Illinois Licensing Requirements
Licensing Authority
Private investigator licensing in the state of Illinois is handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation. The department issues licenses for private detective professions:
- Licensed Private Detective
- Licensed Private Detective Agency
- Licensed Private Detective Agency Branch Office
- Approved Training Course School
- Firearm Control Card (FCC)
- Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
- Firearm Instructor
- Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program
- Approved Basic 40-Hour Firearm Training Course
Contact Information
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
100 West Randolph, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
320 West Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 1 (888) 473-4858
Call the Division Call Center at 1-800-560-6420 to check the status of your application.
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.
You must also be able to meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible for private investigator jobs in Illinois:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have either no felony convictions or at least 10 years have passed since your sentence was completed
- May not be a registered sex offender
- Must be of good moral character
- Must be psychologically and physically fit for the duties of a private detective
- Must have no narcotic or alcohol addictions
Please visit the website listed above for a complete list of requirements and to learn the steps involved in the application process. Via the website, you can find out how to get licensed, look up an existing licensee, and learn about the laws and rules that govern private eyes in the state of Illinois.
Special Requirements
Other special licensing requirements such as education requirements, experience requirements, examinations, and insurance may be required. Please check the state licensing website for more information.
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Join a Private Investigator Association
Associated Detectives & Security Agencies of Illinois – The ADSAI, formerly known as ADI is a state-chartered, not-for-profit organization founded in 1933, incorporated in 1937, and organized for the betterment of the Detective and Security Professions.
Find a Job as a Private Investigator
When you’re ready to start looking for a job, use this list of Private Investigators in Illinois as a starting point. Contact each private investigator and agency in your area. Ask if they have any open positions, now or in the future.
Training Information
To get a license, applicants must pass a private detective examination. Visit the IDFPR website listed above for details on the exam length, study guides, and sample questions.
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.
If you have any questions about how to get a private investigator’s license in Illinois, please post a comment below.
I’m currently going to school to get my PI Certification as i’m almost done with school what do I do after I have my certification can someone help for illinois
I would recommend visiting the licensing authority for the state. Assuming you want to be licensed in Illinois, visit the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation website at https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/Detective.asp. Then, review the licensing requirements and make sure you meet all of the requirements. In Illinois, you’ll need to have a certain amount of experience working for a licensed detective agency, and pass the state exam.
Once I apply for my license how long does it take to receive it from the State?
I don’t see anything on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website specifically related to processing time. However, you can call the Division Call Center at 1-800-560-6420 to check the status of your application.
Hi
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and I was wondering if I can get my license with no work experience?
I will like to start my own business and I have the degree for it.
Like to know what I need to do to get a P/I licenses in State of Illinois. I’m a retired Army Veteran looking to do some free lance work.
Visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation website at https://www.idfpr.com/profs/Detective.asp for details on licensing, forms and required fees.