NO LICENSE NEEDED,
IF WORKING FOR THE FOLLOWING::
Exemptions:
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: employed exclusively and regularly by only one employer in connection with the affairs of that employer only;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: an attorney or counselor-at-law or a representative (i.e. private investigator) of that attorney;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: an officer or employee of the United States performing official duties or working for a private employer in off-duty hours;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: a law-enforcement officer of the State of West Virginia or its subdivisions engaged in official duties or working for a private employer in off-duty hours;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: a corporation authorized to operate central burglar or fire alarm protection business;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: an adjuster for one or more insurance companies;
- NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: an investigator of crime appointed by a prosecuting attorney of a county.
TO OBTAIN A LICENSE TO SOLICIT FOR YOUR OWN CLIENTS:
Qualifications for licensure:
ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Completed and received credits for at least two years (60 credit hours) or more of coursework relevant to the private investigation business at an accredited college or university, OR
- Completed at least two years of employment** as a member of a United States government investigative agency, OR
- Completed at least two years of employment** as a member of a state or local law-enforcement agency or service as a sheriff, OR
- Completed at least two years of employment** by a licensed private investigative firm to perform or assist with investigations, OR
- Completed two years total combined time in accredited training relating to investigations or employment as a member of a federal investigative agency, state or local law enforcement, or assisting with investigations in a licensed PI firm.
For an online application, go to:
http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licen...piLicense.aspx
Statute Source:
West Virginia PI Law
Search License:
http://apps.sos.wv.gov/business/licensing/
Home Page for the PI License Bureau