How to become a private investigator in South Carolina
South Carolina private investigators are licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Regulatory Services Unit. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in South Carolina, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in South Carolina?
- At least 18 years old for registration (21 for a business license)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizen
- No felony or crime of moral turpitude
- Good moral character
- No unlawful drug use or disqualifying alcohol use
- No military discharge other than honorable
- Business license only: $10,000 surety bond
South Carolina private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Licensed statewide by SLED. Investigators working for a licensed agency need a PI registration; running your own agency needs a Private Investigation Business License. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Regulatory Services Unit |
| License name | Private Investigator Registration (employee) / Private Investigation Business License |
| Experience | None for an employee registration. A business license requires three years of full-time experience (SLED counts 2,000 hours a year) as a PI for a licensed agency, an investigator for a law firm, government agency or company, or a sworn law enforcement officer. |
| License term | 1 year; 12 hours of SLED-approved continuing education every 24 months |
How much does it cost?
| Private investigation employee registration (annual) | $350 |
|---|---|
| Private investigation business license (annual) | $350 |
| Replacement card | $20 |
| Surety bond (business license) | $10,000 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a private investigator in South Carolina
- Get hired by a SLED-licensed private investigation business, or document three years of experience to open your own
- Submit the SLED application under oath with fingerprints and a color photo
- For a business license, post a $10,000 surety bond
- Within 30 days of hire your registration application must reach SLED; until registered, work only with a registered investigator
- Use a SLED-approved client contract form
- Renew yearly, 30 to 60 days before expiration
Apply on the official South Carolina site
How do you check a private investigator's license in South Carolina?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Regulatory Services Unit.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.