Private Investigator Licensing in Washington
Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in Washington. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Washington Security Company Licenses
Washington Private Investigation Agency License
| Agency: | Washington Department of Licensing - Business and Professions Division |
| Bond Requirements: | $10,000 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $600 for agencies with an unarmed principal or $700 for agencies with an armed principal. |
| Fact Checked: | 11/8/17 |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $350 |
| Due: | Annually |
| Fact Checked: | 11/8/17 |
Washington Private Security Guard Company License
| Agency: | Washington Department of Licensing - Business and Professions Division |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
| Fact Checked: | 8/19/20 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Private Security Guard Company/Qualifying Principal License Application |
| Agency Fee: | $330 |
| Fact Checked: | 8/19/20 |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Due: | Annually |
| Fact Checked: | 8/19/20 |
Individual Licenses
Washington Individual Security Licenses
Washington Private Investigator License
| Agency: | Washington Department of Licensing - Business and Professions Division |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $200 for unarmed private investigators, $300 for armed private investigators. |
| Fact Checked: | 11/8/17 |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $175 |
| Due: | Annually |
| Fact Checked: | 11/8/17 |
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.
