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Private Investigator
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required?
Varies
Experience (Years)
No
Exam Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
$5,000
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the Delaware Private Investigator Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20You must be at least 24 years old. Delaware requires state licensure for private investigators through Delaware State Police – Professional Licensing Section. All applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements established by state law before practicing professionally.
None specified
No degree required.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction, Crime of moral turpitude.
Submit your application to the Delaware State Police – Professional Licensing Section.
Renew your license every 5 years.
Available License Categories
VerifiedDelaware requires state licensure for private investigators through Delaware State Police – Professional Licensing Section. All applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements established by state law before practicing professionally.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
VerifiedVaries
Years of Experience
Details
None specified
Private investigator experience requirements often include work in law enforcement, military intelligence, legal investigations, or supervised work under a licensed PI.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
State Exam
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Minimum Age
24 years old
Background Check
VerifiedRequired
Criminal Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Moral Character
Disqualifying Offenses
Surety Bond
VerifiedRequired
Bond
$5,000
Bond Amount
Insurance
VerifiedRequired
General Liability
$300,000
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
Not sure if you need a private investigator license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Not specified | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Regulatory Board
Private investigator licenses must be renewed on schedule. Some states require continuing education covering legal updates, ethics, and investigative techniques.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Delaware does not have reciprocity
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Private investigator license reciprocity varies by state. Some states offer endorsement for experienced PIs, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Delaware with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
Firearm Qualification
Must hold valid concealed carry permit
Requalification Period
Annually
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Delaware has the longest PI license term in the nation (5 years) and an unusual minimum age of 24. No exam or experience requirement specified, but bond and insurance are required. The State Police directly oversees PI licensing. Neighboring states include Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, each with their own private investigator requirements.
Longest license term in the nation: 5 years.
Unusual minimum age of 24 (second highest nationally after CT's 25).
No experience requirement specified.
No exam required. Delaware does not impose this requirement on private investigators at the state level.
Both bond ($5,000) and liability insurance ($300,000) required.
Fee details not publicly specified in available sources.
Delaware does not have automatic reciprocity for out-of-state private investigator credentials. Applicants from other states must meet all Delaware requirements independently.
An armed endorsement is available for licensed private investigators in Delaware who complete additional firearms training and qualification requirements.
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (you) | $450 | 162–174 wks | |
| Maryland | $550 | 162–174 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $650 | 162–174 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $450 | 162–174 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Delaware
See how Delaware compares: Private Investigator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare private investigator requirements across all states →
Private Investigator licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure private investigator is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Delaware compare to other states for private investigator? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your private investigator license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
Private Investigator Schools in Delaware
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Delaware? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to Delaware →
Transfer your Private Investigator license from Delaware to: Maryland → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania →
Delaware requires a state-level PI license. All licensing is managed through the Delaware State Police – Professional Licensing Section.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.