Every week thousands of people search the internet looking for information about how to become a <strong>private investigator</strong>.  Although the process varies by state, and some states have no requirements, in the commonwealth of Virginia there is an simple, albeit somewhat involved, process.

The first thing you need to do is consider your background and experience.  First, if you have any type of a criminal history you’ll need to check with the Department of Criminal Justice Services and review the application paperwork to determine if any of your previous criminal history would prevent you from obtaining your license.  While the specifics on that can change from time to time, generally any felony or misdemeanor weapons charge, driving while intoxicated, or crime of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing) is going to be a problem.  Provided you have a clean criminal background (they will check) you can move on to the next step.

Find a training school.  You will be required to take a course that is approximately one week long from a licensed school to fulfill your initial registration requirement.  The cost of the course is generally $400-$600 and if you are planning on carrying a firearm (which is rarely necessary and generally more of a liability than an advantage) then you will need to meet additional requirements.  Once that course is completed you’ll need to send in an initial registration form along with fingerprint paperwork to DCJS in order to get approved to work as a private investigator.

Once all of your paperwork is in to DCJS they will either approve or deny your request.  They may ask for more information, but generally if you have a clean criminal history they will approve your application and you will receive a temporary ID which can be used to work.  You do need to work through a licensed business (they will have an ID number that will like like this: DCJS ID#11-XXXX).

You will have to complete renewal classes every two years and conduct annual trainings for a sidearm or to carry any other personal defense items such as O.C. spray or an expandable baton.

For more information visit dcjs.virginia.gov