Private Investigator / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware Private Investigator License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Conducts investigations for private clients and attorneys.

What the Delaware data shows for Private Investigators

Delaware sets the entry bar for private investigators at 3,342 training hours and a passing score on State Private Investigator Exam, with 3 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Delaware's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Training or Experience".

Upfront cost is $244, with renewal running $216 on a 2-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Delaware, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, private investigators should know: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
28/100
Private Investigator · Delaware

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,342 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$244
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$108/yr
$216 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required F
3 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Education / Training Hours
Training or Experience
3,342 hours
Exam Requirement
State Private Investigator Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$244
Renewal Fee
$216
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
3 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Private Investigator All Delaware licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Delaware licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Private Investigator in Delaware? ▼
In Delaware, the license path calls for 3342 education/training hours, a passing score on State Private Investigator Exam, and a $244 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Private Investigator in Delaware? ▼
Delaware licenses private investigators who complete its requirements (3342 education hours, 3 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Delaware licensing board.
Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Delaware from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for private investigators nationally works like this: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Delaware. Verify the specifics with the Delaware licensing board.
Does Delaware require a background check for Private Investigator licensing? ▼
Yes, Delaware requires a criminal background check as part of the private investigator licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this private investigator license

Private Investigator in Delaware, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a private investigator-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Delaware's private investigator requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Private Investigator in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state private investigator license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Delaware's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Delaware overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Delaware licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.