How to Become a Private Investigator in California

Here is How to Become a Private Investigator in California

States don’t always make it easy to become a private investigator and California is one of those states. Below are the 7 steps to become a private investigator California.

• • Pass the Initial Requirements to Apply For A Private Investigation License in California
  • Be at least 18 years or older
  • Go through a criminal history background check through the FBI and the California Department of Justice.
  • Have a minimum of 3 years compensated investigation experience (you were paid), each with 2000 hours of experience totally 6,000 hours of experience during those 3 years or
  • Have a law degree, or,
  • Complete a 4 years course in Political Science plus have 4,000 of compensated work experience in the investigation field or,
  • Have an Associates degree in Political Science or Criminal Justice degree and 5000 hours of compensated investigative experience which is essentially equal to 5000 hours.

Step #1:  Do you Meet the Requirements to Become a Private Investigator in California?

Qualifying experience would be verifiable and signed off experience hours from an employer with a law enforcement agency, as a military police officer, as an insurance adjuster, as private investigator employee, as an investigator for a public defender, or as an arson investigator. These are the only forms of employment that count as experience.  (Process server experience, working as a debt collector and property repossessor are among the types of experience that are not considered).

Step #2: Get Fingerprinted

The second step in the California private investigator licensing process is to get fingerprinted.  You are required to find a Live Scan fingerprinting location to get your prints taken. Live Scan is an inkless digital way to scan fingerprints.  It really eliminates the need for having prints retaken because an agency doesn’t agree that they were taken properly and avoids the possibility of the ink getting smudged on fingerprint cards. For list of Live Scan locations, the California Department of Justice Attorney General provided a list of county links with locations in each county to make it easier to locate the appropriate location near you.

Step #3 Passport Quality Photo Needed

In the application process a passport quality photo must be submitted. Many locations take passport photos include locations like Walgreens and UPS Stores.  Walgreens charges about $15 for the photo that is compliant with government regulations.

Step #4 Complete and Submit the Application Packet

If you qualify and meet the requirements set forth you will need to download and complete the Private Investigator Application for License. The packet that you will send will include the following:

• • • The application for the private investigator licensing  (Form 31B-4)
    • The Personal Identification Form (Form 31B-9)
    • Live Scan form signed by the operator for each owner or qualifying manager
    • One Passport Photo (required) but I would recommend providing two.
    • Application Processing Fee $50.
    • (Submit your business name as well in the application).

Entire packet should be mailed to BSIS, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002. They can be contacted by calling (800) 952-5210  or (916) 322-4000. They can also be contacted via email at PrivateInvestigators@dca.ca.gov.

Step #5: Take the California Private Investigator Examination Test

Once your application has been processed and accepted that you have met the requirements you name and address will be sent to the Psychological Services Industry (PSI).  PSI will then send you a candidate handbook and study materials. Once ready the candidate can cll the phone number provided the materials to schedule a time and date to take the examination. You must pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination which includes many things including laws, regulations and terminology, evidence handling etc..   Once you pass, you must pay $175 to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798.

Step #6: Purchase Insurance for your Private Investigation Company

No matter whether you are a sole-proprietor, LLC or Corporation you will need to have insurance for your company.  Most companies purchase Errors and Omissions Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. California requires an LLC to carry a 1,000,000 general liability insurance policy and also insurance to cover each qualified manager in a company.   The Certificate of Liability should be submitted to the Bureau by the insurer or the insurer’s agent or broker electronically to PrivateInvestigators@dca.ca.gov or by mail to P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798.

Step #7: Begin Working as a Private Investigator in California

Depending on your experience you will be ready solicit your services to:

• • • Investigate Crimes
    • Locate Missing People
    • Investigate Fires
    • Conduct Insurance Investigations
    • Conduct Surveillance
    • Work as a Private Investigator legally
    • And More….

Important Reminder About Being a Private Investigation Business

There is a difference between someone who investigates and someone who is paid to investigate.  Someone who can solicit their investigative services. A licensed private investigator can solicit their services for compensation.  Someone who is not a licensed private investigator can not solicit services as a private investigator for compensation. You may also be interested in knowing the requirements to become a private investigator in neighboring states.

• • • Here is information on how to become a private investigator in Washington state.
    • Here is information on how to become a private investigator in Oregon.
    • Here is information on how to become a private investigator in Arizona.
    • Here is information on private investigator licensing in Idaho.

Private Investigator Associations in California

Here are two private investigator associations in California that will provide useful information including:

• • • • Events and Conventions
      • Training and Professional Development
      • Legislation (that will affect the industry)

(CALI)  California Association of Legal Investigators (PICA) Professional Investigators of California Lastly, I would recommend reading how to start a private investigation business for extra considerations when becoming a private investigator.

Additional Private Investigator Licensing Considerations

Many investigators become licensed in nearby states to eliminate concerns of reciprocity and additional legal issues. We have provided licensing guides below to nearby states for your consideration. Hawaii Private Investigator Licensing Guide Oregon Private Investigator Licensing Guide California Private Investigator Licensing Guide Idaho Private Investigator Licensing Guide Alaska Private Investigator Licensing Guide

Additional Resources for Private Investigators

Private Investigator Bundle Pack How to Start a Private Investigator Business How Much it Costs to Start a Private Investigation Business How to Choose a Private Investigation Business Name How to Build P.I. Experience