Go to Page Section:
- How to Become a Private Investigator in Utah: Step by Step
- Step One – Meet Licensing Requirements for Private Investigators in Utah
- Step Two – Meet Private Investigator Licensing Application Requirements
- Step Three – Submit Applications, Fees, and Background Checks
- Step Four – Begin Work as a Private Investigator or Apprentice
- Step Five – Apply for a Utah Business License and Liability Insurance
- Top Schools
- 1 Salt Lake Community College
- 2 Utah Valley University
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Utah
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Utah’s Private Investigators are expected to adhere to a strict set of basic requirements set forth by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Becoming a licensed Private Detective in the state means meeting basic eligibility requirements, committing to obtaining approved Private Investigator training, paying relevant fees, and maintaining state licensing credentials.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Utah: Step by Step
Step One – Meet Licensing Requirements for Private Investigators in Utah
New applicants must meet Utah’s basic standards before becoming eligible to apply for a license as a Private Investigator working with an agency or independently.
Basic standards for Private Investigator Licensing in Utah include the following:
- Prospective Investigators Must Be Legal Utah Residents
- New Applicants Must Be at Least 21 Years of Age
- Clean Criminal Background – No Felony Convictions or Prohibited Misdemeanors
- Utah’s Private Investigators Must Demonstrate Good Moral Character
Step Two – Meet Private Investigator Licensing Application Requirements
The state of Utah takes its Private Investigator training and education standards very seriously.
As such, incoming trainees must complete the required number of hours set forth by the state before becoming eligible to complete a licensing application.
In Utah, there are two options for meeting the education and hands-on experience requirements needed for official licensure.
Applicants seeking to receive an Apprentice License are held to slightly different standards than applicants applying for direct licensing.
Apprentice Licensing Application Requirements
While no prior investigative experience is needed to apply for a supervisory apprenticeship license in Utah, trainees are required to gain at least 2000 hours of hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed investigator.
Direct Licensing Application Requirements
Potential Private Investigators with proof of 2000 hours of cumulative investigation experience through related professions, including law enforcement experience, military experience, and investigative insurance experience, can apply for licensing by submitting their application to the Utah BCI.
Step 2a. Get a Surety Bond
Incoming Private Investigators in Utah are required to present proof of holding a minimum $10,000 surety bond as part of the state’s application process.
Obtaining a surety bond is a mandatory step that holds local investigators to a higher standard and encourages adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws by bondholders.
Step 2b. Complete Optional Private Investigator Training or Certification Programs
Aspiring Private Investigators in Utah must meet the basic standards for submitting licensing applications.
These standards do not require applicants to complete formal education or certification requirements.
However, applicants with additional training and experience may fare better than their counterparts without experience when it comes to applying for licensing and working independently as a Private Eye.
Step Three – Submit Applications, Fees, and Background Checks
Civil Investigators in Utah are required to complete a series of steps to submit their licensing applications to the Utah BCI.
Each applicant must submit a fully completed application form along with the following.
- State-Mandated Application Fees
- FBI Fingerprinting Fees
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo
- Copy of Driver’s License or State ID
- Proof of $10,000 Surety Bond
- Proof of 2000 Hours of Investigative Experience – For Direct Licensing Applicants
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation may take up to 90 days to process new licensing applications.
Approved applicants will typically be notified of their application approval or denial within this timeframe.
Step Four – Begin Work as a Private Investigator or Apprentice
Utah Private Investigator licensing applicants who have completed all application requirements will be issued a renewable Private Investigator license.
This state-issued credential must be renewed annually through continuing education coursework or approved activities.
Private Investigators holding direct licenses are eligible to work independently in their agencies or as members of existing Utah private investigation firms.
***Approved Apprenticeship applicants are eligible to work under the supervision of licensed Utah PIs only. ***
Step Five – Apply for a Utah Business License and Liability Insurance
Independent Investigators meeting Utah’s PI licensing requirements become eligible to own and operate their private investigation firms.
Solo PIs intending to open their agencies must complete the additional steps of applying for a local business license within their city or county of residence and obtaining liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $500,000.
Newly licensed investigators operating their firms are also required to register their business name with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, along with obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS if they intend to hire employees.
Top 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 Salt Lake Community College
Aspiring Private Detectives in Utah who are serious about making a lifelong career out of the profession can opt to earn an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Criminal Justice at Salt Lake Community College.
This two-year degree program teaches enrollees the fundamentals needed to work in a wide variety of criminal justice-related fields.
Courses Offered
- Crime Scene and Investigation Techniques
- Introduction to Corrections
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Victimology
- Justice, Peace, and Conflict Studies
- Social Violence and Change
Contact Information
- Address: 4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah - 84123
- Phone: 801-957-4073
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Utah Valley University
Professional Private Investigator trainees seeking to gain first-hand knowledge and experience in the role can take online or in-person degree coursework at Utah Valley University.
Aspiring Private Eyes can earn a 120-credit-hour Bachelor’s degree or a 60-credit-hour Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or Law Enforcement that prepares them with the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to work as competent Private Investigators.
UVU also offers related criminal justice minors and career certificates for fast-tracked credits.
Courses Offered
- Criminal Investigations
- Criminal Justice Degree Program
- Criminal Law
- Forensic Science Degree Program
- Law Enforcement Degree Program
- Laws of Evidence
Contact Information
- Address: 800 West University Parkway, Orem, Utah - 84058
- Phone: 801-863-8888
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Salt Lake Community College |
| #2 | Utah Valley University |
Private Investigator Salary in Utah
Online salary data reports from reputable sources show the average annual earnings for Private Investigators in Utah are around $50,002.
Private Detectives on the lower end of Utah’s earnings scale make just over $31,662 annually.
Higher-earning Detectives can make as much as $70,062 per year by leveraging their years of experience on the job, advanced education, specialized credentials, and working for top-paying employers or as independent investigators operating their own firms.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40.6K |
|
$54.2K |
|
$72.5K |
Average Salary in Utah
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $59,291 |
| West Valley City | $51,793 |
| West Jordan | $50,126 |
| Provo | $51,339 |
| St. George | $51,670 |
| Orem | $48,605 |
| Sandy | $51,644 |
| Lehi | $55,068 |
| Ogden | $51,138 |
| Layton | $48,769 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 60 | $51,280 | $24.65 | $80,900 | $32,130 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 50 | $50,820 | $24.43 | $82,450 | $36,370 |
| St. George, UT | 40 | $44,860 | $21.57 | $75,080 | $34,070 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 350 | $53,200 | $25.58 | $84,790 | $36,110 |
* 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
What Do Private Investigators Do in Utah?
Private Detectives in Utah work independently and side-by-side with well-seasoned investigators, law enforcement officials, attorneys, and the general public to solve cases.
They use the tools and tricks of the trade to uncover hidden secrets, locate missing persons, and conduct undercover investigations on behalf of private investigative agencies and their clients.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Private Investigator in Utah?
The time it takes to become a Private Investigator in Utah depends on your current investigative experience level, commitment to completing 2000 hours of supervised investigative training, and the amount of time it takes to gather required documentation and submit Utah Private Investigator licensing applications and background checks which can take up to 90 days to return.
How Much Do Private Investigators Make in Utah?
Utah’s Private Investigators earn average annual salaries that fall between $31,662 and $70,062, averaging $52,602 per year.
Leave a Reply