The Empire State should really be commended for the clarity of information on licensing. Just like many other states, the requirements are similar with some exceptions. Below you will find 7 easy steps to obtain your New York private investigator license.
1. You Must be at Least 25 Years Old
As compared with California, New York’s age minimum is much higher.
2. You Must Not Have Felony Convictions
However, it is just not felonies. Applicants cannot have convictions involving weapons, making burglar instruments, buying or receiving stolen property, unlawful entry of a building, aiding escape from prison and unlawfully possessing or distributing habit-forming narcotic drugs.
3. For a New York Private Investigator License, You Must Meet Experience Requirements
Applicants must have had at least three years experience in investigation work for a licensed private investigator, or as an investigator for a government investigative agency or police agency. Alternatively, applicants can use any of the following:
- 3 years of full-time equivalent position and experience acquired in a position where the primary duties were to conduct investigations
- 3 years of full-time experience in supervising and reviewing the work of at least three people performing investigations
- 20 years of service as a police officer, regardless of specific title
- 20 years of service as a fire marshall
4. You Must Pass the New York Private Investigator License Test
One of the best features of the New York private investigator test is that you can walk-in and take it. Seats are limited, so come in early. Just like other tests, you have to bring appropriate identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. This is a pass/fail test. After you complete the test, you will get notified of the results through the mail.
The test is multiple choice. You can expect to be provided with 2 1/2 hours to complete it. The test covers topics such as license law, penal and criminal procedure law, investigative techniques, interpreting written material, and report writing. While you can walk-in to take the test, the tests are available only on specific dates. You can always check on the available dates and times by calling 518-474-4429.
Here are the test sites:
ALBANY
(Alfred E. Smith State Office Building)
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12239
*at the corner of Washington Avenue and South Swan Street
BUFFALO
(State Office Building)
65 Court Street, Main Floor, Hearing Room, Part 5
Buffalo, NY 14202
FRANKLIN SQUARE
(VFW Hall)
68 Lincoln Road, Basement
Franklin Square, NY 11010
HAUPPAUGE
(Perry Duryea State Office Building)
250 Veterans Memorial Highway
Basement Conference Room
Hauppauge, NY 11788
*Building sits back off the highway. Look for a green sign near the road.
NEW YORK CITY
123 William Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10038
*Enter doors to the left of the main lobby doors and take the escalator to the 2nd floor.
SYRACUSE
(State Office Building)
333 E. Washington Street, Main Floor, Hearing Room A
Syracuse, NY 13202
PLATTSBURGH
(PARC Dining Hall – Part of Clinton Community College)
14 Dormitory Drive, Conference Room 1
Plattsburgh, NY 12903
5. You Must Get Fingerprinted
New York uses a vendor called IdentoGO for this part of the process. To schedule this part of the application, go to their website, select NY and use ORI number NY922020Z and Service Code 1545QJ for Private Investigators. Before you go to get your fingerprints taken, make sure you bring an acceptable ID.
6. You Must Apply for a New York Private Investigator License
The application form is 5 pages, but relatively easy to fill out. It addresses your general identifying information, background, and experience. The application can only be submitted once you have passed the test. In addition to the application, you must include the following in your packet:
- A receipt that provides proof of electronic fingerprinting by an approved vendor.
- An acceptable form of payment for the application: money order, company check or cashiers’ check made payable to the NY Department of State (personal checks, credit cards, and cash are not accepted).
- The original “passed” test slip (cannot be more than 2 years old).
- Proof of a $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized to do business in New York State and approved by the NYS Superintendent of Insurance. A one-year surety bond of $10,000 in New York can range between $100 – $200.
7. You Must Pay a Variety of Fees
When you go to take the test, you must pay $15. No cash is allowed. You will be safe with a check, money order made out to the Department of State, Visa or Mastercard. The license application must include a payment of $400. Once obtained, your license will last 2 years before renewal is needed. The renewal cost is also $400.
Are you applying or have applied for a New York private investigator license?
Did I miss anything?
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Comment below!