Jurisdictional, Licensing, and Regulation Concerns
California Private Investigator License
Training and education are big factors in becoming a PI in California. You must also be fingerprinted, fill out an application, and take an examination.
Reference Website:
https://www.bsis.ca.gov/Contact Information:Website:
https://www.bsis.ca.gov/Email:
bsis@dca.ca.gov Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270, Sacramento, California, United States, 95834
Phone: (916) 322-4000
Fax: (916) 575-7290
Associations:California Association of Licensed InvestigatorsProfessional Investigators of CaliforniaCitation Statute: California Code of Regulations
Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 7. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
California Business and Professions Code
Chapter 11.3 Private Investigator Act
Qualifications Requirement: From The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services' website:
"Be 18 or older.
Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Have at least three years (2,000 hours each year, totaling 6,000 hours) of compensated experience in investigative work; or
have a law degree or completed a four year course in police science plus two years (4,000 hours) of experience; or
have an associate's degree in police science, criminal law, or justice and 2 ½ years (5,000 hours) of experience.
Pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination covering laws and regulations, terminology, civil and criminal liability, evidence handling, undercover investigations and surveillance."
Reciprocity: The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, has entered into limited reciprocity agreements with Florida, Louisiana and Oregon.
Official reciprocity with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Testing: A two-hour multiple-choice examination covering laws and regulations, terminology, civil and criminal liability, evidence handling, undercover investigations and surveillance is required for a California Private Investigator License.
Fees: $50.00 Application Fee
$175 Licensing Fee
Renewal Information: $125 Renewal Fee every two years
$15 Reexamination Fee
Forms: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/pi_fact.shtml