Private Investigator Agency

A Private Investigator Agency endorsement is required for any business that:

• Provides investigation, escort, or bodyguard services.
• Performs property loss prevention activities.

Requirements

All agency owners, partners, or qualifying agents must:

• Be at least 18 years old, if applying for unarmed endorsement.
• Be at least 21 years old, if applying for armed endorsement.
• Be a United States citizen or resident non-citizen.
• Have no criminal convictions that directly relate to the capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and/or hinder public safety.
  • Read more about criminal conviction information (PDF).
• Have a physical location in Washington.

Licensing requirements and additional supporting documents

• Business License Application (PDF).
• Private Investigative Agency/Principal Addendum (PDF).
• Fingerprinted for state and national background checks.
  • If you’re in Washington, go to IdentoGO to schedule an appointment through MorphoTrust, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You will pay IdentoGO for taking your fingerprints and for the background checks required for your license type.
  • For more details, see fingerprinting and background checks.
  • If you’re outside Washington, call the security guard program at 360-664-6611 for fingerprint card submission instructions.

For veterans

U.S. veterans may be eligible for partial reimbursements of costs. For more information visit the Education and Training | Licensing and Certification.