How to Become a Private Investigator in New Jersey

Wedged between New York City and Philadelphia, and containing large cities like Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey, private investigators (PIs) have more cases than they can handle.

At every turn there seems to be human drama, so New Jersey PIs offer an excellent service to individuals, lawyers, insurance companies, corporations, law enforcement, and government agencies.

Also, given that New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in the U.S., your compensation will be higher.

Regardless of whether you are set on operating your own PI agency or bringing your knowledge and grit to an established firm, there are an endless number of lucrative PI opportunities in the Garden State.

Keep reading to learn more about becoming a PI in New Jersey!

How to Become a Private Investigator – Step by Step

Unfortunately, private investigation is not a career into which you can simply jump.

Instead, it’s heavily licensed because private investigators must follow all local, state, and federal laws during investigations.

To become licensed, you must follow these steps:

Step One: Meet the Minimum Requirements

Like in most other states, PIs must meet the following requirements before starting the licensure process.

• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be at least 25 years old.

Step Two: Complete the New Jersey Experience and Education Requirements

To become licensed in New Jersey, you must have at least five years of experience in the investigatory field or as a local or state police officer.

While no educational requirements exist for PIs in the state, most complete a degree in criminal justice or a similar field before entering the PI sector.

This allows them to have a firm understanding of the law and the criminal justice system.

Also, an accredited degree helps budding PIs earn the required experience for licensure.

Step Three: Provide Fingerprints

As part of the licensing process, you must submit electronic fingerprints.

To request fingerprinting, call 609-633-9835 to reach the Private Detective Unit of the New Jersey State Police.

They will issue temporary license numbers placed in block #7 of the Universal Form for Private Detective Agency Employees or the Universal Form for Owner/Operators.

Step Four: Apply for a License

Once you have met the minimum experience requirements, you must apply to the state by completing the Application for Private Detective License.

There are several options, so you must determine and select the one you plan to pursue:

• Corporate License
• Corporate License Officer (for those who lack the minimum experience requirements)
• Individual License
• LLC License
• LLC License Member (for those who don’t meet the minimum experience requirements)
• Partnership license

Also, you must include the following documents and fees with the completed application:

• Application fee of $250 for an individual or $300 for a corporation, association, or firm
• Surety Bond form that proves the applicant has at least $3,000 or a corporation, association, or firm has $5,000 in insurance.
• Five or more references from trustworthy citizens who are over the age of 21 and can attest to your competency.
• Passport-sized photo
• Signed and notarized Authorization of Release of Information form

Step Five: Search for a Job

Budding New Jersey PIs are advised to join professional organizations like the New Jersey Licensed Private Investigators Association.

Members have opportunities to network with other PIs, remain current on legislation impacting the industry, participate in conferences and events, and become privy to available jobs.

Since there are many hiring managers in the room, networking may help you find a job quickly.

Other professional organizations include the National Association of Legal Investigators and ASIS International.

Step Six: Maintain Your License

The final step is to ensure you renew your license every two years.

The process is as simple as completing the Renewal Application for the New Jersey Private Detective License, which also must be notarized, submitting a passport photo, and paying the $2000 renewal fee.

For those renewing an LLC or corporate license, you must provide a Corporate Resolution listing current officers or a copy of the latest annual report.

Additionally, all renewing parties must include the latest surety bond and submit it through the MorphoTrak system.

Private Investigator Schools in New Jersey

Although New Jersey doesn’t specifically have private investigator schools, there are plenty of trade schools, colleges, and universities that have criminal justice programs.

1 College of St. Elizabeth

The College of St. Elizabeth offers a Master of Arts in Justice Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies, or a combined program.

These programs emphasize victim advocacy and professional preparation within all justice professions.

The MA will take around two years to complete after finishing a bachelor’s degree while the BA requires a four-year time commitment.

Contact Information

• Address: 2 Convent Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960, United States Convent Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960, United States
• Phone: +1 973-290-4000
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 Fairleigh Dickinson University

FDU boasts a highly respected Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program, which takes around four years to complete.

Offered through the School of Criminal Justice, Political Science, and International Studies, FDU’s BA in Criminal Justice teaches theoretical and academic aspects of criminal justice, focusing on examining different aspects of international and domestic crime.

The school also boasts internships through local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies.

Contact Information

• Address: 1000 River Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666, United States
• Phone: +1 201-692-2000
• Website: Visit School Website

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3 Montclair State University

MSU has a four-year Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice program with available concentrations in Paralegal Studies, Justice Systems, or International Justice.

Available minors include Justice and Families, Environmental Justice, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal Studies.

The school focuses heavily on internship placement so students can gain experience as part of the curriculum.

Contact Information

• Address: 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
• Phone: +1 973-655-4000
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	College of St. Elizabeth
	#2	Fairleigh Dickinson University
	#3	Montclair State University

Private Investigator Salary in New Jersey

The median annual compensation for New Jersey PI is $56,602, with pay ranging from $45,702 to $68,402.

Factors determining salary in New Jersey include location (city versus rural), type of work, experience, education, and specialization.

Regional Salary

Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State

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.