How to Verify a California Private Investigator's License
In California, all private investigators must be licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Hiring an unlicensed investigator can be a legal risk but it could also compromise your safety, and case admissibility. Licensed investigators are required to undergo background checks, pass a licensing exam, and abide by strict legal standards. It’s vital to ensure the investigator you’re hiring is licensed with the state of California. Make sure to verify a private investigator’s license through these three easy steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official BSIS Website
Go to the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) website, the official licensing authority for private investigators in California and click on “verify a license.” You can access the license lookup system here. It works for verifying licenses for individuals and agencies offering investigative, security, or related services.
Step 2: Select “Private Investigator” From the License Type List
Once you're on the BSIS License Search page, follow these steps:
• Choose “Bureau of Security and Investigative Services ” in the boards and bureaus section.
• In the “License Type” field, select “Private Investigator” again to narrow the search.
• You can search by: Business name, PI license number, and/or individual’s full name.
Make sure you spell names exactly as they appear on official documentation to ensure accurate results.
Step 3: View the License Status and Details
After submitting your search, the system will return a list of results. Click on the appropriate listing to view their license status, expiration date, issuing date, business name, business address, and/or any disciplinary actions.
Considerations
There have been countless cases where a client has not verified an investigator's license which can lead to issues with their case. Whether you have an insurance fraud case, a workers comp surveillance case, or a child custody case, you should always ask a private investigator for their license number. A legitimate and professional PI will always offer their license number upon request. Be cautious if someone refuses to share their credentials. Any business cards or business material, should have their license number visible. If the investigator hired isn't licensed, that opens the door to legal issues within the courts.
