How to get your license: Private investigative agency

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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 MorphoTrust, 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

Get fingerprinted for state and national background checks.

Inside Washington: Go to www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment through MorphoTrust, 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.