There is a non-refundable $105.00 fee to initially apply or renew a Private Investigator Identification Card/License. All fees are paid when registering with IdentiGO (consult the process to obtain or renew a Private Investigator License)

Anyone who wishes to be licensed, under this chapter, as a Private Investigator, must meet and maintain the following requirements:

1. Must be at least 21 years of age;

2. Must not have been convicted of any felony;

3. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving a theft-related offense, drug offense, or moral turpitude, within the last 7 years, and:

a. There are no more than 2 of such misdemeanors during such person’s lifetime; and

b. No misdemeanor conviction occurred during or as a result of employment in a capacity regulated by this chapter.

4. Must not have been, as a juvenile, adjudicated delinquent for conduct which, if committed by an adult would constitute a felony, unless and until that person has reached his or her twenty-first birthday;

5. If served in the armed forces, must not have been dishonorably discharged;

6. Must not be a member or employee of any law-enforcement organization, as defined by the Council of Police Training;

7. Must meet and maintain the qualifications set and approved by the Board of Examiners.

Yes. Your application will be denied if you are not employed by a licensed Private Detective Agency and indicate the same on your application.

No.

Come into one of our two (2) State Bureau if Identification locations (DSP Troop 2/Newark or Dover SBI office) and request a replacement form indicating Agency Name Change and Private Investigator. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders will fill out the application for the replacement (the link for the form is below or there are copies at SBI). A license must be valid to be replaced. There is a $5.00 replacement fee. License Identification cards will be printed on site.

Lost/Stolen/Name Change Application

No, a Private Investigator license does not allow you to carry a firearm concealed.

Your Private Investigator License is valid for five (5) years. Your license expires on your actual birthdate. Your license can be used for employment at any Private Detective Agency licensed in Delaware.

If you request to pick up your license it would normally be available in 3-5 business days at the Dover State Bureau of Identification office location only. If your license is mailed it depends on the postal service delivery and you should allow at least ten (10) business days after the license is approved. Individual factors regarding your background may cause the process to take longer.

Every effort is made to process licenses in a timely manner. If it has been more than ten (10) business days since the date of your application/fingerprints being submitted and you have not been advised of an issue, you may contact Professional Licensing.

Email: dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
Phone: (302) 739-5991

Your Application fee will NOT be returned if
• Your Application is rejected due to disqualifying charges or conditions
• You submit an application containing omissions or statements which are not true and correct
• You fail to respond and/or supply any request from Professional Licensing for additional information or documentation specifically requested about your application within thirty (30) days. Your application will also be destroyed at that time.

A certified letter will be sent to the address on the individual’s application by Professional Licensing. The letter will give you instructions for your next steps.

No, you must physically be in possession of your License Identification Card at all times while performing as a Private Investigator. Delaware State Police Professional Licensing may conduct unannounced site inspections at any time.

No, you must apply for a Private Investigator License. Delaware does not have reciprocity with any other states.

At all times while performing agency duties.

The process to renew your Private Detective License is the same as the process to initially obtain your license. Your Private Detective License is valid for five (5) years. We recommend starting the renewal process at least two (2) months before your expiration date.

No, you must have a valid license on your person while performing Investigator duties.

You must notify the Professional Licensing Section within five (5) business days, excluding weekends and holidays. Failure to report may result in the suspension or revocation of a license.

Come into the Dover State Bureau of Identification office) and request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders fill out the application for replacement (see the link below) or complete one on site. A license must be valid to be replaced. The replacement fee is $10.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site.

Lost/Stolen/Name Change Application

Come into one of our two (2) SBI locations (DSP Troop 2/Newark or Dover SBI office) and request a replacement (the link for the form in on the front page or there are copies at SBI). Valid License holders must fill out the application for replacement. A license must be valid to be replaced and the holder must present legal documentation proving the name change. The replacement fee is $5.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site.

You must notify the Professional Licensing via email – dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov