Qualifications to Become a Private Investigator in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety, through its Private Security Bureau, regulates all private security business in the state, including private investigators (PIs) and private investigation companies. Generally, individuals in Texas cannot apply for private investigator licenses without being employed by a licensed private investigation firm. Companies apply for and receive licenses; individuals apply for and receive registrations through private companies. Individuals seeking to start their own PI companies must first obtain a Texas business license and then meet all PI experience and background criteria.
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Age
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You must be 18 to register as a private investigator in Texas. You must be 21 to carry a firearm.
Education
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Formal education is not a requirement for becoming a private investigator in Texas although a college degree can substitute for experience in some instances. For example, in order to work as a Texas PI, you must work under the direct supervision of a qualifying manager at a licensed investigation company. The qualifying manager must have either three years of investigation experience, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a bachelor's degree with six months' experience, an associate's degree in criminal justice or a related degree and a year of investigation-related experience, or specialized coursework designed specifically for PI work and accredited by the State of Texas. Texas PI managers also must pass a state exam and be able to show proof of liability insurance. It is up to the individual seeking employment as a PI to locate a licensed investigation company and become employed by that company as a first step to becoming a PI.
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Experience/Registration
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Once employed by an investigation firm, you or your company can apply to the State of Texas for registration as a private investigator. There is a $35 fee. You can do so by submitting your application by mail to:
Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 15999
Austin, Texas 78761
You will have to include personal and employer information, such as the company name and license number, your Social Security number, your address and phone number, your birth date and place of birth, and the date of hire by your employer. You will also need to schedule a fingerprinting session, which is necessary as part of your criminal background check. The Texas Department of Public Safety uses L-1 Solutions for online fingerprinting services with more than 70 locations throughout Texas. Processing your application generally takes four to six weeks. Experienced law enforcement and military personnel may be able to have PI experience requirements waived.
Criminal Background Check
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To become a private investigator in Texas, you cannot have a felony conviction in any U.S. jurisdiction on your record nor have been convicted of a Class A or equivalent misdemeanor offense. You also cannot have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the previous five years or be under arrest or indictment for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor. You also cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the military or be a registered sex offender in any state.
Review Board
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As part of the application process, your qualifications will be reviewed by the Texas Department of Public Safety's review board. If you meet the required qualifications, you will be issued a registration to work as a PI in Texas.
Becoming Self-employed
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In order to become a self-employed private investigator or start your own PI company, you must obtain a Texas business license. You must also meet all of the required education and experience requirements for Texas PIs. You can do this by gaining experience with an already licensed company and then acquiring your own PI company license and personal registration. You could also obtain your business license with the state and then hire a qualified manager to run your PI company. At that point, you can gain experience by working through your own company as an employee.
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