Hawaii Private Detective, Guard or Agency Bond

Why do I need a private detective/investigator bond in Hawaii?

Obtaining a private detective/investigator, guard, or agency bond is a required step to becoming a license private detective or investigator in Hawaii. Private detective bonds ensure that a detective or investigator (the principal) will not engage in any fraudulent activities, misrepresent him- or herself, or impersonate a law enforcement officer while on the job, according to Hawaii Act 208, Chapter 463.

If a private detective or guard engages in unlawful acts, the bond will cover the cost of the damages to the client. The private detective or guard is responsible for reimbursing the surety up to the full bond amount.

How much will my $5,000 Hawaii private detective/investigator bond cost?

Anyone wishing to become a private detective. security guard, or private detective agency in Hawaii must post a $5,000 surety bond with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

SuretyBonds.com issues these bonds instantly for $50 for the full one-year term. Simply click Buy Now to purchase your bond safely and securely via our online bond checkout. In just a few minutes, you can be on your way to getting bonded as a Hawaii private detective.

How to become a licensed private detective, guard, or agency in Hawaii

Along with submitting a $5,000 surety bond, private detectives/investigators, security guards, and those wishing to run a private detective agency must also:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess evidence of a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., transcript, letter, DD-214, etc.)
• Complete eight hours of educational requirements

Before submitting your notarized application, make sure that you have:

• Answered all the questions correctly and signed the application form
• Included a photo of yourself with the form
• Attached the $50 application fee and $50 exam fee payments via two separate checks, both made payable to “Commerce & Consumer Affairs”
• Attached evidence of your high school diploma or equivalent
• Attached an appropriate, notarized Experience Verification form(s) evidencing four years of full-time investigative or guard-related work
• Attached a bond of no less than $5,000 issued by a surety and notarized by both the applicant and surety
• Attached license verification(s) for all states or jurisdictions if licensed as a private detective/investigator or guard

Additional considerations for private detectives, investigators, guards, or agencies in Hawaii

Hawaii private detective surety bonds are in full force for one year unless canceled or claimed against. The surety may cancel these bonds at any time during the term by providing the Department with 30 days’ written notice.

Complete applications and appropriate fees must be received at least 30 days prior to Board meeting dates, which are usually scheduled in the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November.

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Additional Resources

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Private Detectives and Guards: Application Forms & Publications

Hawaii Act 208 Chapter 463

Hawaii Private Detective or Guard Requirements, Instructions and Application Form

State of Hawaii Board of Private Detectives & Guards Surety Bond Form