Wisconsin Private Investigator License

To become a PI, you’ll need the correct attitude and state-issued documentation in the U.S. Nearly all the states, including Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Utah, require you to pass a background check as well as special training (in case of armed certification). So, before heading to the office, we recommend you check Wisconsin Private Investigator License requirements and eligibility.

1. Meet the basic Wisconsin private investigator license eligibility demands

The first step is to fulfill the Department of Safety and Professional Service’s fundamental qualifying standards. To become a PI in this state you ought to be at least 18 years old and capable of reading, writing, and understanding English.

Within the last five years, you must not have had any felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions relating to theft, fraud, or perjury. You must not have committed any criminal offenses in the previous 20 years(in WI or elsewhere). In the previous three years, you should not have been convicted of a misdemeanor for assault or harassment. Finally, you should not owe any taxes to any state or federal government entities.

Besides, you have to work for a detective agency in WI and be a US citizen (or a legal resident if you are not a citizen). It is necessary to be able to show documentation of your legal right to operate in the US (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

2. Complete fingerprinting and other documentation

Actually, all new private detective candidates have to submit to a computerized fingerprinting process. Within 14 days of getting fingerprinted, you must submit a completed application. By making an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions, you should apply for a fingerprint check (877 -614-4364). You may also need additional documentation.

In addition, you need also provide a color photo of your face, and a conviction/pending charges form.

Remember: You have to get a $2,000 bond unless the employing agency’s liability insurance protects you. The state does not offer bonds for licensing reasons, thus you must get your insurance bond.

You have to also submit for a PI agency license if you want to work as an independent detective. You can pick up the Wisconsin DRL investigator application in person or download it from the department’s website.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need to fill out the “Employer” portion of the application. It will be immediately denied if you owe any overdue taxes, child support, or alimony payments.

3. Take and pass the corresponding exam

For most candidates, the WI licensure test is the most challenging aspect of the submitting process. The WI DRL will handle all of the paperwork and documents once you submit the application, fingerprints, and other evidence. And it will provide you with instructions for taking the licensure exam.

Based on how much experience you have, you will need different education and training. The majority of individuals finish a 100-hour course. A PI training school here will teach you topics like:

• What is the best way to handle research?
• How can you ensure that your findings are not tampered with?
• How you may use different strategies to acquire information?
• What is the best way to gather evidence?
• How do I file all of the demanded papers with the appropriate state and local authorities?

The exam is lengthy and examines for material in the Private Detective Code Book, which you can download or order by contacting 608-264-9419.

Another thing to be aware of is guns. Whether you want to carry a weapon or not, the application process is the same. However, there are particular administrative laws and codes surrounding  PIs carrying firearms while on the job.

Salary information

In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that people of this profession in WI earned an annual income of $51,840. However, if the job market demand increases, the salary may increase as well.