Exemptions for Private Investigators and Security Guards

Who is exempt from obtaining a private investigation license?

You are not conducting a private investigation business and are exempt from the requirement to be licensed as a private investigator if you are:

• an adjuster for one or more insurance companies;
• employed exclusively and regularly by only one employer in connection with the affairs of that employer only;
• an officer or employee of the United States performing official duties or working for a private employer in off-duty hours;
• any law-enforcement officer of the State of West Virginia or its subdivisions engaged in official duties or working for a private employer in off-duty hours;
• an attorney or counselor-at-law or a representative of that attorney;
• a corporation authorized to operate central burglar or fire alarm protection business; or
• an investigator of crime appointed by a prosecuting attorney of a county.

See detailed information about private investigation licensing here.

Who is exempt from obtaining an individual security guard license?

An individual is exempt from the requirements to be licensed if he or she is:

• employed exclusively and regularly by only one employer in connection with that employer's affairs; or
• employed by one or more licensed security guard firms.

This exemption does not apply to a security guard business. See detailed information about security guard licensing here​.