How to Become a Private Investigator in Indiana
Private investigator laws vary depending on the state. While some states allow investigators to work without licenses, Indiana requires private investigators to comply with specific licensing requirements (See Reference 1). Licensing does not necessarily give investigators the right to carry a weapon in Indiana. There are several specific steps to follow when applying to become a private investigator in Indiana.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Application form
- Application fee
- Background check
- Proof of insurance
- Verification of present/past licensure
- Passport-quality photograph
- Academic transcript
- Verification of experience
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Complete educational requirements for private investigator licensure in the State of Indiana, which includes receiving a bachelor's degree in a related field or having ample work experience (See Reference 2).
-
2
Obtain a private investigator application form from the Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board, 402 West Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis (See Reference 1).
-
-
3
Meet state qualifications requirements, which require applicants to be 21 or older and have work experience of a minimum of 4,000 hours/two years in an investigative profession. An alternative to hours worked is a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice or related field (See Reference 2). Transcripts are required for application.
-
4
Complete the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency investigator application form. This includes providing your Social Security number, attaching one passport-quality photograph (2x3 inches), undergoing a criminal background check and fingerprinting, a verification of liability insurance and completing a form verifying investigative experience (See Reference 1).
-
5
Submit an application fee of $150 payable to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. You can pay with cash, check or money order. All submitted fees are non-refundable (See Reference 1).
-
6
Submit the completed application to the Indiana Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board. The board meets every third Thursday of odd-numbered months. You should submit the completed forms to the board at least one week before the meeting to be considered for approval (See Reference 1).
-
7
Renew your Private Investigator Firm licenses every four years because the licenses expire on Oct. 1 of every fourth year of licensure (See Reference 2). Renewal fees are $150 with a $50 penalty fee 0-30 days after expiration (See Reference 3). Should licenses be expired for longer than 30 days, private investigators in the State of Indiana must re-apply for a license.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It is advisable for private investigators to join statewide networks. In Indiana, certified private investigators can apply to become part of the Indiana Association of Professional Investigators (See Resource 1).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit book and magnifying glass image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
