Private Investigators in North Carolina must be licensed.
Private Investigators investigate cases for a variety of clients. They may work for attorneys, individuals or businesses. They may work fraud cases, child custody or missing persons cases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 private investigators typically earned between $30,870 and $59,060. Requirements to become a private investigator vary by state. North Carolina has no formal education requirements for Private Investigators; however, investigators are required to obtain a license from the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. The board can be contacted at:
North Carolina Private Protective Services Board
1631 Midtown Place, Suite 104,
Raleigh, NC 27609
919-875-3611
ncdoj.gov
Basic Requirements
In order to qualify for a private investigator license in the state of North Carolina, the individual must be at least 18 years old and be a United States citizen. Resident aliens are also eligible to obtain a license. In addition, the applicant must have a high school diploma or GED and have no criminal history.
Experience and Insurance
Although there is no formal education required for a private investigator other than high school, investigators are required to have three years of investigative experience. This experience can be work as a private investigator or as law enforcement or military investigative work. The applicant is also required to obtain liability insurance.
Application
The applicant must send in a completed application which includes documentation of the above requirements. Unless the private investigator will be working as a sole proprietor, the individual is required to apply a business license for the investigation firm. The business license application should be included with the investigator license application. In addition, the individual must send a fingerprint card to be checked by the FBI.
Application Fees
The application fee for this process is $150. In addition, there is a $38 fee for the fingerprint check. These fees are non-refundable. The fee for the private investigator license and for renewal licenses is $450. The license is valid for two years.
Reciprocity
Private investigators from other states may practice in North Carolina under certain conditions. Investigators from California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia may investigate cases originating in their respective state for 30 days. Investigators from Tennessee may investigate in North Carolina for 15 days. These investigators are required to hold a current license or registration in their home state and may not obtain new business while working in North Carolina. If the investigator is from another state or if the investigation exceeds the time limits, the investigators will need to obtain a North Carolina license to work in the state.
