"Do I need a license as a Private Investigator?"

[Robert Donovan]

<center>THERE MAY BE 2 OR MORE PAGES
to this Topic!
Make sure you click on the Page Number at
the bottom and top of this Topic. </center>
<hr>

Depends what state you are residing in.

There are approximately 7 states that do NOT have any licensing requirements for private investigators.

However, if you reside in a "licensed state", then a license typically only gives you the authority to advertise or solicit for clients directly under your own name.

Example: If you have no state license, you can still perform private investigations for any law firm or insurance company or consumer or business protection firm, so long as they solicit the client themselves and are authorized to hire you privately.

Also, remember that there is a thin gray line in most states that allows "Information Brokers" to operate without a license, yet the tool they use is "investigations."

We recommend you get a copy of your state licensing statutes, and read it. IPIU can also provide you with their new National Licensing Manual (available Late Summer 2000), which has copies of all state regulations and applications for private investigators. This is a valuable tool for private investigators who wish to apply in other states to solicit out-of-state clients, yet perform the investigations via their virtual office (email, fax, phone, Internet, etc), and to assign portions of the case out to other investigators who will complete the field operations for you.

In the meantime, as a private investigator member of IPIU, we will assign you (privately) to agencies who will train you within your state regulation. Once you have made contact with them, make sure you are investigating "within the law", which in most states you can do without a license, because you are not soliciting.

And last, some unlicensed private investigators (once they are trained) can have an out-of-state accommodation office set up (with phone, office, secretary, business license, etc) so that they can solicit within the 7 “unlicensed states” without a license. Again, you need to be trained first, but the market for your services is large.

[Christine Anderson -]

Could you please direct me to the appropriate department, to request the 2000 National Licensing Manual, that IPIU provides?

Is this manual updated annually? If so, would it be best to wait until the 2001 edition is available?

Thank you.

[admin]

The 2000 Issue is no longer available. The new edition will be announced in the Educational Forum as soon as it is ready.

[Note: An earlier reply you authored to Robert Donovan was deleted because the original topic was posted in August of last year. Since that time, we have a standing Announcement that all members who have questions about their personal file and assignments are to be directed to Agent Relations via private email.]

[Larry Sanders--]

Robert,

Is there any reciprocity, for lack of a better word, between states for a licensed PI?

For instance, in the course of surveilling a subject, can a PI follow them from one state to another without statutory repercussions?

[Robert Donovan]

Yes, there is.

The best method for reciprocity on an individual case is to contact the out-of-state local police chief, and work through him.

Reciprocity is also accepted by most licensing boards when you have out-of-state experience.

[Larry Sanders--]

Thank you.

Can one hold licenses for multiple states?

[David Copeland]

Originally posted by L.D. Sanders
Thank you.

Can one hold licenses for multiple states?

Yes.

(And, very often too.)

[Gloria McFarland]

I was wondering if a mentor was necessary for obtaining a license, or is it easier to work with a licensed investigator, while you are a trainee? :)

[admin]

Mentors or licensed investigators are always good to work toward a license, but it's the experience the licensing board will look at and not the mentor.

Even so, some licensed investigators could care less about helping newcomers, but the others that do are priceless. :)

[Hsiaoling McDonald -]

Do I need a license along with a badge in South Carolina?
I know alot of states will allow you to work with the Police Department, if you are not licensed yet, but what about a personal attorney or personal agencies? Are there any in depth areas of research on what I can and cannot do without a license?
Such as going to the Court house, but who do I see? Hope that's not too many questions..

Sincerely,
:p

[William R. Larson -]

Hsiaoling -

Be sure to browse through this forum to find any links to PI licensing laws. Many threads have them. I am not sure (off the top of my head) what the licensing requirements are in SC.

Depending on your state's law on licensing will determine the extent of how involved you can be. If your state does have licensing laws, you must be licensed to be a PI, but you only have to work for a licensed agency to be a PI Trainee. If your state does not have licensing laws, local agencies would be a good resource to check out.

IPIU's badge does not require a PI's license, as it was specifically designed for that purpose. Once IPIU has your signed Code of Ethics on file, your access will be upgraded to more forums, including the Badge forum. You may e-mail Agent Relations at usa@ipiu.org to request status updates and ask personal file questions (or call them during their hours of operation).

I will see what I can dig up on licensing in SC, and post links here for you, but also check some of the existing threads that may already have that information! ;)

[admin]

Originally posted by Hsiaoling McDonald
Do I need a license along with a badge in South Carolina?

Answer: No


Originally posted by Hsiaoling McDonald
if you are not licensed yet, but what about a personal attorney or personal agencies?
Answer: You do ot need a licensed to work for an attorney or personal (private) agencies that do their own internal investigations.


Originally posted by Hsiaoling McDonald
Such as going to the Court house, but who do I see? :p
Answer: No license needed for any court house work.

[Scarlet DeLos Santos]

Thanks for all the information. We all get the help we need at the tip of a finger. It really helps when you are new. I feel like i am in a big family. I try to read as many forums, everyday as possible. I enjoy them so much. You learn so many things. Keep up the good work. Again thank you for all the help.


Scarlet Delos Santos

[Jodell Barker]

I'm very new to this forum. I was wondering if you could tell me how would (or could) I go about doing private investigating work out of my home. I live in Colorado and I really want to be a Private Investigator more than anything. Can't find anyone who can train me. What do I need to do (legally) to get started? Do I need a license and more "proper" training than just the search engines on the internet? That's how I was going to start out. Please help if you can.

[Edward Taguba]

HI Do you guys have the updated book for license 2002? If so How can I get a copy I want to make sure if Hawaii is part of the 7 states or not that provide not having the license. ;)

Aloha,
Ed

[David Copeland]

Jodell,

Welcome to the board.

There is no licensing requirements in Colorado! You're free to set up your home business and get the training and get some help.

If you wish to join IPIU and get all the benefits, click here: Membership Details Link (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3285)

[Carlous Tiller]

can someone tell me how to obtain a state license?

[Edward Taguba]

Originally posted by Carlous Tiller
can someone tell me how to obtain a state license?

Aloha Carlous,

Please visit the following link Tennessee (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2177)

This is the link for your state regarding License :)

Aloha,

<center>

[Toni Beeson]

Mr. Donovan,

Do you know what the licensing laws are for Oklahoma? Will I need to be fully licensed before I am able to begin work? Thank you for your help with this matter.

Toni Beeson

[Carlous Tiller]

Thank's edward for the info, hope everything is going o.k.

[Edward Taguba]

Originally posted by Toni Beeson
Mr. Donovan,

Do you know what the licensing laws are for Oklahoma? Will I need to be fully licensed before I am able to begin work? Thank you for your help with this matter.

Toni Beeson

Toni,

This is what I got for OK, Hope this helps.


Oklahoma
Council on Law Enforcement Education & Training
Private Security Division
P. O. Box 11476-Cimarron Station
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0476
(405) 425-2775
State Law (http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?98/Title.59/59-1750.1.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.opia.com/)

Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training
3530 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.
PO Box 11476
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0476
Phone: 405/425-2775
Fax: 405/425-7314
Web Site: www.dps.state.ok.us/cleet/cleet.htm



Description This license allows an individual or corporation to operate a Private Investigation Agency.
Process Request a license application package from the CLEET office at 405-425-2767. Submit either in person or by mail. Incomplete application packages will be held until all documents are submitted.

TimeFrameToIssue Generally, one (1) week, if all materials are complete at the time of submittal.

Fees $200 new issue; $200 renewal. There is a $100 late fee.

LicensingPeriod Valid for five (5) years.

RenewalPeriod Valid upon renewal for five (5) years.

Statute Title 59 O.S. § 1750.1 et. seq.

Prerequisites Must be 21 years of age; must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien; have no disqualifying convictions (felony or crime of moral turpitude). Must maintain a place of business in Oklahoma (an out-of-state company must have Registered Service Agent). Must maintain a listed telephone number. The supervisor of licensed personnel must have an individual Oklahoma investigator license; and maintain the proper level of insurance or bond. Self employed private investigators, who employ no other licensed personnel, must have an individual investigator license as well as an agency license.

[Carlous Tiller]

ED, thank's for responding to my question. I think this will help me to obtain the info i need.:)

[Edward Taguba]

Carlous,

Good luck :) and see you around the forum :)

Aloha,

<center>

[Toni Beeson]

Ed,

Thank you for your help in this matter. I am wondering if I need to pick up a license application packet on my own or is this part of what I paid for when I joined through this organization?":confused:" Will I need to do this after I finish my testing? Do you know?

Thank you for your help.

Toni Beeson

[Edward Taguba]

Toni,

This is what I did. After reading a lot on the forum about laws and application process. I went ahead and download the application for PI License in my State. Not sure about your state on the process to apply for a License.

You need to go ahead and get your own application and submit it for a License.

You could do it any time, you don't have to wait for your test. Some states do require you to have some experience in the field before getting licensed. For example my state requires us to have some expereince before applying for PI.

So what I advise you to do is read about your state laws and process in the forums.

Hope this helps :)

Aloha,

[James Brinkerhoff--]

I live in Utah. What are the requirements for this state?
James Brinkerhoff

[Edward Taguba]

Originally posted by Mr.James D Brinkerhoff
I live in Utah. What are the requirements for this state?
James Brinkerhoff

Aloha Mr. James,

Please make sure you search the forum for your answers. About 99% of the questions has been answered.

Please visit the following

Links to Licensing Requirements for All States (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=882&highlight=Utah+License)

Aloha,

<center>

[James Brinkerhoff--]

Ed,
Thanks for your fast response. I found what I was looking for. James

[Jeff Creedon]

I see that the Oklahoma fees for licensing are $200. Is that the average or does it vary greatly from state to state.

[Michael Harris]

Jeff,

You need to read the threads for all the states. Then you get to post the answer.

If you ask the right kind of question in here, you get to do the research.

I have been caught twice asking the 'right' questions. :rolleyes:

[Dale Solverson]

Could you please tell me how to get the current book on licensing laws and where to send for it. DS5454

[Kanda Force]

Dale,

Check the back of your training manual. You should find a book that covers the basic information. You can then order it directly from IPIU. ;)

[Michael Harris]

Dale,

I noticed that this is your first post int he forums. Your next stop should be the Introduction's Lounge.

W-E-L-C-O-M-E to IPIU and the IPIU forums!

:) :D :cool:

[Meronda Kelly -]

Hi,

Thanks for the information. I'm new also and I was wondering if I needed to be licensened in PA. Even if not, can I become licensened if I wanted to?
Meronda

[Deborah Siehl -]

Originally posted by Meronda Kelly
Hi,

Thanks for the information. I'm new also and I was wondering if I needed to be licensened in PA. Even if not, can I become licensened if I wanted to?
Meronda

Hi Meronda,

What you need to do is follow the link that Ed gave another member in this thread. Laws for all states.

Each state has it's own requirements. So check it out. If you have more questions feel free to ask here.

Deborah Siehl

[Ms Tenley Oliver -]

Do I need a license and a badge in Pa.

[Kirk Stockham]

Do computer forensics investigators need a PI license? I do know that they do a variety of civil and criminal investigations that focus on computer evidence. Some computer technicians adverstise that they do these kinds of investigations and declare that a PI license is NOT required because only computer evidence is being searched for, reported on, presented, and testified to, for hire. Are they correct or will they lose in court when a sharp attorney or client does the research and challenges the computer technician who is investigating a computer evidence involved case?

[Thomas W Tanner--]

Do computer forensics investigators need a PI license? I do know that they do a variety of civil and criminal investigations that focus on computer evidence. Some computer technicians adverstise that they do these kinds of investigations and declare that a PI license is NOT required because only computer evidence is being searched for, reported on, presented, and testified to, for hire. Are they correct or will they lose in court when a sharp attorney or client does the research and challenges the computer technician who is investigating a computer evidence involved case?

Chances are no, Kirk. BUT you need to go to the Licensing Law Forum & check the statutes for your state.

Best of luck....

Tom...

[Jeffrey Botack]

Here is a list of contacts and addresses for liscensing




STATES' REQUIREMENTS FOR<BIG><BIG><BIG>
</BIG></BIG></BIG>PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR (DETECTIVE)<BIG><BIG><BIG>
</BIG></BIG></BIG>LICENSING<BIG><BIG><BIG> </BIG></BIG></BIG>
Alabama
There is no P.I. licensing requirement in Alabama, although some cities, such as Birmingham and Mobile, have their own, and a state business license is required to operate any business in Alabama.
State Law (http://www.ador.state.al.us/licenses/sec093.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.apia-online.com/)


Alaska
There is no P.I. licensing requirement in Alaska, although some cities, such as Fairbanks, have their own, and a state business license is required to operate any business in Alaska.
City of Fairbanks (http://www.labor.state.ak.us/research/dlo/fprvdet.htm)
State P.I. Association

(http://www.akinvestigators.com/)
Arizona
Dept. of Public Safety, Licensing Division
P. O. Box 6328
Phoenix, AZ 85005
(602) 223-2361.
Web Site (http://www.dps.state.az.us/cjsd/licensingbureau/licensingbureau.htm)| No Web License Check Available
(http://www.dps.state.az.us/cjsd/licensingbureau/licensingbureau.htm)State Law (scroll down to chapter 24) (http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/32/title32.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.aalpi.com/)

Arkansas
Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies
#1 State Police Plaza Dr.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
(501) 618-8600
State P.I. Association
(http://www.aappi.org/)State Police web site - contact for further information (http://www.state.ar.us/asp/asp.html)
Fees and exemptions (http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/data/TAXBOOK/TAXES/PRIVAT~1.htm)

California
Licensing Division, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
400 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 952-5210
Web Site (http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/pi.htm) | License Check (http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=PI&p_qte_pgm_code=2420)
State law (http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/piact.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.cali-pi.org/)

Colorado
None required.
State P.I. Association (http://www.ppiac.org/)

Connecticut
Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police
294 Colony St.
Meriden, CT 06450-2098
Current Licensee List (PDF) (http://www.ct.gov/dps/lib/dps/special_licensing_and_firearms/licensed_pi_security_companies.pdf)
Web site (http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?a=2158&Q=294504&dpsNav=|)
State P.I. Association (http://users.ntplx.net/~calpi/)

Delaware
Detective Licensing, Delaware State Police
P. O. Box 430
Dover, DE 19903
(302) 736-5900
State Police Web Site (http://www.state.de.us/dsp/)

District of Columbia
Security Officers Management Branch, Metro Police
Security Unit 2000
14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 671-0500

Florida
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Licensing, Bureau of License Issuance
P.O. Box 6687
Tallahassee, Fla. 32314-6687
(850) 488-5381
Web Site (http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/investigations/index.html) | License Check (http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/access/individual.html)
State Law (http://licgweb.dos.state.fl.us/493/index.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.fali.com/)

Georgia
State Board of Private Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
(478) 207-1460
License Check (Private Investigation employees, not agencies)
(https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/)Web Site (http://www.ganet.org/rules/index.cgi?base=509)
State Law (http://www.ganet.org/cgi-bin/pub/ocode/ocgsearch?docname=OCode/G/43/38/1)


Hawaii
Board of Private Detectives & Guards
DCCA, PVL, Licensing Branch
1010 Richards St.
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801.
(808) 586-3000 or (808) 586-2701
License check (http://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app) (Use code PD for individuals, PDA for firms)

Idaho
No license required by the state.
State P.I. Association
(http://www.ipiai.org/)
Illinois
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Web page (http://www.state.il.us/dpr/)
State law (http://www.state.il.us/dpr/who/ar/DETECTVE.HTM)
State P.I. Association (http://www.pimall.com/adi/index.html)

Indiana
Private Detective Licensing Board
100 N. Senae Ave., Rm 1021
Indiana Government Center North
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2246
(317) 232-2980
Web Page (http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/detective/) | License Check (https://extranet.in.gov/WebLookup/Search.aspx)
State Law (http://www.state.in.us/legislative/ic/1999/title25/ar30/ch1.html)

Iowa
Administrative Services Division, Iowa Department of Public Safety
Wallace State Office Bldg.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3211
State law (http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/iowacode/cd9780a.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.iowa-investigators.com/)

Kansas
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-8200
License Check (https://www.accesskansas.org/kbi-pi-verify/index.html)
Web Site (http://www.accesskansas.org/kbi/index.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.k-a-l-i.org/)

Kentucky
License Check (https://web1.ky.gov/OnPPub/Verification.aspx)
State website (http://www.finance.ky.gov/ourcabinet/caboff/OAS/op/privinve/)
Copy of new state licensing law (http://www.kpia.org/legislation.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.kpia.org/)

Louisiana
L.S.B.P.I.E.
2051 Silverside Drive, Suite 190
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Web Site (http://www.lsbpie.com/) | No Web License Check Available
State P.I. Association (http://www.lpia.net/)

Maine
State Police Licensing Division
State House Station #164
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8775
State Law (http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/32/title32ch89sec0.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.mlpia.org/)

Maryland
Maryland State Police, PI Licensing Division
Jessup, MD
(410) 799-0191, ext. 331
State Law (http://www.inform.umd.edu/UMS+State/MD_Resources/MDSP/title13.txt)
State P.I. Association (http://www.maryland-investigators.com/)
Other State P.I. Association (http://www.misahq.com/)


Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Police
Special Licensing Unit
485 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
978-538-6128 voice
978-538-6021 fax
No Web License Check Available
State P.I. Association (http://www.lpdam.com/)

Michigan
<SMALL><B><BIG>The Department of Consumer & Industry Services
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, Michigan</BIG></B></SMALL> 48909
(517) 241-5645
Web Site (http://michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10557_12992_21297---,00.html) | License Check (http://cis.state.mi.us/bcs_free/default.asp)
State Law (use arrows beside 'Documents' to navigate through pages) (http://www.michiganlegislature.org/law/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-338-821&highlight=)
State P.I. Association (http://www.mcpihome.com/)

Minnesota
Department of Public Safety Private Detective & Protective Agent Services Board
445 Minnesota St.St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 215-1753
Web Site (http://www.dps.state.mn.us/pdb/) | No Web License Check Available
State law (http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/7506/)
State P.I. Association (http://www.mapi.org/)


<DL>

Mississippi
None required.
MISSISSIPPI PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 4484
Meridian, MS 39304

Missouri
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
None required on the state level, but Kansas City, St Louis, Joplin, St Joseph and Springfield require licensing.

Montana
<B>Board of Private Security Patrol Officers and Investigators
301 S Park, Room 430
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513<BIG>
<SMALL>(406) 841-2387, Fax: (406) 841-2309</SMALL></BIG></B>
Web Site (http://mt.gov/dli/bsd/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/licenses/psp/pi_license.asp) | License Check (http://app.mt.gov/lookup/)

Nebraska
Secretary of State
State Capitol, Suite 2300
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2554
Web site (http://assist.ded.state.ne.us/privdet.html) | Agency List PDF (http://www.sos.state.ne.us/business/private_eye/pdf/pd_agenci.pdf) | Individual License PDF (http://www.sos.state.ne.us/business/private_eye/pdf/pd_list.pdf)
State law (http://assist.ded.state.ne.us/privdet.html)




Nevada
Private Investigator's Licensing Board
<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:STREET w:st="on">3476 Executive Pointe Way</ST1:STREET></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:STREET w:st="on">, </ST1:STREET></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:STREET w:st="on">Suite 14</ST1:STREET>
<ST1:CITY w:st="on">Carson City</ST1:CITY></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:CITY w:st="on">, </ST1:CITY></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:STATE w:st="on">N</ST1:STATE></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"><ST1:STATE w:st="on">V</ST1:STATE></ST1:ADDRESS><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on"> <ST1:POSTALCODE w:st="on">89706</ST1:POSTALCODE></ST1:ADDRESS>

(775) 687-3223
Current Licensee List
(http://nevadapilb.glsuite.us/Clients/NVPI/Public/LicenseeSearch.aspx)State law (http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-648.html)

New Hampshire
State Police
Division of Licenses and Permits
Hazen DR., Concord, NH 03305
(603) 271-3575
State Law (http://www.mv.com/ipusers/magee/stat1.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.mv.com/ipusers/magee/)

New Jersey
State Police
Department of Law & Public Safety
Private Detective Unit
P. O. Box 7068
W. Trenton, NJ 08688-0068
(609) 882-2000, ext 2931
Web site (http://wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/JobSeeker/LicensedCareers/lic851.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.njlpia.com/)

New Mexico
Bureau of Private Investigators
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 476-7080
License Check (http://www.rld.state.nm.us/b&c/pipolygraph/licensee_search.asp)
Web Site (http://www.rld.state.nm.us/b&c/pipolygraph/index.htm)
State Law (http://198.187.128.12/newmexico/lpext.dll/Infobase2/10e3/2f71b/31a1e?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm&2.0#JD_ch61art27a)

New York
Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
84 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208-3490
License Check (http://appsext8.dos.state.ny.us/lcns_public/bus_name_search_frm) (Business name search only.)
Web site (http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/pimain.html)
State Law (http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/pdfs/pibeawgpsglaw.pdf)
State P.I. Association (http://www.aldonys.org/)

North Carolina
Private Protective Services Board
1631 Midtown Place, Suite 104
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
(919) 875-3611
(919) 875-3609 fax
Website (http://www.ncdoj.com/law_enforcement/cle_pps.jsp) | No Web License Check Available
State P.I. Association (http://www.ncapi.org/)

North Dakota
Private Investigative & Security Board
P.O. Box 7026
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 222-3063
Web Site (http://www.state.nd.us/pisb/index.html)

Ohio
Divison of Homeland security/PI/SG Unit
1970 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43223
office: (614) 466-4130
fax: (614) 752-6380
e-mail: pisg@dps.state.oh.us (pisg@dps.state.oh.us)



<DT>
State Website (http://www.homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/pisg.htm)| License Check (http://www.dps.state.oh.us/ALRS/Search/CompanySearch.aspx)
(http://www.homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/pisg.htm)State Law (http://www.homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/PISG_information/HLS0015_PISG_Laws_Rules.pdf)
State P.I. Association (http://www.jhanda.com/oasis/)

Oklahoma
Council on Law Enforcement Education & Training
Private Security Division
P. O. Box 11476-Cimarron Station
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0476
(405) 425-2775
State Law (http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?98/Title.59/59-1750.1.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.opia.com/)

Oregon
Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
4190 Aumsville Hwy SE
Salem, Oregon 97317
Phone: 503-378-8531
Fax: 503-378-4600
Web Site (http://oregon.gov/DPSST/PS/index.shtml) | License Check (http://oregon.gov/DPSST/PS/docs/PIStatus.pdf)
State law (http://landru.leg.state.or.us/ors/703.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.oali.org/)

Pennsylvania
State law (http://members.aol.com/Judiciary/22.html)
State P.I. Association (http://www.pali.org/)

Puerto Rico
Policia De Puerto Rico
GPO Box 70166
San Juan, PR 00936
(787) 793-1234

Rhode Island
State of Rhode Island
Providence Plantations
345 Harris Ave.
Providence, RI 29221
(401) 277-2000
State Law (http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE5/5-5/INDEX.HTM)

South Carolina
State Law Enforcement Division
Regulatory Services
P. O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
(803) 737-9000
Fax: (803) 896-7041
State Law (http://www.lpitr.state.sc.us/code/t40c018.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.scalinv.com/)

South Dakota
No P.I. license, but business license through Deptartment of Revenue required.
Main Department of Revenue Office number: 800-829-9188
State Revenue Offices (http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/Contact.aspx)

Tennessee
Department of Commerce & Insurance
Private Protective Services Division
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-1158
(615) 741-6382
Web Site (http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/sec-indust/PI&Poly/pi.htm) | License Check (http://licsrch.state.tn.us/)
State P.I. Association (http://www.tpia.com/)

Texas
Texax Commission on Private Security
4930 S. Congress, Suite C-305
Austin, TX 78745
P. O. Box 13509
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-5545
FAX: (512) 452-2307
License Check (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/company/company_search.aspx)
Web Site (http://www.tcps.state.tx.us/)
State Law (http://www.tcps.state.tx.us/OCCUPATIONS%20CODE%2009-01-011.pdf)
State P.I. Association (http://www.tali.org/)

Utah
Department of Public Safety & Law Enforcement Services
Bureau of Regulatory Licensing
4501 South 2700 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
(801) 965-4461
State Website (http://bci.utah.gov/BailPI/PIHome.html) (No online license verification available.)
State Law (http://www.le.state.ut.us/~code/TITLE53/53_08.htm)
State P.I. Association (http://www.piau.com/)

Vermont
Board of Private Investigative and Armed Security Services
Office of Professional Regulation
109 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05609-1101
(802) 828-2837
Web Site (http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/investigators/)
State Law (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=059)
State P.I. Association (http://www.pimall.com/vermont/)

Virginia
Department of Criminal Justice Services
Private Security Section
P.O. Box 10110
Richmond, Virginia 23240-9998
(804) 786-4700
License Check (http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/ps/directory/businessSearch.cfm)
State Law (click on Legislative & Regulator link, to left of screen) (http://www.dcjs.state.va.us/privatesecurity/)
State P.I. Association (http://www.pisa.gen.va.us/)
Another State P.I. Association (http://pimall.com/piav/)

Washington
Department of Licensing, Public Protection Unit
405 Black Lake Boulevard
P.O. Box 9649
Olympia, WA 98507-9649
Web Site (http://www.dol.wa.gov/ppu/pifront.htm)
State Law (http://search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/ViewRoot.asp?Action=Html&Item=0&X=430205812&p=1)
State P.I. Association (http://www.wali.org/)
Pacific Northwest Association of Investigators (http://www.pnai.com/)


West Virginia
Secretary of State
Licensing Division
Private Investigator Licensing
Charleston, WV 25301
Web site (http://www.state.wv.us/sos/default.htm)
Info on requirements (http://www.jacksonkelly.com/html/guidemisc.html) (Scroll down to S.)


Wisconsin
Department of Regulation & Licensing
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-0829
Web site (http://drl.wi.gov/prof/pria/def.htm) | Individual License Check (http://drl.wi.gov/drl/drllookup/LicenseLookupServlet?page=lookup_business) | Agency License Check (http://drl.wi.gov/drl/drllookup/LicenseLookupServlet?page=lookup_entity)
State P.I. Association (http://www.pawli.com/)


Wyoming
Regulated by local jurisdictions.



</DT></DL>

[Charles Milonas]

Hello,have two questions,first: Is the PI office in Colorado just a virtual office,
or if someone was in that state could they actually use that office in person?

second question: What are the seven states that don't require licensing? Thank you in advance

[Lynne Knight]

Hello,have two questions,first: Is the PI office in Colorado just a virtual office,
or if someone was in that state could they actually use that office in person?

second question: What are the seven states that don't require licensing? Thank you in advance
Hello Charles.
For your first question, please post the question here -
Charles Milonas's Introduction (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=30087) which is your introduction
thread, so others may better direct you to the correct thread or topic.

For the answer to your second question, please click here -
8 states that do not have State PI licensing! (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3429)
and then be sure to check for updates individually according to each state.

I hope this helps.
:)

[Cynthia Ford]

Is the PI office in Colorado just a virtual office, or if someone was in that state could they actually use that office in person?
Charles, the Colorado PI Office is an actual office that is shared by private investigators. It has a receptionist, secretary, conference room, and other offices.

Details on the Colorado PI Office are in the following forum link:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=248

To order online, go here:
http://www.privateinvestigators.cc/product_info.php?cPath=77&products_id=991

[Patricia Stewart]

Patricia I have a question I am trying to find about the state where I live at do you have to have license TN, and if don't have to have how am I covered when comes down to me working there a guy I used to know was private investgator and I don;t know if he used his license in the state of TN.

[Robert Donovan]

Patricia I have a question I am trying to find about the state where I live at do you have to have license TN, and if don't have to have how am I covered when comes down to me working there a guy I used to know was private investgator and I don;t know if he used his license in the state of TN.
Read the Tennessee Licensing Topic here:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2177

[James Bone]

I would strongly suggest you getting a IPIU membership if you plan on opening an Investigation Agency in a state that requires no license, so you know more or less what you are getting into. I have opened my own Investigation Agency in Texas, which requires a state license, and could'nt have done it if I was'nt a union member of IPIU. Thanks IPIU.

[Robert Fish]

Thank you for the information. I will now check the specifics for my state.

[David Almeida]

I am willing to act as a "resident manager" or absentee owner for someone who would to run their own business preferably in Massachusetts (perhaps elsewhere). This would be for an individual with some education or experience as well as a clean background. This would come with a fee slightly less than what some of the national franchises charge. Inquire for further details

[Edited by Moderator]

[J Ginsberg -]

David, we do not post email addresses, cities, or other personal information in the public part of the forums. Please read the link below to find out how to get a PI agency email address:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=19427

Thank you for your support.