Private Investigator Licensing in California
Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in California. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
California Security Company Licenses
California Alarm Company Operator License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $370 application fee + $600 license fee |
| Background Check Requirements: | ACCESS PREMIUM DATA |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $750 |
| Due: | Biennially by the last day of the month of initial licensure |
California Private Investigation Agency License
| Agency: | California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 application fee + $175 license fee once the application is approved. |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | Licenses expire two years from the date of issuance. |
California Private Patrol Operator License
| Agency: | California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $550 application fee + $770 license fee. |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $900 |
| Due: | Biennially |
| Notes: | The Bureau recommends the renewal application be submitted no less than 60 days before expiration of your current license. |
Individual Licenses
California Individual Security Licenses
California Alarm Company Qualified Manager
| Agency: | California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $350 |
| Background Check Requirements: | ACCESS PREMIUM DATA |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $225 |
| Due: | Biennally by the same date as the associated alarm company operator license |
California Private Investigator License
| Agency: | California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Private Investigator and Qualified Manager License Application Packet |
| Agency Fee: | $50 application fee + $175 license fee + $49 for fingerprinting. |
| Notes: | Investigators planning to carry a firearm will also need to file a firearm permit. |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | Licenses expire two years from the date of issuance. |
Learn about security licensing in other states:
Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.
Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.
Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.
Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.
National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.
United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.
