How to Start a Private Investigation Firm

Private detectives help clients with a wide range of issues. These issues may be of a personal, financial, or legal nature. As such, good private detectives must have a working knowledge of these different fields in order to help their clients and avoid breaking the law.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a private investigation firm by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Private Investigation Firm
  2. Form your Private Investigation Firm into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Private Investigation Firm for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Private Investigation Firm
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Private Investigation Firm
  7. Get Private Investigation Firm Insurance
  8. Define your Private Investigation Firm Brand
  9. Create your Private Investigation Firm Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your private investigation firm. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Private Investigation Firm Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a private investigation firm?

Most private detective businesses effectively start out of the home, meaning that the bulk of the costs of opening the business rests with the equipment. For instance, many investigators are able to start their business for less than $3,000. This includes the cost of a laptop ($700 or less), video camera and covert cameras ($350 or less), and various equipment ($150 or less for a couple of memory cards, an external hard drive, and a tripod and monopod for cameras). It should be $1400 or less to acquire your business and agency licenses as well as insurance. Finally, it should be $500 or less to tint your vehicle windows, build a website yourself (using online templates if necessary), and purchasing various office supplies.

What are the ongoing expenses for a private investigation firm?

The beauty of a private detective business that you run out of your own home is that your ongoing expenses are low. For instance, you may continue traditional advertising each month (probably $200 or less due to the increasing significance of online marketing). Otherwise, your office space and utilities are built into your standard rent, and various job-related expenses such as travel and accommodations are things that you bill your clients for. This means that the payout for most jobs, minus those extra expenses you bill them for, is pure profit.

Who is the target market?

Generally, the best clients are those who want information on a spouse they think is cheating. These cases may be emotionally charged, but the blunt truth is that such cases are the bread-and-butter for many private detectives, with things like fraud investigations being more rare.

How does a private investigation firm make money?

Generally, a private detective makes money by charging clients an hourly fee for various services. How much you charge will vary based on the services.

How much can you charge customers?

Exactly how much you can charge clients varies wildly. For instance, a standard hour of investigative work should typically cost anywhere between $50 and $100. You may also charge expenses such as travel and hotels (when necessary), and you should consider charging per picture (say, $5 to $10) or charging a flat fee for pictures (typically between $30 and $50). And, of course, you can (and should) charge separately for various services such as background checks (up to $200), driving record checks (up to $75), and GPS device tracking (a minimum of $50 a day).

How much profit can a private investigation firm make?

Because of the nature of this job, the exact amount of profit that you make is determined by how many clients you take on. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the median salary for this job is just over $45,500, whereas the top ten percent of this field make more than $85,000. While that may seem low compared to certain other fields, the extremely low cost of both starting and maintaining this business means that you potentially deal with almost no overhead.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Shamelessly put your logo on cases of water, boxes of donuts, and supplies like t-shirts and mousepads. Generously give these out to current and potential customers so that they are regularly reminded of you and your services. At your discretion, take on cases for reduced cost or even free of charge in order to build up your publicity and public goodwill.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your private investigation firm is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your private investigation firm were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain a Private Detective Agency License to conduct business that provides private detective services for compensation. Requirements for obtaining this license typically include being a licensed private detective or having a certain degree of professional investigative experience. There will be a license fee and licenses must be periodically renewed. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply.

For more information about local licenses and permits:

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Services Contract

To avoid liability and maximize transparency, a services contract between the Agency and the client is advisable. This contract outlines the agreed-upon responsibilities of the Agency as well as the degree of compensation expected from the client.  Here is an example services agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your private investigation business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Private Investigation Firm needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Private Investigation Firm.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a private investigation firm

At the bare minimum, your detective business should have a custom website that provides customers with a breakdown of services, pricing, and contact information. Creating a social media presence for yourself is basically free and provides a great way for people to learn more about your business and discreetly message you. As your budget allows, consider advertising in city newspapers and radio stations, as these forms of media are still favored by some of your older potential clients.

How to keep customers coming back

Keeping regular contact with local attorneys will help you find regular work, as will speaking at any events catering to attorneys. Don’t forget to ask for attorney referrals and to make sure your web page is engaging and professional.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for highly adaptable self-starters. This is because the work will vary by location, hours, and type, and most of it will be conducted on your own.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a private investigation firm?

Being a private detective is one of the jobs where your daily activities may be completely different from day-to-day. Some of the representative duties include going undercover at various businesses, writing case summaries and reports, reviewing security videos and transaction records, and searching various public and records and databases. You may be called upon to testify about some of your findings, especially in cases of fraud or other criminal activity.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful private investigation firm?

The exact requirements of the license you will require vary by state. However, experience in military or law enforcement work can be a big help in getting started. Similarly, experience working as a detective for a law firm or other agency can be invaluable when you are starting out on your own. Most states do not have an educational requirement to become a detective, but a degree in Criminal Justice or a related field may confer many of the necessary skills you will need. Finally, a pre-existing license for a concealed weapon (if your work makes a firearm necessary) will ultimately save you time.

What is the growth potential for a private investigation firm?

The growth potential of this business is slow but steady, with the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicting a five percent growth in jobs in this field between 2014 and 2024. If you are knowledgeable about hacking and cybercrime, your business may flourish even more as this kind of crime becomes even more of a prime concern.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a private investigation firm?

The best way to jumpstart your business is to go ahead and do all of the personal training and prep you need. This includes self-defense training, firearms training, concealed carry licensing, and any formal or informal legal and financial training you require. You may also consider specializing in a niche service, which will help differentiate your business from others and allow you to concentrate on a specialty that you are already good at.

How and when to build a team

Most detective agencies start out with just one investigator. Over time, however, you may have more cases than you can reasonably work or simply have time conflicts regarding some of your potential clients. At that point, you should consider taking on a partner. You may want to hire a larger staff, but this will eventually necessitate the down payments and ongoing rent for office space, which will seriously impact your monthly earnings.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading