Private investigator licensing in Georgia

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Georgia. Georgia licenses private detective companies rather than individuals; the company licence is held by a qualified owner, partner or officer, and investigators working for it must be registered by the company. The licence holder must be at least 18, a US citizen or registered resident alien, have two years' experience with a licensed agency or in law enforcement or a four-year criminal justice degree, and pass the Board's PSI exam, with no exemptions. Companies must post a $25,000 bond, $1 million liability insurance or show net worth over $50,000.

Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards), under O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 38.

At least 18.

2 years as a registered agent with a licensed detective agency, or 2 years in law enforcement, or a 4-year degree in criminal justice or related field

Yes, applicants must pass an exam.

$25,000 bond, or $1,000,000 liability insurance, or net worth affidavit over $50,000

Every 2 years; company licences expire 30 June of odd-numbered years ($300 detective company renewal; employee registration $65)

Private detective company: $100 application + $300 licence ($400); renewal $300 ($400 late); employee registration $45 unarmed or $70 armed, renewal $65; plus $5 online or $10 paper processing fee; PSI exam fee paid separately

The Board decides exam eligibility at its meetings; rejected candidates are told within two weeks of the meeting

1. Set up an account in the Secretary of State's GOALS licensing portal 2. Apply online for a Private Detective Company licence as designee, with a notarised experience letter or degree proof 3. Wait for Board approval, then book and pass the PSI private detective exam 4. Submit the licence fee and a $25,000 bond, $1 million liability certificate or audited net-worth statement 5. Register each investigator you employ within 30 days of hire, with Board-approved training

Investigators licensed in Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Virginia may work in Georgia for up to 30 days per case per year to complete a case that began in their home state

No reciprocal licensing, but limited licence recognition agreements with Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia allow up to 30 days per case per year on home-state cases

Georgia is a one-party consent state: you can generally record a conversation you are part of without telling the others.