How to get your license: Private investigative agency
Who needs a license?
Any business that:- Provides investigation, escort, or bodyguard services
- Performs property loss prevention activities
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
- The agency principal must have:
- No convictions that directly relate to your capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and/or hinders public safety. Read more conviction information.
- The business must have a physical location in Washington
How to apply
Apply online with the Department of Revenue
Note:We issue this license, but it is processed by Department of Revenue and is printed on the business license they provide. It's considered an endorsement to your business license.
- Submit an application for the license
What you'll need:
- Supporting documents shown below, ready to upload
- Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit card to pay:
- Applicable business licensing fees
- Private investigative agency license fee
- Get fingerprinted for state and national background checks.
- Inside Washington: Go to www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment through Idemia, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You will pay IdentoGO for taking your fingerprints and for the background checks required for your license type.
- Outside Washington: Call the Security Guard program at 360.664.6611 for fingerprint card submission instructions.
- For more details, see Fingerprinting and background checks
Apply by mail
Send the following:
- Business License Application
- Business License Application Supplemental for private investigative agency/Principal License
- Supporting documents shown below
- Check or money order for the applicable business licensing fees and private investigative agency license fee (payable to the Department of Revenue)
Mail to:
State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Get fingerprinted for state and national background checks.
- Inside Washington: Go to www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment through Idemia, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You will pay IdentoGO for taking your fingerprints and for the background checks required for your license type.
- Outside Washington: Call the Security Guard program at 360.664.6611 for instructions.
- For more details, see Fingerprinting and background checks
Supporting documents for your application
- Written certification of 3 years of experience performed prior to applying for the license or passed exam.
- Proof of financial guarantee:
- Certificate of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage or
- $10,000 Private Investigative Agency Surety Bond
For veterans, military personnel, and partners
Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. For more information visit military assistance.
If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. For more information, visit Get paid back for test fees.
Questions? Need help?
- Email us: security@dol.wa.gov
- Call us: 360.664.6611
