Delaware State Police

Private Investigators

““Private investigator” shall mean an individual employed by a private investigative agency (even as a sole proprietor) to perform 1 or more duties as described under the definition of “private investigative agency.”

“Private investigative agency” means any person who engages in the business or accepts employment to obtain or furnish information or to conduct investigations with reference to:

• Crime or civil wrongs;
• The identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation or character of any person;
• The location, disposition or recovery of lost or stolen property;
• The cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, accidents, damages or injuries to persons or to property;
• The securing of evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigating committee.

Private Investigator - NEW & RENEWAL

What are the legal requirements to become a Private Investigator in Delaware?

Minimum Requirements
1. Be at least 21 years of age upon application.
2. No conviction of any felony or other disqualifying crime – see the links below
3. Must be employed by a licensed Private Security Agency upon making application and while licensed.

All legal requirements and regulations…

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title24/c013/index.html

https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/1300.shtml

What is the process to obtain or renew a Private Investigator License in Delaware?

Please note this process has been updated and changed!

STEP #1 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/

Use Service Code 27RVQ3

STEP #2 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using this email address –

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals applying for a Private Investigator ID Card/License

Private Investigator Application – Individuals must be employed with a Class B or C Agency Licensed in Delaware.

When emailing please use the following subject line: last name, first name-Private Investigator Application (for example – smith, john-Private Investigator Application)

STEP #3 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

Individuals will have their ID card mailed to the address they provided. Delivery times are based the efficiency of the US Postal Service.

If denied:

The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

Private Investigator Identification Cards/Licenses are valid for five (5) years.

Private Investigator FAQ’s

Private Investigator Agency/Class A & Class C - NEW & RENEWAL

Please NOTE – Agency Applications (New & Renewal) are presented to the Board of Examiners for Approval. Sufficient processing time before each quarterly Board Meeting will be necessary. Board Meeting dates are subject to change.

If you are a New Security/Private Investigator Agency who is initially applying or renewing, please contact Professional Licensing for submission deadlines at 302-739-5991 or dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

Agency License – NEW

To begin the new licensure process, see procedures link below and follow the check list that applies to your agency.

Agency License – RENEWAL

Renewal procedures will be sent in a notification letter to the agency with the renewal instructions.

Private Investigator (Class A) Licensing Procedures

Private Security (Class B) Licensing Procedures

Private Investigator and Private Security (Class C) Licensing Procedures

Agency Application

License Holder Application

Agency Bond Form

Private Investigator Board Meeting Schedule

The Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, the regulatory body for this industry, meets on a quarterly basis. New licensure and renewals with changes of an agency must be approved by the Board of Examiners.

Board of Examiners Meeting Schedule