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Step 1
Meet basic requirements. In the state of Virginia, a private investigator must be a citizen of the Unites States or a legal alien. The minimum age requirement to apply for a license is 18.
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Step 2
Contact the Department of Criminal Justice Services for the state of Virginia. The department has a list of schools in Virginia that offer the specific training needed to become a private investigator.
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Step 3
Complete 60 hours of classroom training. Some of the classwork requires that you complete a practical exercise. Subjects such as legal procedures, criminal law, ethics, surveillance, investigations and missing persons are covered.
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Step 4
Have your fingerprints run. To obtain a license in Virginia, you must have a criminal background check done. If you have been convicted of a crime, you must submit an additional form explaining the conviction. The supplement form can be obtained through the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
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Step 5
Decide if there is a need to carry a firearm. Depending on the type of private investigations you want to do, you may decide you need to carry a firearm. You must complete 14 hours of additional coursework to apply to carry a firearm. Classes include range safety, marksmanship, safety and criminal liability. You must renew your license to carry a firearm every year and undergo 2 hours of retraining to renew it.
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Step 6
Submit all necessary forms for your license and complete a private security registration application. Proof of completion of the 60 hours of classroom work should also be submitted. A fee is charged for the application.
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Step 7
Join the Private Investigators Association of Virginia. This professional association offers career news and information on current laws regarding private investigators.
