Private Investigator Company/ Qualifying Principal License Application
General partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited partnerships (LPs): Each partner of a partnership applying for an agency license must also complete and submit their own Private Investigator Supplemental form, pay the appropriate armed or unarmed partner fee, and submit the appropriate number of fingerprint cards with this application.
Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) applying for an agency license must all attach:
• Alistofnamesandaddressesofalloficers,directors,members,andmanagers
• Aletterfromthecompany’sgoverningormanagingbodydesignatingtheapplicantastheagencyprincipal
Acceptable proof of experience is certification from the employer verifying status and time of employment.
Verification of license or registration from another state or jurisdiction is acceptable only if that state or jurisdiction has licensing or registration requirements that equal or exceed those in Washington State.
Insurance and bonding: Before we can approve your license, we must receive either proof of insurance or a surety bond.
• Ifbondingisselected,theSuretyBondformenclosedmustbecompletedandtheoriginal returned to us.
• Ifinsuranceisselected,thecompanymusthavecomprehensivegeneralliabilitycoverageofatleast$50,000;divided $25,000forbodilyorpersonalinjuryand$25,000forpropertydamage.Theoriginalinsurancecertiicatemustbemailed
to us, but a preliminary copy may be faxed to (360) 705-6699. The certificate holder on the proof of insurance must read: Department of Revenue. Business Licensing Service, PO Box 9034, Olympia WA 98507-9034
Frequently asked questions
Q.How do I contact the Private Investigator (PI) Regulatory Program for other licensing information or forms?
A.You may write us at: Private Investigator Program, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9649, Olympia WA 98507-9649
or call: (360) 664-6611 or TTY (360) 664-8885
Q.Who is an agency principal?
A.The individual who, in order to own or operate the PI agency, must meet the minimum qualification of three-years experience or pass the state examination.
Q.How often are the examinations given for principals?
A.They are scheduled within two to three weeks after your application has been received.
Q.Where will I take the examination?
A.The exams are scheduled at the driver licensing offices listed in the Application. When the exam is completed, it will be returned to the PI program office to be scored. A letter with your score will be mailed to you approximately ten days after you take the exam.
Q.How do I get rescheduled if I don’t pass?
A.A reexamination application will be mailed to you with your exam results.
Q.How often can I take the exam?
A.There is no limit to the number of times you may take the exam, as long as there are at least seven business days between each attempt.
Q.How long will it take to get the license?
A.The required background check takes approximately 60 days. When the background check and all other requirements have been met, the license will be issued.
Q.How do my employees get licensed?
A.Your agency must first be licensed. Employees are required to complete four hours of pre assignment training foralicensed,certiiedtrainer.Thecertiiedtrainermustsignthecertiicationboxonthefrontoftheemployees’ applications. Employees must be employed by, or have a job offer from a private investigator agency in order to be licensed. Contact the Private Investigator Program for forms.
Q.May I have a certified trainer from another agency give my employees the training?
A.Yes, provided the trainer is currently employed and holds a valid certified trainer license.
Q.How do I apply for licensure as a certified trainer?
A. SubmitaCertiiedTrainerExamApplicationwiththe$25fee.Youmustshowproofofhavingbeenlicensedforatleast
three years. Contact the Private Investigator Program for forms.
Q.I’m working for myself and do not want to hire employees. Do I still have to get a company license?
A.Yes. Anyone who works as a private investigator must either be licensed as a PI agency principal, or as a private investigator employed under another agency.
Q.What if I conduct business at more than one location in Washington?
A.You can apply for branch licenses at the same time as the main agency license by submitting a Location Addendum, for BLS-700-029, for each branch along with the full Business License Application for the main location. If you apply for branch locations after the main location has already been established, you will need to complete a full Business License Application for the branch location.
Q.How do I apply for my business location outside of Washington?
A.All licensing requirements apply to out-of-state businesses. A physical location within Washington is required.