How to Become a Private Detective in Indiana

Become a private investigator in Indiana.

Becoming a private investigator in the state of Indiana can be an exciting and profitable career choice. Individuals and companies will most likely hire private investigators to obtain information on the whereabouts of other people as well as gather surveillance data. In order to become a private investigator in Indiana, you must apply for a license held by the state. You must also have related experience or education pertaining to the criminal justice field before you can obtain your private investigator's license and be 21 years or older.

Instructions

1. Read the licensure application instructions in order to properly complete the required application form. You will need to have background checks completed from each locale you have resided in for the past seven years, a fingerprint-based background check from the Indiana State Police, school transcripts or verification of your related education/related work history, an application fee, proof of liability insurance and other documents needed that are listed in the application instructions. Be prepared to pay for any other fees associated with obtaining the required documents.

2. Fill out the application form completely and enclose the required documents along with the $150 application fee. You will also need to paste a passport quality 2-inch by 2-inch "head shot" photo to the appropriate area on the license application. Mail the completed application to the address listed on the top portion of the application instruction document.

3. Navigate to the Indiana License Express website to verify the status of your license and to purchase a license card and/or license certificate. The state of Indiana will no longer automatically send out your license card as a courtesy; you will need to purchase it online. You will need to provide login and password information when purchasing your license card and/or certificate (your login ID will be your license number while your password will be your Social Security number; obtain your license number from the license search function on the License Express webpage).

References

• ICS: Indiana Private Investigators and Detectives

Resources

• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency: Instructions for Private Investigator Firms
• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency: Application for Private Investigator Firms
• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency: License Express