How to Get a Private Detective or Security Agency License in Georgia
This guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage private detective and security agency licenses in Georgia. Contact the Secretary of State for the latest official requirements.
The Georgia Secretary of State regulates private investigator and security agency licensing. To receive a license, you must apply online through the GOALS website.
Ready to open your own agency? Learn how to navigate this process in this 10-step guide, plus learn about the associated fees and surety bond requirement.
What Types of Licenses Are There?
There are a few different private security licenses you can select when opening an agency in Georgia:
- Private Detective Company
- Private Security Company
- In-House Private Security Company
- Dual Private Detective and Security Company
Determine which agency type you wish to open before you apply.
Who Is Eligible to Get a Georgia PI Agency License?
All types of Georgia private detective and security agency licensees have the same basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the United States, or a registered resident alien
- Be of good moral character
- Have not been convicted of a felony or any crime involving the illegal use, carrying, or possession of a dangerous weapon or any crime involving moral turpitude
- Have not committed an act constituting dishonesty or fraud
Work/Education Experience Requirements
If you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can likely receive a private investigator license as an individual. However, to open an agency, you’ll need either a 4-year degree or 2 years of qualified work experience.
If you’re applying for a Private Detective Agency License, you must have at least one of the following:
- 2 years of full-time experience as a registered private detective employee with a licensed company
- 2 years of full-time experience in law enforcement with a federal, state, county, or municipal police department
- 4-year degree in criminal justice or related field from an accredited college or university
If you are applying for an In-House or Private Security License you must have at least one of the following:
- 2 years of full-time experience as a supervisor or administrator in in-house security operations or with a licensed security agency
- 2 years of full-time experience in law enforcement with a federal, state, county, or municipal police department
- 4-year degree in criminal justice or related field from an accredited college or university
How Do I Get a Private Detective Agency License in Georgia?
Follow these 10 steps to open a private detective or security agency in Georgia.
Step 1: Fill out application
First, fill out all of the fields on the private detective and security agency license application. After filling out your information, you’ll need to gather the required documents outlined below to submit with the application.
Step 2: Submit background check
Next, attach a 2” x 2” passport-style photo and request fingerprinting from the FieldPrint website before submitting your application.
After logging in to FieldPrint and following the prompts, you will send your request for agency approval. Once your license application is received and your request is approved, you can schedule a LiveScan fingerprinting appointment.
Step 3: Provide letter of experience
Attach an original, notarized letter of experience that meets the following criteria:
- Is from the employer where the two years of experience were completed
- Includes the exact dates of employment and positions held
- Includes P.O.S.T. certification qualifications (if experience is from law enforcement)
- Is on company letterhead and signed by the personnel department of the company or by a responsible officer or supervisor
You can also submit an original certified transcript if you are qualifying with a degree rather than work experience. It must be attached to the application in a sealed envelope from the institution.
Step 4: Complete employee registration
Have the company designee complete an employee registration for your private detective agency and ensure any training instructors are board-certified.
If you are establishing an in-house or private security company, the designee will need to complete employee registration for any armed guards.
Step 5: Submit corporate officer documentation
Agencies must submit certified documentation to prove the person filling out the application, the designee, is a corporate officer, LLC manager, or partner in the agency.
The designee accepts all rights and responsibilities of a license holder; however, the actual license is issued to the agency itself.
Step 6: Pay associated fees
There are a few fees associated with a PI license in Georgia. They are due at different times however. Security agency application fees are $100 for all license types and due when you submit your application.
Step 7: Submit application
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, attach them to the finished application and mail it to the following address:
Georgia Board of Private Detective & Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Dr.
Macon, GA 31217
Step 8: Take the private detective exam
After you submit your application, you need to pass the appropriate licensing exam by scheduling an appointment with PSI Services, LLC. There will be a $125 exam fee, or $250 for the dual license.
The exam will be proctored in person at a testing facility, but the test is taken on a provided computer. You can locate the closest exam location and required documents on their website. Testing takes around 3 hours and results may be available immediately after.
Step 9: Pay license fees
Once you pass the exam, pay the license and registration fees. Fees vary based on the company license type:
- Private Detective Company: $300
- Private Security Company: $500
- In-House Private Security Company: $500
- Dual Company: $700
You must also submit an employee registration fee of $45 for each unarmed employee and $70 for each armed employee. There is also a $5 processing fee for online applications or $10 for paper applications.
These can be paid through company check, cashiers check or money order payable to Georgia State Board of Private Detective & Security Agencies.
Step 10: Purchase a surety bond
Finally, the Georgia Secretary of State requires a $25,000 surety bond for all private investigator or security agency licensees.
Alternatively, you may also submit a $1 million General Liability Certificate of Insurance or a certified audited financial statement showing a net worth above $50,000.
However, a surety bond is often the most affordable option, requiring only a small upfront premium and no collateral or fees.
How to Renew Your Private Detective or Security Agency License
You can renew your Georgia PI agency license 90 days before the expiration date. You won’t be able to access the GOALS renewal portal before then.
Renewal fees for companies are $700 if you renew on time and $800 for late renewals. Be sure to renew your surety bond as well to avoid a lapse in coverage.
What’s Covered in the Georgia Private Detective Exam?
The Georgia private detective exam includes questions about:
- Legal, ethical, and professional standards
- Observation/surveillance
- Rules of evidence and evidence handling
- Interviewing/interrogation
- Case management, administration, and reporting
The security company exam includes questions about:
- Search and seizure
- Laws of arrest
- Firearm compliance
- Developing service plans/contracts
- Operations
- Board rules and regulations
- Supervision
- Use of force
More information about the exam, such as a content outline and reference list, can be found in the candidate information bulletin on PSI's website.
How Long Does it Take to Get a PI Agency License in Georgia?
Applications are processed in the order in which they are received and reviewed by Board staff. Staff will communicate with you regarding your application status so ensure that your contact information is up to date.
If you didn’t include all documents, you’ll receive a deficiency letter. Submit requested documents as soon as possible. If you do not submit all documents within 60 days, your application will be withdrawn and you’ll have to restart.
Once the Board approves a complete application, the designee will need to pass the state licensing exam and submit a surety bond or other proof of financial responsibility (see Step 10 above).
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PI or Security Agency License?
A Georgia PI agency license costs different amounts depending on the type of license you are applying for, how you submit your application, how many employees you hire and the type of financial security you choose.
Fixed Fees Based on License Type
- Private Detective Company: $525
- In-House or Private Security Company: $725
- Dual License: $1,050
Variable Fees
- $250 surety bond (1-year term with SuretyBonds.com)
- $5–$10 application processing fee
- $45 per person unarmed employee registration fee
- $75 per person armed employee registration fee
In total, you can expect to pay $800–$2,000 based on your number of employees and license classification.
Last Updated: October 28, 2025
