did not give you all of the facts of the licensing laws.

2) The PI Agency owner's response may be typical because he/she views you as untrained and unqualified. IPIU does not endorse nor recommend going knocking on doors to get hired without experience or training. IPIU offers both before you go knocking on doors. And, IPIU will also provide you with doors that are open and not closed.

3) The PI Agency owner's statement about his local DA has nothing to do with the owner's ability to hire you within the licensing laws. I suspect he/she probably made that statement to you as a tactic to get you out the door (or off the phone).

[Jared M Holz -]

Hi ... I'm new the fourm and to the IPIU but I've noticed several consistancies between this and other career paths. Remember that it is human nature for others to want you to quit or fail, that way you never provide them with competition. The thing you need to do is keep working toward your goals. If you persist you will succeed.

[William Monteagudo]

I'm a member in training and i'm just going around and reading stuff and when i read when you said that here are 3500 men and woman who are family that felt good. I'm in the proccess of moving and haven't had much time to do what i need to do but when i get settled in little by little i will post and participate alot more plus i'm going to be a dad.

thanks Carl Violando


William Monteagudo

[David Martz -]

Hello Lance,
I have to agree with Mr. Copeland on this issue. The PI's statement to you was his way of brushing you off as you had nothing to offer when you came to the table.
PI Agency's do hire Training PI's. My company does but you must have some basic Training when you apply with us. IPIU provides you with the training you will need to get your foot in the door instead of the door slamming in your face. MY advise to you is get the training learn all you can knowledge is your best tool in this business, you will always be learning.

Regards,
David

[Stephen Wright--]

B Ann,
I have been reading all these post on the Pennsylvania requirements and now know if one is not prior law enforcement, the requirement is 3 years of hours working with an agency. Could you clarify what is meant by "The hours has to add up to three years". My questions are, How many hours are considered for a year, the normal 2080 ? and is it reasonable to expect to get enough assignments to work 3 years and have enough hours?

Thanks - Steve

[Peter R Loncar]

Good question Steven, I have been wondering, also, about the hours worked through IPIU Anti-Piracy and Integrity assignments.

Do the hours worked on these types of assignments become credited towards licensing in PA?

Pete.

[Martin Betancourt]

I have been reading all Pennsylvania requirement for to be a Licensed Private Investigator, I am agree and I understand , but, what happen if I have not experience at all with any law enforcement agency and if I'm not US Citizen, the only thing I have is my Diploma in recognition of the successful completions of the program as Private Investigator at HARCOURT LEARNING DIRECT.
My question is: If I am not have all of the requirements above, I'll never be a Professional Private Investigator.

Thanks,
Martin from York, Pennsylvania

[Phillip Torrence]

Hey Guys
I am lic PI in CA. with an agency,I now also reside in PA. I am also on a Federal Officer on a special project here in PA. TO you PA PI Agencies How can I open up and get PI lic here in Pa. I am doing Polygraph here in Pa and NJ,SO what must I do to get PA permit to do Investigations in the state of Pa. all advice would be helpful to those who are in business in Pa. Over 10 years as an Investigator and 10 as an Law enforcement officer in the state of NY. somebody talk to me.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Martin Betancourt]

Thanks, Phillip I think I need you help.

[Phillip Torrence]

Hey Martin you can reach me at [email edited by Moderator: Forum Rules]
If I can be of any help just e me.

[Valerie Morris -]

Here are the licensing requirements for Pennsylvania.


Minimum age: 25
Experience Required: 3 years with a P.I. Agency
Courses Required: None


:)

PERFECT! Exactly the information I was looking for! I'm only 22 so this works pretty well (3 years experience, min. age 25)! I'm so excited!

[Valerie Morris -]

OH, Also quick question and I know this is a long-shot BUT I've heard (and this may not even be true) that the FBI will take a 2 year degree in computer forensics because it is a specialty field (instead of the required 4 year). The computer forensics degree requires several law classes. Does any of this go against the 3 year rule? I know this is very unlikely but I figured I'd ask just in case. :D

[Edward Taguba]

Hey Martin you can reach me at [email edited by Moderator: Forum Rules]
If I can be of any help just e me.Mr. Torrence, I had to edit out your email address. Personal information can not be posted on our forum. This is for all the members protection. Please, do not post personal information on the forum, and read the forum rules link below. Thank you.

Click Here: Forum Rules Topic Link (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2914)

Aloha,
Ed

[Martin Betancourt]

Hi, and sorry for this inconvenience.

[Carmen Acai]

I have been reading all Pennsylvania requirement for to be a Licensed Private Investigator, I am agree and I understand , but, what happen if I have not experience at all with any law enforcement agency and if I'm not US Citizen, the only thing I have is my Diploma in recognition of the successful completions of the program as Private Investigator at HARCOURT LEARNING DIRECT.
My question is: If I am not have all of the requirements above, I'll never be a Professional Private Investigator.

Thanks,
Martin from York, PennsylvaniaMartin, please have a look at the links below. They answer your question:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=62

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2219

Enjoy your reading an go for it! ;)

[Patricia Anne Maness]

UPDATED 2012:

To qualify to be a Private Investigator in Pennsylvania, the law requires:

1) Three (3) years of investigative experience

2) Each license is issued by the County Judge.

3) Applicants should contact their Clerk of Courts for detailed information and procedures

4) If a member of the International Private Investigators Union does NOT have the required three years of experience, then they can upgrade their membership to a Lifetime Corporate Membership to make a request for a licensed PI to sponsor their agency license for them.

Source links:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/22/22.HTM

http://www.pali.org/docs/Pennsylvania_Private_Detective_Act_of_1953.pdf

To order a Lifetime Corporate Membership in order to request a sponsor:
http://www.privateinvestigator.cc/product_info.php?cPath=67&products_id=998

[Jeffrey L Kauffman]

Hello,everyone:
I had some questions, too, about licensing laws in Pennsylvania. Reading the posts here has answered a lot of them and I want to thank you all for your help.
These forums are great and I am doing alot of reading and learning here and I am really looking forward to starting a new career.
Good luck to all of you. :)

[Technical Support]

Note to all:

There are now a dozen (12) exemptions now posted that allow private investigators to perform investigations without a state PI License, providing the investigations fall into the 12 areas as described.

To read them, go to Page 1 of this topic - or, click here:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=552

[Evelyn Kilgore]

Does the state of PA require you to be a resident of the state before obtaining a license?

[Carl Lee Warren]

I recently spoke to a P.I. in Philly, and I had the same question. Apparently it's three years of service or at least
five days a week for three years straight.

What I would do is get more feedback on the matter, because the P.I. I talked to was very impatient and didn't really take time out to answer many of my questions.

I hope this helps.

[Carl Lee Warren]

I recently spoke to a P.I. in Philly and he told me that it was
three years straight or five days a week for three years.

What I would do is get more feedback on the matter because the P.I. that I talked to was very impatient and didn't take the time to answer many of my questions.

I hope this helps.

[William Deas]

Suppose You Dont Have Three Years Experience Working As A Detective,
But Do Have 4 Years Experience As A Security Police Officer In The
Air Force; Does That Count?

[Carl Lee Warren]

According to what I read yes that would count.

[Michelle Hanulik]

Are you certain about the "3" years experience in the field> I thought I remembered reading "2" years.

[Anne Friedland -]

I am a Pgh native and trained as a Pi in CA. As of last year, a license was not necessary to do case examiner work. However, you have to watch the semantics. There are 'Acts" Act 235: lethal weapons certification, which is a week long class in policew procedure and shooting a 38 special taking a test and "voila!you have it. THIS IS NOT A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT. For that, ypou need top go to the Shwriffs dept with 2 ID's: a Driver's Lic in PA and a Voter Reg from PA or car reg...they don't take a IPIIU icense. You pay the fee they ask why you need it, do a background check and if all is ok, they issue you a 5 year concealed permit.
Police training is "Act 120" or the Academy, which has a cut off age of 36.The only agencies that require this is police departments. There are tons on ads..lots of corruption in small towns. I was really disappointed that they didn't respect IPIU more..they are not really aware of what we do. They need to be educated.

[Warren Carin]

This Thread was extremely helpful to me. Thank you all.

[Richard L Johnson]

How many hours do they consider the 3years?

"...for the period of not less than three years"

[Anne Friedland -]

The 2 years is probably an arbitary set up by some company...it is NOT the law. Check out the pa.dos website
Annie

[Richard L Johnson]

PA is county regulated for investigators. I contacted the Clourt of Common Pleas Criminal Division and they sent me application information plus the regulations. When I was on the phone with them I asked if working in Loss Prevention and/or as a Secret Shopper if they would count toward the 3 year experience requirement to be licensed. They told me it would not and told me to look at the requirements paper I received in the mail.

After reviewing the requirements information I found that I do not have the experience they say I need. And since the Anti Piracy and Loss Prevention do not count .....what now?

Help?

[Anne Friedland -]

I have a few questions:
What do want to do in PA?
Where in PA?
OK, Now, don't get discouraged because PI's donot fall under the same category as Police Officers.I don't know where this stuff is coming from,but I will find the reference and post it in the appro. forum.
If you want to start a business, all you need is a business license, which is NOT obtained at the court.
I live in Pittsburgh, and work Loss Prevention and Piracy etc,and do work for attorneys and it is perfectly legal.
WE fall more under private security than police. If you ever worked security in PA, did you require a license? The answer is "no".

[Richard L Johnson]

I have a few questions:
What do want to do in PA?
Where in PA?
OK, Now, don't get discouraged because PI's donot fall under the same category as Police Officers.I don't know where this stuff is coming from,but I will find the reference and post it in the appro. forum.
If you want to start a business, all you need is a business license, which is NOT obtained at the court.
I live in Pittsburgh, and work Loss Prevention and Piracy etc,and do work for attorneys and it is perfectly legal.
WE fall more under private security than police. If you ever worked security in PA, did you require a license? The answer is "no".

Anne,
Thanks so much for the response. Tell me, how did you get licensed. From what I read in the PA 1953 License Laws it states that if you start an agency one of the members has to have a minimum of 3 yrs military, investigation or police experience. How did you get around that? And did you just get a business license to start? Or did you go through your county courhouse?

Your help is appreciated.

Thank you,

[Martin Betancourt]

Hi,
I have the sames quiestions on.
I am on York, PA
I am not on any Licence State Laws experience.
How can I get my PI Licence without any experience on, and how can I start my business, I am loss and ??????

[Legal Affairs]

We will be posting some new instructions for licensing in the next week or so.

[Thomas Roberson -]

hi so i am reading here that in pa you dont need a state license but you need a county license in the county that you live in is that right?

[Thomas Roberson -]

so you are saying i dont need a pi license doing workers comp claims?

[Thomas Roberson -]

hi .so let me see as long as i get put on the payroll of an agency that all ready has a license i dont need one in the state of PA . am i wrong can anybody help me on this on .

[Donna Reagan]

so you are saying i dont need a pi license doing workers comp claims?
Thomas, read Page 1, Post 1 of this topic and you will see that no PI license is needed to perform investigations for an insurance company. But if you are not employed by an insurance company, then you may need a PI License as an independent contractor.

Donna

[Donna Reagan]

hi so i am reading here that in pa you dont need a state license but you need a county license in the county that you live in is that right?
Thomas, please read Page 1, Post #2 that mentions the counties are responsible for the issuing of a PI License that is good for all of Pennsylvania.

[Thomas Roberson -]

ok thanks alot.....

[Christopher Catalano -]

One of the posts here refers specifically to 3 years of hours. Does that mean 365 days per year x 24 hours per day x 3 years = 26, 280 hours worth of work, or does it mean three years worth of regular activity? 26K seems like an awful lot. That would mean if I worked 5 hours per day after work, it would take me 14.4 years to get the hours I need.

[Michael Harris]

Christopher,

In the US, a business year is generally 2,000 for calculations. In many businesses, the number of work hours in a calendar year is 1,880. This is 2,080 hours (52x40) minus 80 (vacation) minus 80 (holiday) minus 40 (sick). In apprenticeship programs, the schedule is 2,000 per year.

I would stick with the 2,000 hours.

[Christopher Catalano -]

Thank you! That's encouraging. I am fully licensed for another line of highly regulated 'at risk' type of occupation and it took only one year of experience. I thought I might be off a bit on this one!

[Michael D. Ritz]

Hello everyone, I am probably asking something that has been answered but i missed it in the thread somehwere. I have 3 years working experience for private companies that fall under the exemptions. Does this count for the time frame or would I need to be working under another License to count.

Thanks
Mike

[Donna Reagan]

I have 3 years working experience for private companies that fall under the exemptions. Does this count for the time frame or would I need to be working under another License to count.
It depends. The requirements generally ask for investigative experience, regardless of working for an attorney (which is an exemption) or other type.

I suggest you complete your IPIU processing and gain Level 4 access to get personal help. Once you have Level 4 access, go to the following private forum:

Obtaining Your Private Investigator License or Agency License forum (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=17)

Donna

[Roberta States -]

How can I get the three years experience when I have none?

[Legal Affairs]

How can I get the three years experience when I have none?
Using your Colorado PI Agency, you can apply for a Pennsyvania Agency License which will allow you to hire a sponsor. Then after three years as owner of the agency, you can apply for your individual PI License.

Read the following IPIU Member's Only free help link:

Obtaining Your Private Investigator License or Agency License! (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1590)

[Martin Betancourt]

Hey hi, I am on the same sitiation I'm in Pennselvenia state I do not have a license only I have a Diploma in recognition of successful copletion of the promagram of Private Investigator from September 06, 2001. How we can use Colorado PI Agency or how can I get a Colorado PI Agency if I am in Pennsylvania.

[Robert Munson]

Hey hi, I am on the same sitiation I'm in Pennselvenia state I do not have a license only I have a Diploma in recognition of successful copletion of the promagram of Private Investigator from September 06, 2001. How we can use Colorado PI Agency or how can I get a Colorado PI Agency if I am in Pennsylvania.


Follow this link to find out more about the Colorado Program and how it works. http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=248

[Roberta States -]

Moderator, Please post a link for downloadable forms for a PI Agency License.

[Robert Munson]

Moderator, Please post a link for downloadable forms for a PI Agency License.

Roberta,

Go here: http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1590

and follow the steps in post #1.

[Roberta States -]

Sorry

[William Deas]

There must be a difference between a private detective and a private investigator. Is there?

[Jeffrey Barbieri]

My question is in regards to the PI License requirement in Pennsylvania. There appears to be none required. However, they do require at least 3 years experience? Am I missing something or does this not make sense? If no license is required to become a PI in Pa. then why does one need 3 year experience with an agency to become a PI?

Since you don't have creditentials to show your a PI, why couldn't one just state they have been a PI for over 3 years? Sorry if I'm missing something on this? Any information would be very much appreciated. Thanks

[Legal Affairs]

My question is in regards to the PI License requirement in Pennsylvania. There appears to be none required. However, they do require at least 3 years experience? Am I missing something or does this not make sense? If no license is required to become a PI in Pa. then why does one need 3 year experience with an agency to become a PI?
Pennsylvania has no "state licensing", but the state does have a statute requiring the County Judges to handle the approval of private investigators. And before a county will approve a license, someone applying has to have the three required years of previous experience.

Therefore, you need three years experience, and it must be applied for at the county level.

(Please see Post #1 above. I have revised it for you and others)



Since you don't have creditentials to show your a PI, why couldn't one just state they have been a PI for over 3 years?
Each county issues a license on a county level. That is the credential needed to advertise in Pennsylvania as a private investigator or agency.

The application for a county license includes verification of work records for 3 years as a private investigator.

However, if you are an IPIU member, you can upgrade to a Lifetime Corporate Membership in order to obtain a free benefit of acquiring a license private investigator to sponsor you and your agency in any state. The pre-approval takes approximately 5 weeks (saving you three years).

[Chris Morrell]

You need to have three years of experience and apply through the county you live in or where the office is located. I'm from NJ in the process of obtaining my NJ and NY licenses but for PA is difficult because I need a residence or office there and have neither. I called and asked if you have open a Post Office box and use that but the clerk said no.

[Jeffrey Barbieri]

Hi Chris,
I'm in NJ as well. What steps did you take to obtain your NJ PI License if I may ask.
Jeffrey