Private Investigator Washington State

To become a private investigator Washington state requires a DOL-issued PI license, completion of pre-assignment training and test, fingerprint background check, and employment with a licensed PI agency (or qualifying as the agency principal). Armed status needs age 21, a CJTC firearms certificate, and a Washington CPL. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=308-17&full=true&utm_source=openai))

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-03

How to become a private investigator in Washington state

1. Choose your path: Work for an existing licensed private investigative agency or qualify to open your own as the principal (agency owner/qualifying agent). RCW 18.165 requires association with a licensed agency. ([app6.leg.wa.gov](https://app6.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?Cite=18.165&full=true&utm_source=openai))
2. Confirm eligibility: You must be 18+ (21+ if armed), be a U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen, have no disqualifying convictions, and complete pre-assignment training. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/get-your-license-private-investigators-unarmed?utm_source=openai))
3. Complete pre-assignment training and test: Take the state-required curriculum and pass the pre-assignment test before licensure. Keep training records. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx/default.aspx?cite=308-17-300&utm_source=openai))
4. Get fingerprinted: In Washington, schedule electronic fingerprints with IdentoGO (Idemia). DOL/WSP route prints and forward to the FBI if a national check is required. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/uk/node/2040?utm_source=openai))
5. Apply for your PI license: File the Private Investigator License Application (Form 689-012) online or by mail and pay fees; a $5 printed license card is optional. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/689012.pdf?utm_source=openai))
6. Add armed endorsement (optional): After you hold a PI license or are an agency principal, submit proof of a CJTC firearms certificate and a Washington concealed pistol license (or noncitizen firearm license if applicable). ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/get-your-license-private-investigators-armed?utm_source=openai))
7. If opening an agency: Qualify as principal by documenting three years (≥6,000 hours) of investigative experience or by passing the principal exam; file a $10,000 surety bond or qualifying liability insurance. ([apps.leg.wa.gov](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.165.050&utm_source=openai))
8. Renew annually: Licenses expire one year from issuance; renew online (fees set in WAC 308-17-150). ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))

Washington state private investigator license requirements (quick facts)

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — Private Investigators Program. Program hub. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators?utm_source=openai))
Individual PI fees	$220 original; $193 renewal; license print $5. Armed endorsement $110 (in addition). Fees codified in WAC 308‑17‑150 and shown on DOL fees page. WAC 308‑17‑150. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))
Agency (principal) fees	$640 agency/principal application (includes first principal exam/background); $385 renewal; armed principal endorsement $110 (often presented together as $750 at BLS). WAC 308‑17‑150; WA BLS. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))
Experience (agency principal)	Three years (≥6,000 hours) of investigative experience OR pass the principal exam. RCW 18.165.050. ([apps.leg.wa.gov](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.165.050&utm_source=openai))
Exam	Required for agency principals and certified trainers; not required for unarmed individual PIs. DOL exams page. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/exams-private-investigators?utm_source=openai))
Minimum age	18 for unarmed individual PI; 21 for armed endorsement. DOL unarmed; DOL armed. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/get-your-license-private-investigators-unarmed?utm_source=openai))
Insurance/bond (agency)	EITHER a $10,000 surety bond (DOL bond form 689003) OR qualifying liability insurance (≥$25,000/$25,000). RCW 18.165.100. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?Cite=18.165&full=true&utm_source=openai))
Renewal	Annual; licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. WAC 308‑17‑150. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))

Washington private investigator pre‑assignment training

Before DOL issues your license, you must complete pre‑assignment training and pass the associated test. Agencies must retain training/testing records; certified trainers are governed under WAC 308‑17‑320. WAC 308‑17‑300; WAC 308‑17‑320. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx/default.aspx?cite=308-17-300&utm_source=openai))

Costs and timelines for a private investigator Washington state license

Budget for state fees in WAC 308‑17‑150 (individual $220 original, $193 renewal; armed endorsement $110; agency/principal $640; optional card $5) plus fingerprint vendor charges. For a step-by-step budgeting walkthrough, see our Washington PI license cost guide. ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))

Do you need an exam to be a PI in Washington?

There’s no DOL licensing exam for unarmed individual PI applicants. Agency principals must pass the principal exam unless they qualify by experience, and certified trainers must pass their exam. See the DOL exams page for formats, outlines, and study resources. Exams. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/exams-private-investigators?utm_source=openai))

Armed private investigator requirements in Washington

To add the armed endorsement, you must already be licensed (or be an agency principal), be at least 21, hold a Washington concealed pistol license (or noncitizen firearm license), and possess a current WSCJTC firearms certificate; then apply with DOL for the endorsement. DOL armed; CJTC firearms certificate; RCW 18.165.040. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/get-your-license-private-investigators-armed?utm_source=openai))

Agency setup: experience, insurance, and naming

Opening your own firm requires either three years (≥6,000 hours) of qualifying investigative experience or passing the principal exam, plus maintaining a $10,000 surety bond or qualifying liability insurance. Review RCW 18.165.050 and RCW 18.165.100 before filing through the state’s Business Licensing Service. ([apps.leg.wa.gov](https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.165.050&utm_source=openai))

Plan your next step in Washington

For a deeper walkthrough—including screen-by-screen application tips and timelines—use our in‑depth Washington PI licensing guide and this focused primer on how to get a Washington PI license. These companion pieces complement the requirements and fees above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license to be a private investigator in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires an individual PI license from DOL, and you must either work for a licensed PI agency or be the licensed agency principal—independent practice without an agency relationship isn’t authorized. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators?utm_source=openai))

How much does a Washington PI license cost?

As of November 2026, state fees include $220 for an original individual license, $193 for renewal, $110 for the armed endorsement, $640 for an agency/principal application, and an optional $5 card print. Agency with armed principal is commonly shown as $750 ($640 + $110). ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-150&utm_source=openai))

Is there a Washington PI exam?

Unarmed individual PIs don’t take a state licensing exam. Principals must pass the principal exam unless qualifying by experience; certified trainers also test. The DOL exams page provides the outline and study guide. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/exams-private-investigators?utm_source=openai))

What are the armed private investigator requirements?

Be 21 or older, already licensed (or an agency principal), hold a Washington CPL or noncitizen firearm license, and obtain a CJTC firearms certificate, then request the DOL armed endorsement. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigators/get-your-license-private-investigators-armed?utm_source=openai))

Where do I find the application form and fingerprint steps?

Use DOL’s Private Investigator License Application (Form 689‑012) and follow DOL’s fingerprinting instructions; in-state applicants use IdentoGO (Idemia) for electronic submission. ([dol.wa.gov](https://dol.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/689012.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Ready to make Washington’s PI licensing smooth? License Navigator centralizes your forms, fees, and renewals so you can investigate—not administrate. Start with our Washington private investigator overview and we’ll help you track every step.

Related Private Investigator Licensing Guides

• Private investigator licensing service for Washington — License Navigator
• Private Investigator License Minnesota
• Private Investigator License Missouri
• Private investigator in Connecticut
• Private Investigator in Kentucky
• North Carolina PI License Guide
• How to become a PI in Arizona