How to Get a Washington PI License
Washington licenses private investigators through the Department of Licensing. To qualify, tie yourself to a licensed PI agency, complete 4 hours of preassignment training and its test, submit fingerprints/background checks, and file Form 689012 with fees. Renew annually; add the armed endorsement only after meeting CJTC/CPL requirements.
To get a private investigator license in Washington, you must be at least 18, be hired by or own a licensed PI agency, complete 4 hours of preassignment training and its test, pass fingerprint-based background checks, and file DOL Form 689012 with the $220 fee; renew annually. Armed endorsements add requirements.
Requirements last verified: 2026-07-30
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Private Investigators Program. See DOL overview page for PIs. official Washington licensing authority page |
| Minimum age | Unarmed PI: 18 years (RCW 18.165.030). Armed PI endorsement: 21 years and other conditions (RCW 18.165.040). official Washington licensing authority page official Washington licensing authority page |
| Employment/agency tie | You must be employed by or have an offer from a licensed PI agency, or be licensed as an agency principal (RCW 18.165.030(4)). official Washington licensing authority page |
| Training and test | Complete at least 4 hours of DOL-approved preassignment training and pass the training test (RCW 18.165.090; WAC 308-17-300). official Washington licensing authority page law.cornell.edu page |
| Fingerprints/background | Submit fingerprints; DOL processes state and, when required, national checks via WSP/FBI. See RCW 18.165.030(5) and DOL fingerprinting guidance. official Washington licensing authority page official Washington licensing authority page |
| Exam | No state exam for unarmed PI employees. Agency principals must have 3 years’ qualifying experience or pass the principal exam (DOL agency page); DOL also offers a certified trainer exam. official Washington licensing authority page official Washington licensing authority page |
| Fees (individual PI) | Initial license $220; renewal $193; late renewal $35 (WAC 308-17-150). Armed endorsement adds $110 to the PI fee schedule. Background check vendor/WSP fees are additional. official Washington licensing authority page |
| Armed PI requirements | Must already hold a PI license; be 21+; hold a CJTC firearms certificate; and hold a WA Concealed Pistol License (RCW 18.165.040). official Washington licensing authority page |
| Insurance/bond | Only for agencies: $10,000 surety bond or liability insurance of at least $25,000 bodily/personal injury and $25,000 property damage (RCW 18.165.100). official Washington licensing authority page |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire one year from issuance; renew annually (WAC 308-17-150). official Washington licensing authority page |
| Application form | Private Investigator License Application, DOL Form 689012 (online or mail). official Washington licensing authority page |
How to get a private investigator license in Washington
- Confirm you’re tied to a licensed PI agency. RCW 18.165.030 requires employment with, an offer from, or licensure as a PI agency principal. If you’ll run your own firm, meet principal requirements or pass DOL’s principal exam and secure the agency bond/insurance. Statute DOL Bond/insurance
- Complete 4 hours of preassignment training and the test. Take DOL-required preassignment training from a certified trainer and pass the training test before licensure (RCW 18.165.090; WAC 308-17-300). Keep your course documentation. Statute Rule
- Get fingerprinted for background checks. Schedule fingerprints (e.g., via IdentoGO) per DOL instructions. Washington State Patrol forwards prints for any required national checks. Fees are paid to the vendor/WSP. DOL fingerprinting RCW 18.165.030(5)
- Apply to DOL and pay fees. File the Private Investigator License Application (Form 689012) online or by mail and pay the $220 license fee plus background fees. Your employing agency information must be included. Form 689012 Fee rule
- Add the armed endorsement (optional). After you hold a PI license, to work armed you must be 21+, hold a CJTC firearms certificate, and a WA Concealed Pistol License; add the $110 armed endorsement. RCW 18.165.040 Fee rule
- Maintain and renew annually. PI licenses expire one year from issuance; renew on time to avoid the $35 late fee. Update DOL if you switch agencies. WAC 308-17-150
Washington private investigator license: key points and timelines
Who needs the Washington PI license?
If you conduct investigations for the public in Washington, you must be individually licensed and tied to a licensed PI agency (as its employee or principal). DOL clarifies that solo operators still need an agency license if operating independently. DOL FAQ RCW 18.165.030(4)
How much does a Washington PI license cost?
The individual PI license is $220 initially; $193 to renew; $35 late renewal. The armed endorsement adds $110. These are set in rule; background check and fingerprint vendor fees are additional. For a deeper cost breakdown and budgeting tips, see our guide on the private investigator license cost in Washington. WAC 308-17-150
Training and testing details
Washington mandates at least 4 hours of preassignment training covering topics like legal limits, confidentiality, and surveillance ethics, followed by a training test administered by a certified trainer. This is separate from the principal/certified-trainer exams. RCW 18.165.090 WAC 308-17-300 DOL exams
Going armed in Washington
To add the armed endorsement, you must already be licensed as a PI, be at least 21, hold a CJTC firearms certificate, and possess a WA Concealed Pistol License. Then pay the $110 armed endorsement fee; your PI credential will reflect the endorsement. RCW 18.165.040 WAC 308-17-150
Opening your own PI agency
Agency principals must show 3 years of investigative experience or pass DOL’s agency principal exam and must keep a $10,000 surety bond on file (or approved liability insurance of at least $25,000/$25,000). DOL agency licensing RCW 18.165.100
Comparing requirements across jurisdictions
If you’re also researching other markets, compare our Washington steps with our state-specific walkthroughs such as how to get a private investigator license in Rhode Island or our neighboring coverage like Private Investigator Arkansas: License, Fees, Steps 2026. Washington’s agency tie-in and 4-hour preassignment training are distinctive.
Related License Navigator guides: Private investigator Washington state: 2026 license guide · Private investigator license requirements in Washington, DC · Private investigator license cost in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass a state exam to become an unarmed private investigator in Washington?
No. Washington requires 4 hours of preassignment training plus a training test given by a certified trainer, but there’s no state exam for unarmed PI employees. Exams apply to agency principals and certified trainers. WAC 308-17-300 DOL exams DOL agency
Can I get licensed if I’m working solo without forming an agency?
Only if you are employed by an existing Washington-licensed PI agency. If you plan to operate solo for the public, you must license a PI agency and become its principal or employee. DOL FAQ RCW 18.165.030(4)
How long does it take to get a Washington PI license?
DOL does not publish a fixed timeline. Plan time for the 4-hour course/test, fingerprints, background processing, and form review. Using DOL’s online application portal and promptly completing fingerprints helps minimize delays. DOL PIs DOL fingerprinting
What are the exact Washington PI license fees right now?
Individual PI: $220 initial; $193 renewal; $35 late renewal. Armed endorsement: +$110. Agency/principal have separate, higher fees. Background check/fingerprint vendor fees apply in addition. Fees are set by WAC 308‑17‑150. WAC 308‑17‑150
What insurance or bond do I need?
Employees do not carry a personal bond. Agencies must keep a $10,000 surety bond on file or carry liability insurance of at least $25,000 (bodily/personal injury) and $25,000 (property damage). RCW 18.165.100
What documents do I submit with my application?
Complete the Private Investigator License Application (Form 689012) with your agency/principal information, preassignment training completion, identification, fingerprints/background confirmations, and required fees. You can apply online or by mail. Form 689012 DOL application steps
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