How to become a private investigator in Washington
Washington private investigators are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Washington, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Washington?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen
- Employed by or offered a job by a licensed private investigative agency
- No conviction the director finds directly related to the job
- Fingerprint background check
- Agencies need a $10,000 surety bond or liability insurance
Washington private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Private investigators must hold a Department of Licensing license and work for (or have an offer from) a licensed private investigative agency, or be the agency licensee (RCW 18.165). |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| License name | Private Investigator License (unarmed) |
| Education or training | At least 4 hours of preassignment training, then a test of at least 30 multiple-choice questions signed by a certified trainer (WAC 308-17-300). |
| Experience | None for an investigator license. An agency principal needs 3 years of investigative experience (2,000 paid hours per year) or must pass the principal exam (RCW 18.165.050). |
| Exam | Pass the preassignment training test; agency principals without 3 years of experience must pass a 75-question principal exam. |
| License term | 1 year |
How much does it cost?
| Unarmed private investigator license | $220 |
|---|---|
| Renewal | $193 |
| Late renewal | $228 |
| License print fee | $5 |
| Private investigative agency (unarmed principal) | $640 |
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 Washington
- Get a job offer from a licensed private investigative agency
- Complete at least 4 hours of preassignment training and pass the test
- Apply online through SecureAccess Washington, or by mail with form 689012 and the fee
- Use your application number to get fingerprinted (IdentoGO in Washington)
- Renew every year
Apply on the official Washington site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Washington?
- Search the name or license number on the official Washington private investigator license lookup.
- 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.