50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in Iowa

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Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in Iowa. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Iowa Security Company Licenses

Iowa Alarm System Contractor License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Fire Extinguishing and Alarm Systems Advisory Board
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

The liability insurance must be on the ACCORD form and state the insurer is
aware that the insured is engaged in the business of alarm system installation and/or maintenance. Minimum insurance coverage required: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $500,000 per individual, and $1,000,000 property damage.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Alarm System Contractor Application Packet

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:
  • $200 license fee
  • $50 for each endorsement selected
  • $50 for each responsible managing employee (RME) (minimum: one listed on attached RME Applicant form)
  • $35 criminal history background check for each RME (fingerprint card & waiver statement must be submitted)
Required Attachments:
  • Attach a copy of your current contractor registration certificate. If you are exempt, you must attach written evidence of exemption from the Iowa Division of Labor
  • The liability insurance must be on the ACCORD form and state the insurer is
    aware that the insured is engaged in the business of alarm system installation and/or maintenance. Minimum insurance coverage required: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $500,000 per individual, and $1,000,000 property damage

Registration Renewal

Form:

Alarm System Contractor Application Packet (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

• $200 license fee
• $50 for each endorsement selected
• $50 for each responsible managing employee (RME) (minimum: one listed on attached RME Applicant form)
• $35 criminal history background check for each RME (fingerprint card & waiver statement must be submitted)

Due:

Triennially by September 30. 

Iowa Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:Iowa Department of Public Safety
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Bond Requirements:

$5,000 for a single license classification or $10,000 for companies with more than one classification.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigative Agency License

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Biennially by the date issued.

Individual Licenses

Iowa Individual Security Licenses

Iowa Private Investigator License

Agency:Iowa Department of Public Safety
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigator License

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Biennially by the date issued.

Notes:

Renewal forms are provided by the department.

Learn about security licensing in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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.

Revised February 28, 2023. Complete data last reviewed November 14, 2018.
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