Private investigator agency

Requirements

• All agency owners, partners, or qualifying agents must be:
  • At least 18 years old, if applying for unarmed license.
  • At least 21 years old, if applying for armed license.
  • A United States citizen or resident alien.
• You must have:
  • No criminal convictions that directly relate to your capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and/or hinders public safety. Read more about criminial conviction information.
  • A physical business location in Washington.
  • A valid license with the Business Licensing Service.

How to apply

Submit all of the following:

• A completed Business License Application Supplemental for Private Investigator Agency/Principal License.
• The non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to the Department of Revenue).
• 1 completed fingerprint card.
• Proof of 3 years’ investigative experience performed before applying for the license.
  • If you don’t provide experience, the Business Licensing Service will schedule you for an examination within 3 weeks after receiving the paid application.
• A certificate of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage.
  or
  A $10,000 Private Investigative Agency Surety Bond.
• If a corporation:
  • A copy of your articles of incorporation.
    and
    A list of officers and departments, with their addresses.