RCW 18.165.030
239 words·~1 min read·
/wa/title-18/chapter-18-165/18-165-030·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL ) ***
An applicant must meet the following minimum requirements to obtain a private investigator license:
(1)Be at least eighteen years of age;
(2)Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States;
(3)Not have been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction, if the director determines that the applicant's particular crime directly relates to his or her capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and the director determines that the license should be withheld to protect the citizens of Washington state. The director shall make her or his determination to withhold a license because of previous convictions notwithstanding the restoration of employment rights act, chapter 9.96A RCW;
(4)Be employed by or have an employment offer from a private investigator agency or be licensed as a private investigator agency;
(5)Submit a set of fingerprints; however, if an applicant has been issued a license as a private security guard under chapter 18.170 RCW within the last twelve months, the applicant is not required to undergo a separate background check to become licensed under this chapter;
(6)Pay the required nonrefundable fee for each application; and
(7)Submit a fully completed application that includes proper identification on a form prescribed by the director for each company of employment.
[ 2012 c 118 s 1 ; 1995 c 277 s 19 ; 1991 c 328 s 3 .]