Private investigator services in California are governed by the Business and Professions Code Chapter 11.3 and regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in California.
Quick Facts: California PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) |
| Governing statute | Business and Professions Code Chapter 11.3 |
| Official license lookup | https://search.dca.ca.gov/ |
| Authority website | https://www.bsis.ca.gov |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in California
Before retaining any private investigator in California, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) maintains a public license search at https://search.dca.ca.gov/. Search by the individual’s name or company name; the record will show the license number, status, and any disciplinary history on file.
What This Means for Hiring
California’s licensing requirement means the investigator you hire has, at minimum, completed the state’s training and background screening process. It does not guarantee competence on your specific case — surveillance, family-court, corporate, and skip-trace work each demand specialized experience. When evaluating a California PI, ask about case-type specialization, evidentiary chain-of-custody process, and prior testimony in the jurisdiction where your matter is pending.
Reference: All 50 States + DC
For licensing requirements in other jurisdictions, see the full PI licensing reference map.