Apply for or renew a private investigator or watch guard license

To apply for or renew a Private Investigator or Watch Guard license, you must complete both of the following steps:

• Complete the Private Investigator & Watch Guard License Form. This form is required for all original and renewal applications.
  • Before you start this form, make sure you have the following information and documents ready:
    • Your PI/WG License Number (for renewals).
    • Your date of birth and full legal name.
• Log into the Certification Licensing System. You must sign in or create an account to submit your application.

If applying for a Private Investigator (PI) license, you will need:

• Details of your work experience, including:
  • The agencies or companies where you gained investigative experience.
  • Dates of employment and job roles.
  • Any law enforcement or military experience (if applicable).

For both PI and WG licenses, provide:

• Information about any previous or current private investigator or security-related licenses, including:
  • License numbers and issuing states/jurisdictions.
  • Any disciplinary actions or license revocations.
• Details on any prior criminal convictions, including:
  • Felonies.
  • Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, personal violence, or moral turpitude.
• Any history of employment termination, resignations to avoid discipline, or administrative actions.
• Any history of civil judgments for incompetence, negligence, or malpractice.
• Information about your mental health history, including prior hospitalizations or treatments (if applicable).

Note: Investigative experience is not required for a Watch Guard (WG) license.