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

Individuals who are licensed under Professional Licensing who have lost or otherwise no longer physically possess their valid (non-expired) ID Card have two (2) options to replace their Identification Card.

Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office

• The license holder will present themselves in person at the Dover SBI office to request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. The license holder cannot have another person(s) make this request.
• The valid License holder will fill out the Lost/Stolen form (use the link below or there are copies at SBI).
• A license must be valid to be replaced and the applicant must present another form of valid, photo identification to verify their identity.
• License Identification Cards will be printed on site.
• There is a $10.00 fee for a replacement ID Card. Professional Licensing

Option #2 – Submitted via Email

• The license holder will complete the Lost/Stolen form using the link below.
• A license must be valid (not expired) to be replaced.
• The license holder will include a notarized Affidavit.
• The license holder will include a $10.00 credit card payment or enclose a $10.00 money order or company check – (personal checks are not accepted).
• The form including payment information and Affidavit will be emailed to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
• Replacement ID cards will be mailed to address provided by the license holder. License holders should consider this time delay when deciding to use this option.

Bail Enforcement Agents and Constables must provide a Police Report.

Lost Stolen Form

If an individual licensed as a Private Investigator or an Alarm Employee are terminated or otherwise reported as not being employed by the agency on their current Identification card, the individual will be made Not Active.

Individuals who are licensed under Professional Licensing as a Private Investigator or an Alarm Employee who have changed agencies can use the form below. Individuals must provide authorization from their new agency.

There are two (2) options to replace an Identification Card:

Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office – *please contact before traveling

• The individual license holder will present themselves in person at the Dover SBI office to request a replacement. No appointment is necessary; *however individuals are recommended to contact Professional Licensing at 302-739-5991 prior to their travel to confirm staffing and technology resources are available.
• The license holder cannot have another person(s) make this request.
• The valid License holder will fill out the Change of status form for the replacement (use the link below). The form must be signed by the new agency approving person when being presented.
• The license holder must present and surrender their current industry ID Card when making the company name change unless they will remain employed by their current agency.
• A license must be valid to be replaced.
• License Identification Cards will be printed on site.
• There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement ID Card payable by cash, credit/debit card or company issued check.

 

Option #2 – Submitted via Email

• The license holder will complete the Change of Status form using the link below.
• A license must be valid (not expired) to be replaced.
• The form must be signed by the new agency approving person.
• The license holder will include a $5.00 credit card payment or enclose a $5.00 money order or company check – (personal checks are not accepted) or provide credit/debit card payment information.
• The form including payment information and proof will be emailed to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov
• Replacement ID cards will be mailed to address provided by the license holder. License holders should consider this time delay when deciding to use this option.

Change of ID Card Status

Individuals who are licensed under Professional Licensing and are requesting a Change of Status (Legal Name Change or Agency Name Change) have two (2) options for making this request.

Option #1 – In-Person at Dover/SBI Office – *please contact before traveling

• The license holder will present themselves in person at the Dover SBI office to request a replacement. No appointment is necessary; however, individuals are recommended to contact Professional Licensing at 302-739-5991 prior to their travel to confirm staffing and technology resources are available.
• The license holder must have their current ID Card and surrender the same.
• The valid License holder will fill out the Change of Status form (use the link below). There are forms available at SBI however Agency Changes require the Agency Approving Person signature.
• Name Changes require legal documentation to prove the new legal name.
• Agency Name Changes must be approved the agency.
• An ID Card must be valid to be replaced, and the license holder may be requested to provide another form of valid, photo identification to verify their identity.
• License Identification Cards will be printed on site.

• There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement ID Card payable by cash, credit/debit card or company issued check.

 

Option #2 – Submitted via EMAIL – please anticipate 14 days for processing

• The license holder or their agency will email the entire Change of Status Request to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov – subject line License Change of Status Request.
• Name Changes require legal documentation to prove the new legal name.
• Agency Name Changes must be approved the agency.
• The license holder or agency is required to return the prior ID Card to Professional Licensing within ten (10) business days.
• The license holder or the agency must include the $5.00 fee which must be made payable by a debit/credit card. Should the license holder be submitting a money order or a company check, the application will need to be mailed (US Postal) to Professional Licensing to the address outlined at the top of the Request Form.

Change of ID Card Status

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