Fees: Private investigators

See the license fees for private investigators and private investigative agencies.

Forms of payment

We cannot accept payments over the phone.

Licensing fees

  • If you're paying online, pay with a debit or credit card (no gift cards)
  • If you're paying by mail, make checks or money orders payable to the Department of Licensing

Business fees

  • If you're paying online, pay with a debit or credit card (no gift cards)
  • If you're paying by mail, make checks or money orders payable to the Department of Revenue

Professional license fees

These fees apply to private investigators and certified trainers and are payable to the Department of Licensing.

Type of license Get a license Renew your license Late renewal
Unarmed private investigator $220 $193 $228
Armed private investigator (in addition to the unarmed private investigator fee) $110 $193 $228
Association $25 N/A N/A
Certified trainer $25 $15 N/A
Change of principal $150 N/A N/A
License print fee $5 $5 N/A

Business license fees

These fees apply to private investigative agencies and are payable to the Department of Revenue.

Type of license or registration Get a license Renew your license Late renewal
Private investigative agency (with unarmed principal)* $640 $385 Business Licensing Service late renewal fee
Private investigative agency (with armed principal)* $740 $390 Business Licensing Service late renewal fee
Business license application/renewal processing fee Variable business license fee $5 (non-refundable) Business Licensing Service late renewal fee
State tax registration No fee N/A N/A
Trade name registration $5 N/A N/A

*The fee to renew a private investigative agency license includes the principal's license renewal.

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-6611
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: security@dol.wa.gov
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