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Private Investigator
License Description A private investigator is an individual who amongst other duties (1) investigates crimes, (2) investigates the identity, business, occupation, character, etc., of a person, (3) investigates the location of lost or stolen property, (4) investigates the cause of fires, losses, accidents, damage or injury, or (5) secures evidence for use in court. Requirements: Be 18 or older. Undergo a criminal history background check through the DOJ and the FBI. Possess a minimum of 6,000 hours of compensated experience in investigative work (equates to 3 years of full-time employment). Pass a multiple-choice examination covering the Private Investigator Act. Exams are given by a State contracted company known as PSI. If the individual meets the minimum requirements for admittance to the examination after the application has been reviewed and approved, he/she will receive a letter to contact PSI for scheduling. Exams are given five days a week at 13 different PSI locations within California. Application and Exam Fee - $340 Initial License Fee - $385 DOJ Fingerprint Processing Fee - $32 FBI Fingerprint Processing Fee - $17 Renewal Fee - $265 The initial license is valid for 2 years. Each renewal cycle extends the registration for an additional 2 years. Average time to process an application is 60-125 days. Authority: Business and Professions Code, Chapter 11.3
Licensing Agency
Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
PO Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798
(916) 322 4000
bsis@dca.ca.gov
Active Status Active
Continuing Education No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Criminal Record Background check required
Exam State exam required
License Type Register with licensing agency
License Updated 08/09/2023
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