Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed private investigator in Delaware. State license required. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required?
Varies
Experience (Years)
No
Exam Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
$5,000
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedDelaware requires state-level licensure for private investigators through Delaware State Police.
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
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
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Not specified | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years (longest nationally)
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.
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.
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.
Both bond ($5,000) and liability insurance ($300,000) required.
Fee details not publicly specified in available sources.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Cost
#30 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Private Detectives and Investigators (SOC 33-9021)
Entry Level
$45,770
25th percentile
Median
$49,400
-6% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$59,120
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
120 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Private Detectives and Investigators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.6%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
3,200
per year (avg.)
38,100 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 162–174 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Delaware State Police - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Delaware State Police - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Delaware requires a state-level PI license. All licensing is managed through the Delaware State Police – Professional Licensing.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.