Private investigator licensing in West Virginia
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Secretary of State licenses individual private investigators and private investigation firms; an individual licensee works under their own name and needs a firm licence to employ anyone. Applicants must be at least 18, a US citizen or legally resident alien, have no felony conviction, and have qualifying education or experience (for example a criminal justice degree, 60 credit hours of investigative studies or 100 weeks of full-time investigative work). A $5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance and five character references must be filed, and licences last two years.
18
32 hours
No
$5,000 bond + insurance
How to get licensed
- 1
Decide your business structure and reserve the business name with the Secretary of State if forming an entity
- 2
Get the application packet from the Licensing Division (download, email or phone) and complete the fingerprint requirement
- 3
Arrange a $5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance
- 4
Collect five character references from unrelated people who have known you for five years, plus proof of your education or experience
- 5
Send the application, passport-style photo, references, bond and fee to the Licensing Division in Charleston
- 6
Once approved, complete your business registration with the State Tax Department
Licensed somewhere else?
See whether you can take a case in West Virginia.
How to qualify
- Who holds the licence
- Individuals and agencies
- Experience
- A two- or four-year degree in criminal justice, investigation, law enforcement or a related field; 60 credit hours of investigative studies; at least 100 weeks of 32 hours a week with a licensed PI firm or in law enforcement; a pro-rata mix of credits and experience; or relevant military training
- Bond or insurance
- $5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance
- Citizenship
- US citizen or alien legally residing in the US
- Fees
- Individual licence $150 for West Virginia residents or $550 for non-residents, including a $50 non-refundable processing feeFees change often: check the regulator's current schedule before you pay.
- Renewal
- Every 2 years (licence runs two years from issue; renewal fee capped at $50 by statute)
Rules in the field
Recording conversations
One-party consent
You can generally record a conversation you are part of without telling the others.
Sources
- 1 code.wvlegislature.gov
- 2 code.wvlegislature.gov
- 3 code.wvlegislature.gov
- 4 code.wvlegislature.gov
- 5 sos.wv.gov
- 6 sos.wv.gov
Reference information, not legal advice. Confirm with the regulator before taking on work. Out of date? Tell us.
Questions about PI licensing in West Virginia
Do you need a licence to be a private investigator in West Virginia?+
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in West Virginia. The West Virginia Secretary of State licenses individual private investigators and private investigation firms; an individual licensee works under their own name and needs a firm licence to employ anyone. Applicants must be at least 18, a US citizen or legally resident alien, have no felony conviction, and have qualifying education or experience (for example a criminal justice degree, 60 credit hours of investigative studies or 100 weeks of full-time investigative work). A $5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance and five character references must be filed, and licences last two years.
Who licenses private investigators in West Virginia?+
West Virginia Secretary of State, Licensing Division, under W. Va. Code Chapter 30, Article 18.
How old do you have to be to become a private investigator in West Virginia?+
At least 18.
How much experience do you need to be a PI in West Virginia?+
A two- or four-year degree in criminal justice, investigation, law enforcement or a related field; 60 credit hours of investigative studies; at least 100 weeks of 32 hours a week with a licensed PI firm or in law enforcement; a pro-rata mix of credits and experience; or relevant military training
Is there an exam for a private investigator licence in West Virginia?+
No state exam is required.
Do private investigators in West Virginia need a bond or insurance?+
$5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance
How often does a West Virginia PI licence need renewing?+
Every 2 years (licence runs two years from issue; renewal fee capped at $50 by statute)
How much does a private investigator licence cost in West Virginia?+
Individual licence $150 for West Virginia residents or $550 for non-residents, including a $50 non-refundable processing fee
How do you get a private investigator licence in West Virginia?+
1. Decide your business structure and reserve the business name with the Secretary of State if forming an entity 2. Get the application packet from the Licensing Division (download, email or phone) and complete the fingerprint requirement 3. Arrange a $5,000 surety bond or proof of liability insurance 4. Collect five character references from unrelated people who have known you for five years, plus proof of your education or experience 5. Send the application, passport-style photo, references, bond and fee to the Licensing Division in Charleston 6. Once approved, complete your business registration with the State Tax Department
Can a private investigator record phone calls in West Virginia?+
West Virginia is a one-party consent state: you can generally record a conversation you are part of without telling the others.
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