How to Start a Private Investigation Business: Steps and Requirements

If you are already experienced and trained as a private investigator, it may be just right for you to start your very own private investigation business. This will help you in growing your business and building your presence for increased revenue and profits.

Just like starting any other business, you need to have a strong business plan. For example, decide on the private investigator cost for your services, ongoing expenses, the name of your business, targeted profit, etc.

Before listing down the steps for you to successfully start your private investigation business, read the requirements mentioned in this article first!

Basic Requirements for Starting a Private Investigation Business

In order to start your business in a legal manner you need to fulfill the basic requirements. It’s essential to know that every state has different requirements, so you should check accordingly.

General requirements are jotted down below:

• Be at least 18 to 25 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Have two to five years of work experience in the same field (only some states require this)
• Have a general business license (must check with your state authority)
• Have an individual private investigator license (type your state name + private investigator license in Google and hit search)
• Be insured

5 Steps to Kick-Start Your Private Investigation Business

After confirming all the necessary requirements for starting your business legally, you can now follow these 5 steps to start your business operations.

Step #1: Find a Specialty

As you may already know, private investigators specialize in various areas, such as civil law, employment law, criminal law, etc.

As you are just starting your private investigation business, it’s better to research the market in your area and pick one area in which you will offer your services.

This will help you target a specific audience and grow your business quickly.

Step #2: Decide Whether You Need a Separate Office

Next, you should decide whether you need a separate office location for your business or if you want to open your office in your home.

Opening a separate office is a better option, as you can take interviews and deal with your clients in a more private space.

However, you may have to pay additional property-related expenses like utility bills and rent. Take your budget into account and decide accordingly.

Step #3: Purchase the Required Equipment

Now, you don’t have to immediately invest in high-end and advanced equipment for your private investigation business.

Just purchase the necessary equipment to offer uncompromised services to your clients.

Step #4: Subscribe to Database Information Providers

Private investigators need to have access to database information services in order to help them in collecting valuable data such as background checks, employment history reports, missing person searches, etc.

You can contact the database information providers online and opt for the one that best suits your needs. 

Step #5: Advertise Your Services

Now that you have taken care of almost everything required to successfully operate your private investigation business, you should start advertising your services.

Create professional accounts on social media sites, and you can even leverage the paid ads on Facebook or Instagram. Building your own business website will also give a professional look to your business and your clients can take a look at your portfolio or reviews.