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We get many questions related to becoming a private investigator or a private detective
in Georgia. This web page provides all of the information you need to get started in this
profession in Georgia.
There are two ways to become a private investigator in Georgia. First, you can establish
your own agency. Second, you can be hired by an existing agency. Regardless of the path
that is appropriate for you, the final determination of the requirements lay with the Georgia
Board of Private Detective and Secuirty Agencies which is a part of the State of Georgia,
Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Division. Each of these options is explored in
the following paragraphs.
Establishing your own agency has the advantage of permitting you to begin without having to
seek employment with an existing agency. It has the disadvantage of requiring you to run your
own business with all of the associated investments, bookkeeping, recordkeeping, insurance, and
legal licensing. In order to establish your own agency you need to have at least two years of
experience as a private investigator or a sworn law enforcement officer. A four year degree
in criminal justice can substitute for the two years of experience. If you do not meet these
minimum requirements you will have to pursue the second option of getting hired by an existing
agency. If you do meet these requirements then you will have to fill out an agency application
with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, take an exam, and fulfill the insurance requirements
prior to beginning business. This process may take from three to six months but once completed you
can go to work with the agency license supplied by the Georgia Secretary of State.
Getting hired to work for an existing agency requires only that they hire you and submit an employee
application to the Georgia Secretary of State within 30 days. Within your first six months of employment
you will have to complete a minimum training class certified by the Georgia Secretary of State's office
for private investigators. These classes can usually be found at most technical and vocational colleges
in Georgia; call them for more information. You are welcome to the take the classes prior to being hired
by an agency and this is often the best path for most people. You will be taught by licensed investigators
and have the opportunity to learn about the profession prior to giving up your current job. You will
also be able to join the statewide professional associations where Georgia private investigators meet.
Your membership will be a student membership good for one year. The classes usually require about
six to twelve hours a week and give you the opportunity to meet potential employers.
Prior to being licensed as either an agency owner or an agency employee, you will have to pass an
extensive background investigation. If you have criminal offenses in your past, particularly felonies,
you may not qualify.
The following web sites will provide more helpful information:
Georgia Secretary of State
The Georgia Secretary of State's office is the final authority on licensing for either agencies or
employees. You can download the applications here and read the qualifications for more information
on the exact procedures.
Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators
The Georgia Asspociation of Professional Private Investigators (GAPPI) permits student memberships for
people enrolled in an approved training class. It meets monthly and will give you the
opportunity to introduce yourself to practicing investigators and market yourself. The site also carries
announcements related to upcoming training events.
Investigators and Security Professionals Association of Georgia
The Investigators and Security Professionals Association of Georgia (ISPAG) permits student
memberships for people enrolled in an approved training class. It meets monthly and will give you the
opportunity to introduce yourself to practicing investigators and market yourself. The site also carries
announcements related to upcoming training events.
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Please note: we only hire
experienced professional
investigators with an outstanding
track record proven through years of
experience.
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