How to Become a Private Investigator in California

Last updated: February 23, 2026

California is the largest market for private investigation services in the United States, and the state takes licensing seriously. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, regulates all PI activity in the state. You cannot legally perform investigative work in California without a BSIS-issued license – and getting one requires a minimum of 6,000 hours of compensated investigative experience before you even apply.

The barriers to entry are high, but so is the demand. California’s massive population, its concentration of corporate headquarters, entertainment industry, and legal sector create steady work across surveillance, background investigations, insurance fraud, workers’ comp, and litigation support. This guide covers every license, fee, and requirement to legally start and operate a private investigation business in California.

Private Investigator Requirements in California at a Glance

How to Start a Private Investigation Business in California (Step by Step)

Step 1: Accumulate 6,000 Hours of Investigative Experience

California has one of the highest experience requirements of any state. You need 6,000 hours of compensated investigative experience – equivalent to 3 years of full-time work at 2,000 hours per year. This is a hard requirement that cannot be waived.

Qualifying experience sources include:

• Sworn law enforcement officer – Any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
• Military police – Military investigative or police duties
• Licensed PI or repossessor employee – Working under a licensed California PI
• Insurance adjuster or investigator – Compensated claims investigation
• Arson investigator – Fire department or insurance-related
• Public defender investigator – Working for a public defender’s office

Reduced Experience Paths

California offers two alternative paths with lower hour requirements if you hold certain degrees:

• Law degree or 4-year police science degree: Reduces requirement to 4,000 hours (2 years full-time)
• Associate’s degree in police science or criminal law: Reduces requirement to 5,000 hours (2.5 years full-time)

Important: The experience must be compensated work. Volunteer investigative work does not count toward the requirement. All experience must be verifiable – BSIS will contact your employers to confirm your hours.

Step 2: Complete the Power to Arrest Training Course

Every PI applicant in California must complete an 8-hour Power to Arrest training course from a BSIS-approved provider. This course covers the legal authority and limitations of private persons making arrests, use of force, and related legal topics.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Cost: $25-$75 depending on the provider
• Providers: Check the BSIS website for approved training facilities
• Certificate: You receive a completion certificate to include with your license application

If you plan to carry a firearm while working, you will also need to complete a separate firearms training course approved by BSIS.

Step 3: Submit Live Scan Fingerprints

California requires all PI applicants to submit fingerprints through the Live Scan system for background checks by both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.

• Where: Any Live Scan service provider (law enforcement offices, UPS stores, fingerprinting businesses)
• Cost: $49-$79 (includes DOJ fee, FBI fee, and rolling fee)
• Processing time: DOJ results typically 3-7 days; FBI results can take up to 14 days
• ORI number: Use the BSIS-specific ORI number on your Live Scan form (available on the BSIS application)

Disqualifying offenses: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, and any conviction requiring sex offender registration will result in denial. Some older convictions may be eligible for exemption – check with BSIS before applying.

Step 4: Apply for the PI Qualified Manager License

The Qualified Manager (QM) license is your individual PI license in California. This is what authorizes you to perform investigative work and, critically, to serve as the designated manager of a PI company.

Application materials:

• Completed PI application form
• Proof of 6,000 hours compensated investigative experience (or reduced hours with qualifying degree)
• Power to Arrest training certificate
• Live Scan receipt
• Passport-quality photograph

After your application is approved, BSIS will schedule you for the written exam. The exam covers California Business and Professions Code sections related to private investigation, as well as practical investigative knowledge.

Note on fees: BSIS license fees are changing effective October 1, 2025. Check the BSIS fee schedule for the most current amounts.

Step 5: Form Your California LLC

File your Articles of Organization online at bizfile Online through the California Secretary of State. Filing fee: $70. Processing is typically 1-2 business days for online filings.

Within 90 days of formation, you must also file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. Cost: $20.

Then apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at IRS.gov (immediate online).

California Franchise Tax

All California LLCs are subject to an annual $800 franchise tax payable to the Franchise Tax Board. Good news: the first taxable year is exempt from this fee. Starting in year two, the $800 is due annually by April 15, regardless of whether your business earns any income.

Step 6: Obtain the PI Company License from BSIS

The PI Company License authorizes your business entity to offer private investigation services in California. Even a solo PI operating through an LLC needs this separate company license.

Key requirements:

• Qualified Manager: Every PI company must designate at least one licensed Qualified Manager. If you hold a QM license, you can serve as your own.
• License term: 2 years from date of issuance
• Multiple locations: Each branch office requires notification to BSIS

For more details, review the BSIS Private Investigator Fact Sheet.

Step 7: Get Insurance and Workers’ Compensation

Liability Insurance

California has specific insurance requirements for PIs depending on your business structure and activities:

• PI LLCs (5 or fewer managing members): Must carry $1,000,000 aggregate liability insurance – this is a state requirement, not optional
• Non-LLC PIs carrying firearms or performing bodyguard work: Must carry $1,000,000 general liability insurance per occurrence
• Estimated cost: $1,500-$3,000/year depending on services, coverage limits, and claims history

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance

E&O insurance protects against claims of negligence, incorrect findings, or breach of confidentiality. While not legally required, it is strongly recommended given the sensitive nature of PI work and the litigation-heavy California legal environment.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

California requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance – no exceptions and no minimum employee threshold. If you hire even one employee (including part-time investigators), you must have workers’ comp coverage in place. You can purchase coverage from a private insurer or through the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Step 8: Set Up Contracts, Local Permits, and Begin Operations

Written Contracts Are Mandatory

Under SB 1454 (signed by Governor Newsom), all private investigation agreements in California must be in writing. Your contract should clearly state the scope of work, fees, billing terms, and confidentiality provisions. Verbal agreements are no longer sufficient.

Local Business Licenses

Most California cities require a local business license or business tax certificate. Contact your city’s finance or business license department for requirements and fees (typically $50-$300 annually).

Additional Compliance

• ID cards: All PI employees must carry a BSIS-issued identification card while on duty
• Record keeping: Maintain detailed case files, financial records, and employee records
• Advertising: Your PI company license number must appear on all advertisements
• Uniforms/badges: PIs cannot wear or display anything that could be mistaken for law enforcement

Cost to Start a Private Investigation Business in California

Solo PI (Standard 6,000-Hour Path)

Small PI Agency (2-3 Investigators)

Ongoing Renewal Costs

What Private Investigators Cannot Do in California

California Business and Professions Code and BSIS regulations set clear boundaries on PI conduct:

• Cannot impersonate law enforcement through badge, uniform, vehicle markings, or verbal claims
• Cannot trespass on private property during an investigation
• Cannot wiretap or record without consent – California is a two-party consent state for audio recordings
• Cannot access protected databases through pretexting or misrepresentation
• Cannot carry a firearm without a separate BSIS-issued firearms permit
• Cannot operate without a written contract under SB 1454
• Cannot employ unlicensed persons to perform licensed investigative activities
• Must display license number on all advertisements, including websites and business cards
• Must carry BSIS-issued ID card while performing investigative work

Related California Business Guides

• Starting a Business in California: Complete Guide

← Back to all California business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a licensed PI in California?

The biggest time investment is the 6,000-hour experience requirement, which equals 3 years of full-time compensated investigative work. If you hold a law degree or 4-year police science degree, this drops to 4,000 hours (2 years). After meeting the experience requirement, the application, exam, and license processing typically takes 2-3 months.

What counts as qualifying experience for a California PI license?

BSIS accepts compensated experience from several sources: sworn law enforcement, military police, employment with a licensed PI or repossessor, insurance adjusting or investigation, arson investigation, and public defender investigation work. The experience must be compensated – volunteer work does not qualify. All experience is verified directly with your employers by BSIS.

What is the difference between a Qualified Manager license and a Company license?

The Qualified Manager (QM) license is your individual PI credential – it authorizes you personally to perform investigative work and manage a PI company. The Company License authorizes your business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.) to offer PI services. You need both to operate your own PI business. Every PI company must have at least one designated Qualified Manager.

Do I need insurance to be a PI in California?

Yes, if you operate as an LLC. California requires PI LLCs with 5 or fewer managing members to carry $1,000,000 aggregate liability insurance. PIs who are not LLCs but carry firearms or perform bodyguard services must carry $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability coverage. Even if not legally required for your structure, insurance is strongly recommended.

How much does it cost to start a PI business in California?

For a solo PI with an LLC, expect approximately $5,800-$11,650 in first-year costs including both BSIS licenses ($1,607 combined), LLC formation ($90), insurance ($1,500-$3,000), and basic equipment ($2,000-$5,000). The $800 annual franchise tax is exempt for your first year. A small agency with employees will run $20,000-$45,000+ with office space, workers’ comp, and additional equipment.

Are written contracts required for PI work in California?

Yes. Under SB 1454, all private investigation agreements in California must be in writing. This law was signed by Governor Newsom and applies to all PI engagements. Your written contract should clearly define the scope of investigation, fee structure, billing terms, and confidentiality obligations. Verbal agreements are not legally sufficient.