How To Get a Private Investigator License in Georgia

Georgia Private Investigator Licensing Requirements

Private Investigator licensing in the state of Georgia is handled by the Georgia State Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies. The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies was created for the purpose of safeguarding the citizens of this state by regulation of the private detective and security businesses. The regulation of such business is declared to be in the public interest.

Private detective businesses and security companies in Georgia are required to have a company license issued by the Board. The private detective employee, armed or unarmed, must be registered as an employee with the private detective company. Armed security guards must also be registered with a security company.

Unarmed security guards are not required to be registered but must have completed the minimum number of training requirements set by board rule. The Board also licenses training instructors to regulate all training requirements for licensure, registration, and weapon permits required by the law.

Licensing Authority Contact Information

Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404.656.2881
Website: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/42

General Licensing Requirements

The following is general licensing information. Please visit the website listed above for
specific licensing information, application forms, insurance requirements, fees and any
special licensing requirements.

• Licenses in Georgia are issued only to companies. The holder of the company license
  must be an individual, the owner, a partner, or an officer of the corporation or LLC, who
  is qualified by experience or education
• Two years of experience is required – either in law enforcement or as a registered
  private detective employed by a licensed private detective company. The education
  required is a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal
  Justice, or a related field of study
• To be employed as an investigator with a licensed company, you must be at least 18
  years of age and must meet the minimum requirements established by the Board

Other Requirements

Other special licensing requirements such as education credentials, experience requirements, professional examinations, and insurance may be required. Check the state licensing website for more information.

For information on licensing requirements in every state, check out the Private Investigator’s Licensing Handbook (eBook).

Georgia Private Investigator Associations

Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators – The Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators is an association created to help educate members, enforce the P.I. code of ethics, and to establish trust among members and other investigative agencies in Georgia and the United States of America. GAPPI also educates members regarding legislative issues that directly affect the investigative industry.

List of Investigation Agencies in Georgia

View a list of existing private investigation agencies in Georgia. Our directory may help you find an agency to sponsor your training and certification efforts, and help you comply with state licensing requirements.

Additional Information

Training Resources – Improve your chances of getting licensed by completing a professional degree program, training course, or home study course. Learn what options are available to get the investigative knowledge necessary to get licensed and begin your career.

Questions

If you have any questions about how to get a private investigator license in Georgia, please post a comment below.