How to become a Private Investigator in New Hampshire?

To work as a Private Investigator in New Hampshire, you need to possess a license issued by New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of State Police. *On July 13, 2010 the New Hampshire Private Detective bill, HB 651, was signed into law and becomes effective January 1, 2011. This bill adds certain exclusions from regulation of private investigative agencies, security guard agencies, and bail enforcement agencies. It replaces “the term detective agencies” with “private investigative agencies”, and requires the commissioner of safety to regulate private investigative agencies, security guard agencies, and bail enforcement agencies. The link to the bill is: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB0651.html

The Basic requirement to become a private investigator in New Hampshire is that you must be at least 18 years of age and must be a resident of United States. While, New Hampshire residency or US citizenship is not required. You will have to undergo a thorough background criminal as well as moral check. You need to have an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice and two years of practical experience in private investigation field as a licensed investigator. A criminal justice degree includes coursework in law enforcement, criminal behavior, the court system, investigation and corrections. You can obtain your license without proper education but obtaining experience is must. You should have a minimum of four years as a full-time firefighter and certification by the International Association of Arson Investigators or a minimum of four years practical experience as a full-time law enforcement officer or a minimum of four years employment as a full-time licensed private investigator. This criterion applies to an individual or an agency but not to an employee of an agency.

Your next step is to request your license through an application form. You can download an application form from here. Application form must be completely filled, duly signed and notarized. Along with the application form, you must file a surety bond worth$50000 and two sets of fingerprints (do contact your local police department or contact sheriff’s office). Firearms training certificate is to be attached if you need an armed private investigator license. Your qualification documents are to be attached along with.

After you get your license, you need to get your continuing education requirement fulfilled. Armed private detectives are required to meet minimum requirements in the use of firearms at least once per year including four hours of instruction in firearm techniques and safety. Do remember to renew your license every two years.

Please Note: - New Hampshire does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states.

Contact Information:

Website: http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/licertoccs/privatei.htm

New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police Permits and Licensing

Unit, 10 Hazen Drive, Concord, 03305

Phone: (603) 271-3575

Fax: (603) 271-0306

Citation Statute:

CHAPTER 106-F-F:1

Website: http://www.nhli.net/pilaw.asp

Fees: Private individual (biennial license) $100.00

Criminal background check $25.00

Agency employing more than one person (biennial license) $400.00

Agency fees: Employee license $5.00

Investigation fee $10.00

Investigation fee (in addition to above) $10.00

FBI fingerprint check (armed private detective applicants) $30.00