Go to Page Section:
Becoming a PI in the state of New York can be a rewarding career if you have a passion for helping others and have a strong attention to detail.
Whether you are pursuing a new career or transitioning from a law enforcement background, this guide will educate you on all the steps required to earn your private investigator license in New York and various programs offered in the state to help you along your journey.
How to Become a Private Investigator in New York-Step by Step
Here are some steps you should follow to become a private investigator in New York:
Step 1: Seek Fingerprint Clearance
The first step in becoming a private investigator is to obtain fingerprint clearance.
Once you are prepared to apply for your license, you will need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.
You should have this done through IdentoGO or another approved vendor.
There is a service code that you will need to enter to schedule an appointment that will be provided for you.
Step 2: Pass the PI Exam
Before applying, you must take the written PI exam through the Department of State in New York.
This exam will prove your knowledge of various laws and regulations in the state of New York concerning investigative techniques, governing private investigators, and professional ethics.
It’s necessary to study to ensure you do well since you’ll be tested on various topics in the private investigative industry.
You can prepare yourself by taking the New York Investigator State Exam Prep by Nita.
Step 3: Show Proof of Insurance
You will also need to provide proof of a $10,000 surety bond before you can apply for your license in New York.
A surety bond guarantees that you will abide by certain laws and regulations while conducting business as a private investigator.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you have successfully passed your exam, secured your $10,000 surety bond, and gotten your fingerprints, you will then be able to complete your NYS PI license application.
Once you have completed this application, it must be submitted to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
The application will request personal and business information, the original exam documentation, receipt of your fingerprints, documentation of your work experience, two passport-style pictures, a signed DMV informed consent, and a $400 non-refundable application fee.
Step 5: Receive Your PI License
After you’ve met all of the above requirements and have successfully submitted your application and passed the exam, the New York Department of State will send you your license.
The license will remain valid and active for two years, at which time you will need to renew it.
Schools
Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
- Accredited both regionally and nationally
- Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
1 Guardian Security
Guardian Security has been serving the community since 2007.
They have two locations, one in Long Island and one in New York City.
The owner himself, Matthew Seifer, has been delivering professional experience for more than two decades as a private investigator.
His training course is state-approved and even includes active shooter emergencies.
Program Description
Guardian Security offers a private investigation course that is taught by a licensed private investigator.
In this course, students will be taught various investigative skills and how they should be utilized in the industry.
They will also learn how to gather private information from both people and businesses.
After completing this course, students will feel confident in applying for open private investigator positions.
Upon completion of this course, students will receive a certificate, which can help build credibility as they begin pursuing job openings.
Cost
The Introduction to Private Investigations course costs $175.
The final cost depends on the specific type of training you receive.
For instance, the comprehensive cannabis security course costs $549, while the social media for private investigators course costs $129.
Contact Information
- Address: 940 Grand Blvd, Deer Park, NY 11729, United States
- Phone: +1 631-351-6473
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Don’s Security
Don’s Security also offers a private investigations strategies and techniques training course.
This course is specifically designed to help people who are already private investigators or aspiring investigators, both corporate and private.
This training course is an excellent option because it is full of valuable information that covers topics including NY state licensing laws, pre-surveillance reports, report writing, child custody investigations, testifying in court, computer searches, spy equipment, and more.
Cost
The total cost of this course is $75, and it is eight hours in total.
Registration can be completed online, and payments must be made in advance.
Contact Information
- Address: 3125 Walden Ave, Depew, NY
- Phone: +1 (716) 685-4265
- Website: Visit School Website
3 The Training Institute
The course here at The Training Institute was created to help prepare students to take the New York State PI exam.
This program will help students gain the most critical skills and knowledge required to succeed in the world of private investigation.
The course/program covers learning how to gather information for legal purposes and teaches students how to highlight the most critical aspects of documentation.
Cost
The cost of this course is just $49.99 for a total of two lessons.
Courses are all self-paced but can be completed in just 40 hours.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Guardian Security |
| #2 | Don’s Security |
| #3 | The Training Institute |
Private Investigator Salary in New York
Private investigators get paid an average salary of $60,502 in New York.
However, the usual range sits anywhere between $48,902 and $73,202.
The exact salary you pay will depend on several factors, such as experience, skills, certification, education, and more.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$38.3K |
|
$57K |
|
$84.8K |
Average Salary in New York
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New York city | $57,906 |
| Syracuse | $50,590 |
| Brookhaven | $59,463 |
| Islip | $57,790 |
| Oyster Bay | $57,260 |
| Buffalo | $49,471 |
| Yonkers | $59,494 |
| Rochester | $52,441 |
| Huntington | $55,978 |
| Ramapo | $64,751 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 80 | $57,840 | $27.81 | $110,830 | $36,610 |
| Binghamton, NY | ** | $41,160 | $19.79 | $47,860 | $31,550 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 100 | $62,960 | $30.27 | $148,370 | $39,420 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 1,590 | $70,780 | $34.03 | $113,190 | $39,180 |
| Rochester, NY | 60 | $56,680 | $27.25 | $87,780 | $37,810 |
| Syracuse, NY | 50 | $62,000 | $29.81 | $97,220 | $37,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as a private investigator in New York?
Yes, you must obtain a license in New York to work as a private investigator.
This law falls under the Private Detective Act of 1939.
All private investigator licenses are regulated by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
However, before applying for your license, there are standard requirements you must meet.
You should also gain relevant industry work experience and pass the New York State Exam.
How often do private investigator licenses need to be renewed in New York?
In New York, your private investigator license must be renewed every two years.
To continue working as a private investigator, you should consider renewing it.
How much does it cost to become a private investigator in New York?
Several costs are involved when working to become a private investigator in New York.
You will need to pay an application fee, which can range anywhere from $400 to $500, depending on the type of license you’re applying for.
Also, you’ll need to obtain a surety bond for $10,000.
Finally, you’ll have to pay for application expenses and fingerprinting fees.
Overall, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,000 for all expenses.
Leave a Reply