According to the Code of Virginia § 9.1-138, an "'private investigator' means any individual who engages in the business of, or accepts employment to make, investigations to obtain information on (i) crimes or civil wrongs; (ii) the location, disposition, or recovery of stolen property; (iii) the cause of accidents, fires, damages, or injuries to persons or to property; or (iv) evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigative committee."
The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.
You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer as defined by the Code of Virginia §9.1-101. Please see the form for more details.
VA DCJS -Frequently Asked Questions - Private Investigator
What is a private investigator? A person who engages in the business of or accepts employment to make investigations to obtain information on (i) crimes or civil wrongs; (ii) the location, disposition, or recovery of stolen property; (iii) the cause of accidents, fires, damages, or injuries to persons or to property; or (iv) evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigative committee.
What type of license/registration/certification must I have? You must possess a valid registration in this category.
Do I have to have a registration before I can work? Yes. You must have a current registration in order to work in this registered category.
Do I have to be trained before I can work? Yes. You must have completed all required training and have a current registration in order to work in this registered category.
What are the entry-level training requirements? 60 hours -- 02E private investigator (60 hours)
What are the in-service training requirements? 8 hours -- 02I private investigator (8 hours)
Can private investigators from other states conduct investigations in Virginia? Yes, provided that the investigation originates in their state of licensure or registration when the other state offers similar reciprocity to private investigators licensed and registered by the Commonwealth. View the current Limited Reciprocity Agreements for Private Investigations that the Commonwealth of Virginia has entered into with other states.
Can a private investigator work as a bodyguard? Only if they are also registered as a personal protection specialist.
Does being a private investigator allow me to carry a concealed weapon? No. Persons who carry or have access to a firearm while on duty must have a firearm endorsement as described under 6 VAC 20-171-365 of the state regulations. If carrying a concealed handgun, the person must also have a valid concealed handgun permit, and the written permission of his employer pursuant to 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.
