Private Investigator License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a Private Investigator in Washington, be 18+ (21+ for armed), US citizen/resident alien, be employed by a licensed PI company, complete training, pass background check. Unarmed fee: $200. Armed: additional $100. Firearms certificate needed for armed.
- Total Cost
- $200 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 weeks
- Background Check
- Required
Requirements
Private Investigator license in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $200
- Total Estimated Cost
- $200
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Private Investigator license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Private Investigator Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$43,510
Median
$65,370
Experienced
$100,890
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Private Investigator in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$200.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Private Investigator Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington provides detailed PI licensing information. For an unarmed PI: must be 18+, US citizen or resident alien, employed by or have offer from a licensed PI company, no disqualifying criminal convictions, complete pre-assignment training requirements, and pay $200 fee. For an armed PI: must be 21+, hold a current firearms certificate from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, be licensed as unarmed PI or agency principal, and pay an additional $100 fee (total $300 for armed). Washington requires PIs to be affiliated with a licensed PI company rather than operating independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Private Investigator license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $200, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Private Investigator license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
Considering another state?
Compare Private Investigator requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.