How to Become a Private Investigator in Maryland

If you enjoy helping people find answers to pressing questions and conducting criminal investigations using the latest technology and surveillance equipment like spy cams, audio listening devices, and night vision cams, becoming a Private Investigator in Maryland could be an ideal career for you!

Gain insights into the profession, learn more about what Maryland PIs do, and get information on local and national Private Investigator schools.

Maryland’s Private Investigators are licensed or certified professionals who provide crucial services for investigating individuals, corporations, cybercrimes, child custody investigations, and supporting local employers conducting pre-hiring background checks.

They can work independently in their firms or with established PI firms operating in their area.

Follow the steps in the comprehensive career guide below and learn how to become a Private Investigator in Maryland!

How to Become a Private Investigator in Maryland: Step by Step

Becoming a Private Investigator in Maryland is a multistep process where potential new investigators complete a series of mandatory steps before becoming eligible to apply for a Private Detective license in the state.

Maryland is committed to supporting local PIs and protecting its community members by ensuring that incoming Private Investigators meet state standards for education, experience, and have clean criminal backgrounds.

The career guide below represents the steps typically taken by new Private Investigators in Maryland and can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Use the guide below as a framework to plan your journey and meet mandatory state requirements on your pathway to becoming a licensed Private Eye in Maryland.

Step One – Meet Basic Requirements for New Private Investigators in Maryland

Maryland has basic requirements that must be met before aspiring Private Investigators become eligible to submit an official licensing application to the state.

Incoming applicants must meet age, citizenship, moral character, and background requirements to legally work as independent investigators in the state.

Basic Requirements for Private Investigators in Maryland include the following:

• Private Investigator Applicants Must Be US Citizens or Legal Residents
• New Applicants Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
• Clean Criminal Background with No Felony Convictions or Crimes, or Moral Turpitude
• Maryland’s Private Investigators Must Demonstrate Good Moral Character

Step Two – Gain Experience Through On-the-Job Training or by Earning a  Criminal Justice-Related Degree

Incoming Private Investigators in Maryland have two options for proving relevant experience in the field.

They can show proof of at least five years of active duty experience in law enforcement, military experience, or proof of working under the supervision of a licensed Private Investigator.

Investigators without five years of experience can become investigators by substituting an approved criminal justice degree for the mandatory five-year experience requirements.

• Relevant Criminal Justice Degrees
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Forensics
• Forensic Science
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement
• Police Science
• Psychology

Maryland has specific programs and degree requirements for new investigators seeking to enter the field based on their educational experience alone.

The criminal justice-related careers listed above demonstrate a working knowledge of investigative theories, legal processes, and evidence handling, which are crucial skills needed for private investigators.

Step Three – Complete Mandatory State and Federal Background Checks

Incoming applicants seeking to secure a Private Investigation license in Maryland must pass mandatory federal and state background checks, which include submitting to being fingerprinted by a state-approved authority.

Step Four – Apply for a Private Detective License

Aspiring PIs in Maryland seeking to own and operate their investigation agencies must apply for a Private Detective License to the Maryland State Police Licensing Division, along with the required application fee, background check fees, a passport-sized photo, and proof of five years of investigative experience or related education.

Step Five – Start Working as a Private Investigator

Prospective applicants who meet all mandatory state requirements and pass all mandated background checks are notified of approval by the relevant agencies.

Upon approval, new Private Investigators become eligible to work for existing PI firms or to start their businesses by carrying out the additional required steps below.

5a. Apply for a local business license in your city or county.

5b. Register Your Private Investigation Business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

5c. Independent investigators opening their firms are required to secure a $15,000 surety bond or liability insurance to operate legally within the state.

1 University of Maryland at College Park

The University of Maryland offers Bachelor’s and Graduate degree-level criminal justice education.

Their programs focus on teaching students the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, including how criminal justice courts, policing, and corrections work.

This intensive program helps enrollees understand the fundamental drivers of crime surrounding politics, social structures, and systems of oppression.

U of M students who complete undergraduate degree program requirements are awarded a Bachelor’s of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree.

Courses Offered

• Courts and Sentencing
• Corrections
• Crime and Delinquency Prevention
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Policing

Contact Information

• Address: 725 Preinkert Drive, College Park, Maryland - 20742
• Phone: 301-405-4699
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore is another Maryland-based school offering criminal justice education for aspiring law enforcement officials, criminal justice majors, and private investigators in the state.

Their criminal justice degree options include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Cyber Forensics, and a Forensic Studies Certificate.

They also offer graduate-level criminal justice education, leading to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Cyber Forensics, and Master’s certificates in Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership.

Courses Offered

• Criminal Justice Ethics
• Criminal Justice Research Methods
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminal Law
• Forensic Science
• The Contemporary Criminal Justice System

Contact Information

• Address: 10 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland - 21201
• Phone: 410 - 837-5459
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Maryland at College Park
	#2	University of Baltimore

Private Investigator Salary in Maryland

Online salary data reports from reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com show that the average annual earnings for Private Investigators in Maryland are around $53,802.00.

The salary scale for Maryland’s Private Investigators ranges from $34,124.00 to $75,390.00 per year.

Private investigators on the lower end of the earnings scale can boost their earnings by gaining more investigative experience, taking advanced criminal justice courses, earning nationwide certifications, specializing in an investigative field, or working for larger employers.

Regional Salary

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About Tina Wolf Tina Wolf has been working as a writer for several years. She enjoys researching and writing about the government and history as well as other legal topics. With extensive legal knowledge she verifies accuracy to the highest standards.