Private investigator services in Georgia are governed by the O.C.G.A. § 43-38 and regulated by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (Secretary of State). A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Georgia.
Quick Facts: Georgia PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (Secretary of State) |
| Governing statute | O.C.G.A. § 43-38 |
| Official license lookup | https://verify.sos.ga.gov/verification/ |
| Authority website | https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-private-detective-security-agencies |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Georgia
Before retaining any private investigator in Georgia, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (Secretary of State) maintains a public license search at https://verify.sos.ga.gov/verification/. 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
Georgia’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 Georgia 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.