Iowa Private Investigator License

For your information, those individuals who wish to perform investigative services statewide ought to possess an Iowa private investigator license. Employees of the agency must apply for an ID card.

In fact, this certification enables an individual to provide various investigation services. These include:

• Receive data on habits, conduct, movements, associations, transactions, reputations, or character of people
• Get information leading to the recovery of lost or stolen things
• Decide the cause of fire breaks, accidents, or injuries to property
• Locate a person who is missing

In addition, if you want to act as a polygraph examiner you ought to obtain this license first.

Basic Requirements in Iowa

To become a licensed private investigator in this state you need to meet the following basic requirements:

• Not currently be a peace officer: sheriff’s deputy, policeman, etc
• Be a minimum of 18 years of age with citizenship
• Have no felony convictions for an aggravated misdemeanor, or never been convicted as a result of domestic abuse
• Have a good moral character
• No history of violence or illegally carrying dangerous weapons
• Not have addicted to alcohol or drugs

In addition, they should submit photos, fingerprints, and the necessary fees. Together with that, a completed application is needed. All this paperwork must be presented to the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Please, note that you ought to show proof of liability insurance. It must be approved for a $5,000 surety bond; this may be $10,000 if applying for more than one license under this chapter.

The agency that operates the licensing process purchases applications from the Department of Public Safety prior to completion by the employee. They generally cost $10 each.

Fees

First of all, you pay for the application. Licensing in this state costs $100. Secondly, there is a fixed $30 charge for fingerprints.

In fact, there are other charges while licensing. For each applicant, there is a $10 fee for the ID card. Note that only one card is needed. It may also depend on the type of certification you want to obtain and refer to a particular agency only.

As for renewal, you should pay $100 every two years. Other necessary payments include:

• $10 – Application Packet (when requesting in-person)
• $15 – Application Packet (via mail)

All the details of payment materials are available on the department’s website.

PI Training

In general, there are not any official PI school and training requirements in this state. Iowa has several reasons for pursuing training, taking certified classes, or a degree in relevant fields.

As a matter of fact, the below-mentioned programs are available as certificate classes and degrees at locations throughout the state as well as online:

• Psychology
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Law
• Law Enforcement

Licensing Services Bureau

Together with your complete blank form, you should also present the following paperwork to the Bureau:

• Cards of two fingerprints
• All the required charges for fingerprinting, licensing, and ID card
• Proof of a surety bond of at least $5,000
• Certification of liability insurance that covers accidents or other subsequent consequences

Renewal Services

In fact, the certification expires within two years. Accordingly, you have to renew it during the two-year period. The agencies should send you the expiration notice where you will be able to find the expiration date.

Firstly, the license holders and their employees must complete at least twelve hours of acceptable continuing education courses. This is mandatory by law. This process may last ten days. There are not any exams required for renewal.

Additional Information

By renewing your certification you maintain compliance with the minimum qualifications. All you need is to submit the following to the Bureau within 30 days before expiration:

• Two completed FBI fingerprint cards
• Renewal blank form
• Proof of a 12-hour continuing education

That is your choice to decide which continuing education courses are more convenient for you. The purpose of it is to contribute directly to your professional competence.