An Indiana private investigator license is relatively simple to obtain.
However, it is not necessary for private investigators to work. In fact, the license is really for companies. So, in Indiana, you can work as a private investigator without a license. However, you can only do it if your employer is licensed.
Nevertheless, you may want to start your own company. And then, you will need a license. Here is what you will need:
1. You Must be at Least 21 Years Old
You must also be a US citizen or a legal resident with authority to work in the United States.
2. You Must Not Have Felony Convictions
However, it is not just felonies. Some misdemeanors also apply. Further, the licensing board looks at other issues. For example, probation or active warrants make you ineligible.
3. For an Indiana Private Investigator License, You Must Meet Experience and Education Requirements
In Indiana, you need can have 2 years experience in any of the following roles to meet the experience requirement.
As a Private Investigator:
- Applicants must have had at least two years (or 4,000 hours). Only a former or present employer can verify this experience (not you)
As a Criminal Investigator:
- Investigator for the US Department of Justice or
- Investigator for the US Department of Treasury or
- Criminal investigator in the US armed forces or
- Sheriff’s investigator or
- Railroad detective or
- Railroad policeman or
- Military criminal investigation or intelligence officer or agent of the US armed forces
As a Civil Investigator:
- Claims investigator for an insurance company or
- Licensed and practicing attorney at law or as an investigator for an attorney
Education:
- Besides experience, you satisfy the experience requirements through a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The board can also approve of other fields. Further, the degree must be from an accredited college.
The board verifies experience and education in a few ways. For example, they will verify your experience through your former or present employer.
Similarly, the board will check your college transcripts to verify your education.
If you have military experience, then you have to provide a copy of your DD214.
4. You Must Apply for an Indiana Private Investigator License
The application form is only 4 pages long.
Here, you will provide your role in your company. For example, CEO, Manager, etc. You also need to provide your federal identification number.
The rest of the application has sections for education and experience.
You have additional steps if your company is registered as a corporation, LLC, or partnership.
Specifically, you need to provide corporate filing paperwork (from the Indiana Secretary of State) with your application.
The application will need to be notarized.
5. You Must Get Fingerprinted
In order to obtain an Indiana private investigator license, you will need a background check. Of course, this includes fingerprinting. In Indiana, the State Police conduct the checks. Here are the steps for a background:
Go to https://www.identogo.com and choose Indiana
Click on Digital Fingerprinting
Then, select Schedule a New Appointment
Under Agency Name, select Professional Licensing Agency
In the next section, you will see a warning regarding a criminal background check and fingerprints. At this point, it reads that you need to provide your fingerprints only if you have received an email from the board regarding your application. From here, you can click I Agree
Under Application Category, select Private Investigator/Security Company License, then click go
In the next section, you can enter your zip code and go to find fingerprinting locations:
Then, you can select the location for fingerprinting and schedule a date and time:
Next, you will fill out a form to fill with your personal information. Once you complete it, click on send information. In the next screen, you can pay for this service.
You should print a confirmation page. If you can not, then provide an email address to receive a copy of the confirmation.
On your appointment date
You should bring identification. The following forms are allowed:
- Driver’s license or
- State issued ID or
- Passport or
- Student ID with a photo and date of birth or
- Work ID with a photo and a date of birth.
The enrollment officer will then check your ID and take your fingerprints. Afterward, you will receive a signed receipt. You can use the receipt as proof of fingerprinting.
IMPORTANT – IdentoGO will send you the results. It is your responsibility to submit the original documents to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. These will be included with your application.
6. You Must Obtain Liability Insurance
In Indiana, you have to carry an insurance policy with a minimum limit of $100,000. Indeed, you can purchase an insurance policy after the board approves you for a license. However, the board will not issue you a license until you notify them about your new policy.
7. You Must Pay a Variety of Fees
The application fee is $300. The renewal cost is the same.
The wall/pocket card cost is $10
Are you applying or have applied for a Colorado private investigator license?
Did I miss anything?
What are your thoughts on the process?