Private Detective License

Individual & Corporate Application General Information

To file original application, submit to Clerk of Courts (see 22 P.S. § 14):

  1. Petition -one original plus one copy
  2. Fingerprint cards -three per corporate officer (Blank cards MUST be from Chester County Clerk of Courts. Go to the agency of your choice to be fingerprinted; cost varies by police department/agency.)
  3. Photographs -two passport size photographs per officer
  4. Two original certifications (notarized) confirming required experience plus one copy of each
  5. Five original certificates of approval (notarized) plus one copy of each.
  6. Check for $26.00 payable to "Clerk of Courts" (filing fee)
  7. Check for sum of $17.50 per officer payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" [Pennsylvania State Police fingerprint investigation]
When filing the application, please include a telephone number where you can be contacted, and an email address, if possible.

A hearing will be scheduled approximately 8-12 weeks after the date the Petition is filed. You will be notified of the hearing date and must be present in Court for the hearing. Prior to the hearing, a member of the Chester County Detectives will contact you for an interview.

After the court issues an order approving your license application and before your license is issued, you must:
  • For Individual License
    • obtain a private detective's bond and file the ORIGINAL BOND with Clerk of Courts
    • pay a license fee of $200.00 (payable to "Clerk of Courts") for a 2-year license. The Clerk of Courts will issue your certificate and ID card after you have filed your bond and paid the license fee.
  • Corporate License
    • obtain a private detective's bond and file the ORIGINAL BOND with Clerk of Courts
    • pay a license fee of $300.00 (payable to "Clerk of Courts") for a 2-year license. The Clerk of Courts will issue your certificate and ID card after you have filed your bond and paid the license fee.

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