Private investigator services in Delaware are governed by the 24 Del. C. § 1301 et seq. (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies) and regulated by the Delaware State Police — Professional Licensing Section. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Delaware.
Quick Facts: Delaware PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Delaware State Police — Professional Licensing Section |
| Governing statute | 24 Del. C. § 1301 et seq. (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies) |
| Official license lookup | https://dsp.delaware.gov/professional-licensing/ |
| Authority website | https://dsp.delaware.gov/professional-licensing/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Delaware
Before retaining any private investigator in Delaware, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Delaware State Police — Professional Licensing Section maintains a public license search at https://dsp.delaware.gov/professional-licensing/. 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
Delaware’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 Delaware 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.