7 Easy Ways to Obtain Your Georgia Private Investigator License

Interestingly, in Georgia, private investigators are known as private detectives. Regardless, the process to obtain a Georgia private investigator license is similar to many others such as Florida or Texas. Let’s walk through what you need to do.

1. You Must be at Least 18 Years Old

The code is specific about this requirement. Just like the state of Florida, the applicant has to be a US citizen or a registered resident alien.

2. You Must Not Have Been Convicted of a Felony

This includes crimes involving the illegal use, carrying or possession of a dangerous weapon or any crime involving moral “turpitude”.

3. You Must Not Have Any Conditions that Affect Public Safety

Specifically, this rule is related to the use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics and any other substances. Besides substance abuse, this rule applies to any other physical or mental conditions. However, if an applicant shows certified evidence of successful treatment for alcoholism, drug addiction or mental illness, then the board may approve a license.

4. For a Georgia Private Investigator License, You Must Meet Education or Experience Requirements

In order to obtain a Georgia private investigator company license, you need to have any of the following:

• At least two years experience as an agent registered with a licensed detective agency, or
• At least two years experience in law enforcement, or
• Have a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited university or college. Besides the degree, you must have at least two years experience as a supervisor or administrator in in-house security operation or with a licensed security agency.

5. Apply for Your Georgia Private Investigator License

In Georgia, you can apply for your license as an individual working for an established private investigation company or you can start your own company. Either way, you must first apply with the licensing agency.

The registration for an unarmed private investigator is $45 and the registration for an armed private investigator is $70.

In addition to the application (also known as an employee registration), you must complete the following:

• A form to support that your posting of a bond in the amount of $25,000 with a surety company. In Georgia, surety bonds can range between 1 – 4% of the cost of the bond. Your credit score will likely factor into the cost. As per the above range, the cost of a $25,000 surety bond could be between $250 and $1,000.
• A form in which you swear that you are either a US citizen or a legal permanent resident.
• A form in which you authorize the licensing agency to receive your criminal history record

Many of these forms have to be notarized, so make sure you take all necessary forms to a notary at once to avoid multiple charges. Notaries are available at places like UPS stores.

You will need to use a cover sheet with your completed application and forms. As per the licensing board, you can fax, mail or email your documents for processing:

Georgia State Board of Private Detective
and Security Agencies

237 Coliseum Drive

Macon, GA 31217

Phone: 478-207-2440

Fax: 866-888-8026

Email: svd@sos.ga.gov

You must also need to submit a copy of your fingerprints and a photo for processing. Specifically, you will need to submit a  2”x 2” photograph,  – forward-facing head shot. The fingerprinting must be completed at an approved Georgia Applicant Processing Services (GAPS) site.

6. Pass the Georgia Private Investigator License Exam

In Georgia, the board has to first approve your application before you are allowed to take the exam. In your main application, you must include a good email address. The board will notify you via email if you can proceed with the exam.

You have three exam attempts for a one year period. Similar to Florida veteran benefits, the Georgia private investigator license allow some veterans to add 5 to 10 percentage points to their examination scores! To qualify, you need a minimum of one year of active duty and must have served during a period of conflict/war for at least 90 days. You may also qualify if you were discharged for an injury incurred while in service and have a disability rating of 10% or higher. A DD214 is required as evidence of service.

The exams are administered at any of the following locations:

PSI Atlanta (Duluth)
3505 Koger Blvd, Suite 175
Duluth, GA 30096

PSI Atlanta (Marietta)
The Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center
2100 Roswell Road NE, Suite 2128
Marietta, GA 30062

PSI Macon
3902 Northside Dr, Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210

PSI Tifton
251 Southwell Blvd. Suite A
Tifton, GA 31794

The exam is administered with a computer or in writing.  The test has a total of 75 questions and you have 90 minutes to complete. The test include the following subjects:

• Legal – 17%
• Observation/surveillance – 15%
• Gun safety and handling – 15%
• Obtaining and preserving evidence – 21%
• Interviewing and interrogations – 21%
• Client relationships/administration – 11%

The Georgia private investigator license exam is administered through PSI. You can register for the exam here.

The exam fee is $125.

Click here for other fees

7. Complete Basic Training for Georgia Private Investigator License

The Georgia board requires that licensed private investigators complete a minimum of 70 hours of classroom instructions. The curriculum includes a variety of subjects. These include topics like ethics, Georgia criminal law, arrests, search and seizure, crime scene investigation, interviewing suspects and witnesses, civil suits, surveillance, etc.

Are you applying or have applied for a Georgia private investigator license?

Did I miss anything? 

What are your thoughts on the process?

Comment below!