RCW 18.165.030: Private investigator license—Requirements.

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL ) ***

An applicant must meet the following minimum requirements to obtain a private investigator license: (1) Be at least eighteen years of age; (2) Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States; (3) Not have been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction, if the director determines that the applicant's particular crime directly relates to his or her capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and the director determines that the license should be withheld to protect the citizens of Washington state. The director shall make her or his determination to withhold a license because of previous convictions notwithstanding the restoration of employment rights act, chapter 9.96A RCW; (4) Be employed by or have an employment offer from a private investigator agency or be licensed as a private investigator agency; (5) Submit a set of fingerprints; however, if an applicant has been issued a license as a private security guard under chapter 18.170 RCW within the last twelve months, the applicant is not required to undergo a separate background check to become licensed under this chapter; (6) Pay the required nonrefundable fee for each application; and (7) Submit a fully completed application that includes proper identification on a form prescribed by the director for each company of employment.