WVSOS - Licensing - Eligibility Requirements for Investigators

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Eligibility Requirements for Licensing

Private Investigators and Private Investigative Firms

Are You Eligible for an Individual License?

Specific training or experience is required for a person to be eligible for licensing as a private investigator in West Virginia. Complete these questions to find out whether you may meet the training requirements.

Yes No

I have completed and received credits for at least two years (60 credit hours) or more of coursework relevant to the private investigation business at an accredited college or university.

Yes No

I have completed at least two years of employment** as a member of a United States government investigative agency.

Yes No

I have completed at least two years of employment** as a member of a state or local law-enforcement agency or service as a sheriff.

Yes No

I have completed at least two years of employment** by a licensed private investigative firm to perform or assist with investigations.

Yes No	I have completed two years total combined time in accredited training relating to investigations or employment as a member of a federal investigative agency, state or local law enforcement, or assisting with investigations in a licensed PI firm.
	**(Two years employment is a minimum of 100 weeks with at least 32 hours per week)

If you answered yes to any one of the five questions in this section, you may meet the training or experience qualifications. Actual approval will depend on transcripts and certified employment information.

To apply, go to Applying for a Private Investigator Individual License

Are You Eligible for a Firm License?

The "applicant" for a private investigative firm license is the person who meets the qualifications of a private investigator and who will operate and be responsible for the investigative operations of the licensed firm. An applicant who is eligible for a private investigative firm license is also eligible for a security guard firm license, and may apply for a combined license.

Yes No

As an applicant for a firm license, I meet all the basic requirements for licensing.

Yes No

As an applicant for a firm license, I meet the additional training and/or experience requirements for a licensed private investigator.

Yes No

My firm is a properly registered corporation or other type of business entity, legally authorized to do business in West Virginia.

Yes No

Every officer, member or partner, and every employee or individual conducting the investigative business of the firm meets the basic requirements for licensing, whether or not they meet the training or experience requirements.

If the answer to all four questions is yes, you may be eligible to obtain a firm license and subsequently hire employees to conduct the business of private investigation. As the applicant, you will be responsible for training and supervising those employees.

To apply, go to Applying for a Private Investigator Firm License