Private investigator licensing in California

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in California. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services licenses private investigators; the licence can be held by an individual or by a business entity through a qualified manager. Applicants must be at least 18, document 6,000 hours (three years) of paid investigative experience, pass a two-hour multiple-choice exam and clear DOJ and FBI fingerprint checks. Carrying a gun on duty needs a separate BSIS firearms permit.

Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Department of Consumer Affairs, under Business and Professions Code Division 3, Chapter 11.3 (Private Investigator Act, s. 7512 et seq.).

At least 18.

6,000 hours (3 years) paid investigative work; law degree or 4-year police science degree reduces to 4,000 hours, associate degree in police science/criminal law/justice to 5,000 hours

Yes, applicants must pass an exam.

No general bond; $1,000,000 liability insurance for armed bodyguard work, and $1,000,000+ errors-and-omissions cover for LLC licensees

Every 2 years ($292 renewal since 1 October 2025); delinquent 30 days after expiry; can be renewed up to 3 years after expiry

Initial application and exam $374; initial licence $424; renewal $292 (fees from 1 October 2025); firearms permit $110; Live Scan fingerprint fees extra

1. Confirm you have 6,000 hours of qualifying paid investigative experience (or the reduced hours with a qualifying degree), certified by employers 2. Apply online through BreEZe (or by mail) with the application, two passport photos and the $374 fee 3. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting after submitting the application 4. Sit and pass the two-hour PI exam 5. Pay the $424 initial licence fee once notified you have passed

Investigators licensed in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina or Oregon may continue a case that began in their home state for up to 30 days per agency per case, but must file the Out-of-State Private Investigator Notification Form and get Bureau approval first

Limited reciprocity agreements with Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Oregon: investigators may continue a home-state case in California for up to 30 days per agency per case after Bureau approval

California requires everyone's consent: all parties must agree before a conversation is recorded.