How to become a Private Investigator in South Carolina?

The State of South Carolina allows a person to work as a private investigator only if he possesses a license issued by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The basic requirement is that you must be at least 18 years of age and be legally entitled to work in United States of America. You will have to undergo a thorough background check which scrutinizes your criminal and moral history. If found guilty, you will be disqualified from possessing a license.

You must have three years of practical experience in private investigation field. Also, you must be under the supervision of a licensed private investigator. If you have no experience in security, police or investigative work, your application will be denied.

The next step is to fill an application form (the disclosure of principal form and form PD/PS-9). The Disclosure of Principal Form is a statement signed by all people who exercise operational control of a company, and Form PD/PS-9 verifies the nature of the company. Have all three forms notarized and duly signed. Attach a statement verifying from count’s clerk that you have no civil judgments against you.

Then you have to insure yourself from a security bond from an insurance agency that is licensed to do business in South Carolina. Next step is to get fingerprinted from a local police station. You must request two fingerprint sets. Along with your two recent passport colored photograph, mail your completed application form to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. If you have any doubts regarding the licensing process please call Sled’s information number 803-737-9000.

Also, after you obtain a license, continuing education is also required. For more information on continuing education, please click here. South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee.

Contact Information:
Website: http://www.sled.sc.gov/PI.aspx?MenuID=PI
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division C/o Regulatory Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, South Carolina, United States, 29221
Phone: (803) 896-7014

Associations: South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators

Citation Statute:
48-18-20 through 48-18-150
Website: http://www.sled.sc.gov/documents/PI/pilaw.doc

Fees: $350.00
Renewal Information: $350.00 annually

Forms: http://www.sled.sc.gov/PIPrivate.aspx?MenuID=PI