Indiana Licensing Authority
Private investigator licensing in Indiana is managed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), Private Investigator & Security Guard Licensing Board.
Important Note: Indiana issues licenses to Private Investigator Firms, not to individual investigators. An individual wishing to operate as a private investigator must obtain a “Private Investigator Firm” license, even if they are a sole proprietor. Employees of a licensed firm generally do not need their own individual license but must work under the authority of the licensed firm.
Contact Information
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Attn: Private Investigator & Security Guard Licensing Board
402 W Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Phone: (317) 234-3022
- Email: pla10@pla.in.gov
- Website: in.gov/pla/pisg.htm
General Requirements
Applicants (specifically the “qualifier” for the firm) must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Criminal History: Must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor that has a direct bearing on the applicant’s ability to practice competently.
- Background Check: Must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Indiana State Police and the FBI.
- Probation/Parole: Must not be currently on probation or parole.
Experience & Education Requirements
To qualify for a license, the applicant must demonstrate one of the following:
- Work Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of experience as verified by at least 4,000 hours of employment in the investigative field. This experience must be verified by a former employer.
- Note: Experience can come from work as a police officer, insurance adjuster, military criminal investigator, or employee of a licensed private investigator firm.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice (or a related field as determined by the Board) from an accredited institution. This degree can substitute for the 4,000-hour experience requirement.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: The firm must maintain a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage of at least $100,000.
- Additional Insured: The certificate must list the “State of Indiana” as an additional insured.
Fees
- Application/Issuance Fee: $300.00
- Pro-rated Fee: If applying less than one year before the quadrennial renewal date, the fee is reduced to $150.00.
- Renewal Fee: $300.00 (Renewable every four years).
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How do I go about studying for the exam, and how much is it?
How often is the exam given?
You may not need to complete an exam in Indiana. Visit the website linked above and go to the Licensure Law and Administrative Rules page. There, you can view the latest requirements to get licensed.