Apply for or renew a Private Investigator or Watch Guard license. After completing the required form, you must log into the Certification Licensing System to submit your application.
- This page, Apply for or renew a private investigator or watch guard license, is offered by
- Massachusetts State Police
Apply for or renew a private investigator or watch guard license
Contacts
Certification Unit
Online
Private Investigators and Watch Guard Agencies
Email Certification Unit at PI-WG-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us
Law Enforcement Requests
Email Certification Unit at mspcertification@pol.state.ma.us
Special State Police Officers (SSPO)
Email Certification Unit at SSPO-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us
The Details
What you need
To apply for or renew a Private Investigator or Watch Guard license, you must complete both of the following steps:
- Access the Certification Licensing System. You must sign in or create an account to submit your application.
- Complete the Private Investigator & Watch Guard License Form. This form is requiredfor 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.
- Before you start this form, make sure you have the following information and documents ready:
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.
Fees
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Original Application Fee for Private Investigator License | $550 | each |
| Renewal Application Fee for Private Investigator License | $150 | each |
How to apply
Most of the application process is completed through the Certification Licensing System. After completing your application in there, please complete the Private investigator & Watch Guard License Form.
Once your original or renewal application has been submitted electronically, you will need to mail your notarized application and additional documents. instructions regarding this next step are available below.
For any addition questions throughout the process, please contact the Certification Unit via email PI-WG-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us or (978) 538-6128.
Next steps
Mail your notarized application and additional documents
Once your original or renewal application has been submitted electronically, you will need to mail your notarized application and the following additional documents:
- A certified check or money order made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the amount of:
- $550.00, for original applications
- $150.00, for renewal applications
- An orginal $5,000 Surety Bond
- A Surety Bond is a mandatory $5,000 (minimum) financial guarantee that you will follow the law and compensate anyone harmed by your professional misconduct. It is filed with your license application and must stay active the entire time you are licensed. You are encouraged to apply through a licensed surety company or insurance agency that writes bonds in Massachusetts.
- This must be notarized
- A Certificate of Business, Corporation, or LLC
- This must be filed in Massachusetts
- All business names are subject to approval of the Department of State Police
- A Release of Information
- This must be signed
- Your Certificate Form (References)
- A certification from 3 reputable citizens of Massachusetts, all of which must:
- Reside in the community where you reside, have a place of business, or propose to conduct business
- Have known you for 3 years or more
- Have read the application and state belief that each of the statements made are true
- State that they are not related to you by blood or marriage
- State you are honest and of good moral character
- Include be original signatures
- A certification from 3 reputable citizens of Massachusetts, all of which must:
- Your employment experience
- This applies to private investigators only
Your notarized application and additional documents must be mailed to:
Certification Unit
485 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
For any addition questions throughout the process, please contact the Certification Unit via email PI-WG-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us or (978) 538-6128.
Contact
Address
485 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
Online
Private Investigators and Watch Guard Agencies
Email Certification Unit at PI-WG-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us
Law Enforcement Requests
Email Certification Unit at mspcertification@pol.state.ma.us
Special State Police Officers (SSPO)
Email Certification Unit at SSPO-Admin@massmail.state.ma.us
Fax
(978) 538-6021