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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Virginia: Step by Step
- Step One – Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Step Two – Get DCJS-approved Private Investigator Education in Virginia
- Step Three – Complete Background Checks and Fingerprinting
- Step Four – Apply for a Private Investigator Registration License
- Step Five – Apply for a Virginia Business License – (If Required)
- Step Six – Begin Working as a Private Investigator
- Private Investigator Schools in Virginia
- 1 AAA Online Training Academy LLC
- 2 Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary Information
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about starting a new career as a Private Investigator in Virginia, this is the guide for you!
Virginia’s Private Investigators are well-trained registered professionals who become eligible to work with private investigation firms and as independent investigators after meeting the state’s mandatory eligibility requirements.
Becoming a Private Investigator in Virginia is easier when you have a step-by-step guide to follow along the way.
The comprehensive career guide below includes information on whom to contact to begin the application process for registration, where to get Private Investigator training, and step-by-step guidance on what it takes to become a Registered Private Detective in Virginia.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Virginia: Step by Step
Aspiring Private Eyes in Virginia must meet basic state eligibility requirements before being issued a private investigator license in the Old Dominion state.
Successful applicants who complete all the steps below become eligible to apply for a renewable private investigation license, which legally authorizes them to work as private investigation officials within the state.
Step One – Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Virginia’s Private Investigators are expected to adhere to a strict code of professional conduct, which includes meeting the following basic eligibility standards before applying to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, which issues local PI licenses.
Basic standards for Private Investigators in Virginia include the following:
- Prospective Applicants Must Be United States Citizens or Legal Residents
- Private Investigator Applicants Must Have a High School Diploma or an Equivalent
- New Applicants Must Be at Least 18 Years of Age
- Clean Criminal Background – No Felony Convictions or Certain Prohibited Misdemeanors
- Virginia’s Private Investigators Must Demonstrate Good Moral Character
Step Two – Get DCJS-approved Private Investigator Education in Virginia
Virginia takes its Civil Investigators seriously.
As such, they require incoming Private investigator applicants to complete a minimum of 60 hours of DCJS-approved private investigator training, which covers entry-level fundamentals.
Several local colleges and universities offer criminal justice-related degrees that provide in-depth educational options leading to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a related field.
Those opting for a faster route to becoming confidential investigators can take advantage of specially designed training courses for local PIs administered by DCJS.
The license-issuing authority for Virginia’s Private Investigators offers a variety of related training programs that teach undercover investigators the rules of law and the tricks of the trade.
Step Three – Complete Background Checks and Fingerprinting
The nature of the role of Private Investigators in Virginia requires a clean state and federal background check.
Applicants must submit to electronic fingerprint screening to rule out potential felonies and certain misdemeanors that could disqualify new candidates from the registration process.
Each applicant is required to pay a $50.00 fingerprinting fee before DCJS can process a comprehensive back
Step Four – Apply for a Private Investigator Registration License
Applicants who have completed the mandatory training and background check requirements can move on to the next steps of applying for Private Investigation Registration in Virginia.
This registration acts as your local Private Investigator license and requires a $25.00 application fee.
Step 4a – Apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit – (If Required)
Approved registrants who intend to carry concealed firearms in the line of duty must apply for and be approved for a concealed handgun permit in their county of residence.
Step Five – Apply for a Virginia Business License – (If Required)
Independent Investigators who have secured their Private Investigator Registration in the Commonwealth and are planning to open their investigation agencies must move on to the next step of applying for a business license.
Step 5a – Submit Licensing Fees and Proof of Adequate Business Insurance – (If Required)
Business license applicants will be required to submit required licensing fees as well as meet business insurance and professional bonding requirements before being issued a business license.
Step Six – Begin Working as a Private Investigator
Once you have completed the steps above and received your official registration from the DCJS, Congratulations!
You’re officially ready to begin providing services as a Registered Private Investigator in Virginia.
Private Investigator Schools in Virginia
Aspiring Private Investigators in Virginia should note that education and training must be from a DCJS-approved agency to qualify for registration and private practice in the state.
The good news is that Virginia has a wealth of independently operated private investigator training schools that have been approved by the DCJS.
Private Investigators can opt to take the mandatory 60-hour training course through one of the independent training providers below or enroll in a criminal justice degree or certificate program offered by local colleges and universities.
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Request InformationSponsored1 AAA Online Training Academy LLC
The AAA Online Training Academy is one of the DCJS-approved Private Investigator training providers in the Commonwealth.
They offer web-based training and recertification options for new and active Private Investigators and a wealth of other criminal justice and law enforcement officials seeking DCJS-approved training within the state.
Courses Offered
- Case Study Scenarios
- Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct
- Industry Best Practices
- Investigation Techniques
- Private Investigator In-Service Training
- Virginia Laws and Regulations
Contact Information
- Address: 14288 Round Hill Road. King George, Virginia - 22485
- Phone: 540-409-4726
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy
The Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy is a locally owned private school authorized to provide training and support for local law enforcement officials and related criminal justice officials, like Registered Private Investigators.
This DCJS-approved program provides entry-level PI training, which can be completed in less than one week.
Their online training programs meet the 60-hour state-mandated training requirement for Private Investigators.
Courses Offered
- Courtroom Procedures and Testimony
- Entry-Level Private Investigator Training
- Interviewing and Interrogation Methods
- Investigation Techniques
- In-Service Private Investigator Training
- Photography and Recording Devices in Investigations
Contact Information
- Address: 56 Joseph Mills Drive, #100, Fredericksburg, Virginia - 22408
- Phone: 540-322-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | AAA Online Training Academy LLC |
| #2 | Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy |
Private Investigator Salary Information
Online salary data reports from reputable sources show the average annual earnings for Private Investigators in Virginia are around $52,602.
Private Detectives on the lower end of the salary scale earn just over $33,306 each year.
Higher-earning Detectives can make as much as $73,617 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 in strategic locations.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40.9K |
|
$56.3K |
|
$77.6K |
Average Salary in Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $68,296 |
| Chesapeake | $53,514 |
| Arlington | $54,645 |
| Norfolk | $54,667 |
| Richmond | $55,242 |
| Newport News | $54,667 |
| Alexandria | $41,668 |
| Hampton | $64,159 |
| Suffolk | $72,734 |
| Roanoke | $56,335 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | 130 | $79,470 | $38.21 | $160,150 | $35,360 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 100 | $55,340 | $26.61 | $86,150 | $33,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Private Investigators Do in Virginia?
Virginia’s Private Detectives are well-trained investigators who have undergone a series of state-mandated training courses to meet minimum educational standards.
They use the latest tools and technology to investigate and resolve local missing persons cases and financial crimes, and to provide support for the local attorneys, officials, clients, and independent investigation practices they maintain.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Private Investigator in Virginia?
Prospective Private Detectives who meet basic eligibility requirements and complete state-mandated training and background checks can become Private Investigators within 2-6 weeks of submitting their registration applications to the DCJS.
How Much Do Private Investigators Make in Virginia?
Virginia’s Private Investigators earn average annual salaries that fall between $33,306 and $73,617, at $52,602 per year.
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