Pennsylvania Private Investigator License

A private investigator (often shortened to PI) is a widespread profession in the U.S. They look into legal, financial, and personal concerns. They provide a variety of services, including:

• background checks and statements
• missing person searches
• computer crime investigations

However, to do so you have to apply for a special permit nearly in all the states (Ohio, Oregon, etc.)

Whether you operate for lawyers and the general public, or on a contract basis for a local government agency or an insurance company, you’ll succeed in this field in PA. That is because there is a rising demand for this kind of specialist. However, to get Pennsylvania Private Investigator License you must meet some requirements.

Pennsylvania private investigator license Requirements and Regulations

Firstly, to work in this field in PA, you have to be a citizen of the U.S. Besides, to be eligible, you have to be at least 25 years old. You must also have three years of working experience for a detective agency or as a law enforcement officer. Also, you shouldn’t be  convicted of any of the things below:

• crime (felony)
• Using, carrying, or owning a harmful weapon illegally
• Creating or owning burglary instruments
• Getting into a building without permission (illegally)
• assisting a prison break
• Illegal distribution or possession of narcotics
• stealing from people’s pockets
• Putting another person in danger without thinking
• Simply assaulting someone
• Soliciting someone to engage in sodomy or other forms of lewdness
• Terrorist threats

Get the necessary education

There are no mandatory educational requirements. However, if you pass formal criminal justice training, it will make you a more desirable candidate. It will help you as you work toward fulfilling your three-year requirement to work for a detective agency.

Besides, for this job you also need good analytical skills. So, one option to gain these skills is to get a criminal justice associate’s or bachelor’s degree. To do so, you need related education. This education opportunity is available at schools in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and a variety of other PA locations.

Another alternative is to join one of the many online colleges that provide this type of education.

Apply for your Pennsylvania private investigator license

Once you’ve completed the requirements, contact your county’s clerk of Courts to learn how to submit your application. Don’t forget about the initial fees. With your application, the state needs you to submit the following:

• Cards with fingerprints
• Documents with the signatures of five character witnesses who have known you for at least 5 years.
• Photos in passport size (2)
• a $10,000 surety bond
• A $200 payment for an individual

The District Attorney will issue your certification nearly within 10 days in most counties.

Start your career

The PA mandates that you display your permit prominently at your place of business once you have earned it. Besides, a pocket license card will be sent to you by your county. You have two years to work as a PI before you need to renew it.

You might want to join the PALI, which offers useful information and networking possibilities. Attorneys, insurance agencies, and people are all good ways to search for a PI job in this state.

Salary Information

Generally, the professionals make an average yearly pay of $49,200. If you have detective abilities, keen attention to detail, and the ability to find the truth, it’ll help you build a solid client list and a steady stream of referrals. So, you’ll be in the top 10% of these professionals, earning an average yearly salary of $82,170.

Is it legal or not?

You cannot operate as a PI without a certificate. The certificate must be issued by a County Judge. PA prohibits all other permits by other companies. That’s why you must satisfy Pennsylvania’s stringent licensing standards. It includes a thorough background check, to receive your certification.