Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Information

Any person or group of people performing investigative or security guard functions in West Virginia are required to apply for licensure, unless one of the exemptions specified by law applies. To determine whether licensing requirements apply, see "Exemptions" under each license type.

Several types of licenses are available, and the requirements are slightly different for each one. Carefully review the information below to determine the correct filing procedure.

To report problems related to either Private Investigators or Security Guards, please use the General Complaint Form.

Eligibility & Forms
Basic Eligibility RequirementsInitial ApplicationRenewal ApplicationChanging InformationPrivacy Act StatementChallenge My Fingerprint ResultsFBI Guide to Challenging Criminal Record
Private Investigator Licensing
Additional Eligibility RequirementsExemptions for Private InvestigatorsApplying for an Individual LicenseApplying for a Firm LicenseRenewing an Individual LicenseRenewing a Firm License
Security Guard Licensing
Additional Eligibility RequirementsExemptions for Security GuardsApplying for an Individual LicenseApplying for a Firm LicenseRenewing an Individual LicenseRenewing a Firm License
Combined Licensing
Additional Eligibility RequirementsCombined Individual & Firm Private Investigator LicenseCombined Individual & Firm Security Guard LicenseCombined Individual PI & Security Guard LicenseCombined Firm PI & Security Guard LicenseRenewing a Combined License

Contact the Licensing Division for further assistance regarding Private Investigator and/or Security Guard licensing.