Private investigator services in Virginia are governed by the Va. Code § 9.1-138 et seq. and regulated by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Private Security Services Section. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Virginia.
Quick Facts: Virginia PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Private Security Services Section |
| Governing statute | Va. Code § 9.1-138 et seq. |
| Official license lookup | https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/dcjs-online-services |
| Authority website | https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/private-investigator |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Virginia
Before retaining any private investigator in Virginia, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Private Security Services Section maintains a public license search at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/dcjs-online-services. 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
Virginia’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 Virginia 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.