HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR IN TX

Step 1: Understand Licensing Requirements

In Texas, you can’t just start working as a PI.

• All private investigators must be licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division, Private Security Bureau (PSB).

• Individuals must either:

  1. Own a licensed investigations company, or

  2. Work for a licensed investigations company as a registered employee.

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history.

• Maintain good moral character.

Step 3: Gain the Required Experience or Education

Texas requires PIs to demonstrate relevant investigative experience before licensing. You can qualify through one of the following paths:

• 3 consecutive years (6,000 hours) of investigative experience under a licensed PI.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field + 1 year of investigative experience.

• Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field + 2 years of investigative experience.

• Substitute federal, state, or local law enforcement experience may also count.

Step 4: Form or Join a Licensed Investigations Company

• To work independently, you must apply for a Company License (Class A license). This requires proof of liability insurance and meeting the qualification criteria as the business owner/manager as shown above.

• If you don’t want to run your own agency, you can work under an already licensed investigations company as a registered employee.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Applications are filed through the Texas DPS Private Security Online Licensing System.

• https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/login/auth

• Required documentation:

  • Proof of experience/education (for owners).

  • Fingerprints (for background check via FAST).

  • Application fee.

Step 6: Pass Background Check

• DPS conducts a thorough background check.

• Any criminal history, dishonesty, or past misconduct may disqualify you.

Step 7: Obtain Liability Insurance (If Opening Your Own Agency)

• Texas requires PIs operating their own agency to carry at least $200,000 in professional liability insurance. There are several insurance agencies who specialize in this.

Step 8: Maintain Continuing Education

• Texas PIs must complete 18 hours continuing education (CE) every 2 years to renew their license.

• CE often includes ethics, legal updates, and investigative practices.

To become a PI in Texas, you must meet eligibility requirements, gain investigative experience or education, apply through DPS, pass a background check, and either start your own licensed agency or work for one. Once licensed, you must maintain continuing education and renew your license regularly. If you're looking for a great start please check out our class "Private Investigator Fundamentals".

This foundational course offers a comprehensive overview of the private investigation profession. Designed for everyone, it covers essential topics such as surveillance techniques, report writing, legal considerations, ethics, and the role of a private investigator in civil and criminal cases. Students will gain insight into real-world investigative procedures and develop a solid understanding of the skills and mindset required to succeed in the field. Whether you're exploring a new career or seeking to enhance your knowledge, this course discusses many of the fundamentals needed for our job. (Taking this class doe s not guarantee you a job with an Agency, but it will prepare you for your first job or if you're already licensed and haven't received much training, it will give you great information on fundamentals).

https://www.texasinvestigatorinstitute.com/product-page/introduction-to-private-investigations-1

Whether you're just getting started or you're looking for CE's, Texas Investigator Institute is here to help! give us a call or email today and let us know what we can o for you!