27 years of experience Simple Process
Why Choose Us?
The hard way to start your own private investigative business, you must first accumulate 6,000 hours working under a licensed PI. This takes approximately 3 years (assuming full time hours) during which time you typically make minimum wage and helping someone else grow their business.
Or :
- The Fastest way is to hire me and my team (Todd Taylor) as your Qualified Manager (QM)
- Start your own company, either a Sole Proprietorship or a Corporation
- Submit paperwork to the state using me as your QM
- Start your training based on your schedule. Training can be in person and remote
- Once your license has been issued (which usually takes 4 – 5 months), you can now apply for databases that are exclusive to PI’s, including DMV access and start making money right away
- Continue training and start marketing your services with our help. This is the time you build a company for yourself
- After 3 years of working full time, I sign off on your hours and you can take the test to remove me as your QM
- This is not a school. This would be your company, in which I have no financial interest in. This is us personally helping you to start and run your own Private Investigation company
I have over 27 years of experience running a PI Company and helping thousands of clients in addition to training other PI’s.
The Process
The application process to the state of CA typically takes about 4 – 5 months. While you wait for approval, we will prepare you to become a Private Investigator and teach you how to build your own private investigative business.
- You will establish your company as a sole proprietorship, LLC or Corporation
- We are NOT listed as an owner, partner or officer and do not maintain any ownership or financial interest in YOUR COMPANY
- Your State application will list me (or one of us) as your QM so you will operate YOUR BUSINESS using your new PI license under our supervision.
- While your license is pending approval, We will provide training, both online and in person when necessary.
- Once your license is issued by the State, you will be able to access the databases (including DMV) that are only accessible to licensed private investigators.
We will support you every step of the way so that you will be all set to start bringing in your own clients and charging competitive rates for your services that result in a much higher income than if you were to be working for someone else.
Once your license is issued by the State, we will continue to mentor and guide you every step of the way for the next 3 years. No prior experience is necessary to get started and, as your Qualified Manager, I will be responsible for your actions as a Private Investigator until you obtain your 6,000 hours. Once you take and pass your test, you will remove us from your license and replace yourself as the QM. This is not a school; this is me and my team personally mentoring you on how to become a PI and how to operate and market yourself and YOUR BUSINESS.
What kind of investigator do you want to be?
Surveillance
Surveillance is truly an art that takes time to perfect. From the perfect vehicle setup to covert camera equipment.
Computer Backgrounds and Skip Tracing
Learn how to conduct pre-employment backgrounds and how to comply with the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act). Learn how to locate people for service of process or witness location.
Undercover Operations
Learn to work undercover and gather intel on subjects without their knowledge and utilizing the most sophisticated spy equipment to do so.
Your Investment
I charge a flat fee to assist you with the licensing process which can be paid up front or in two or three installments. The first installment is due when we get started and the final installment is due upon issuance of your PI license. I also charge a nominal monthly fee that you only pay for the next 36 months while you complete your hours and prepare to take the licensing exam. Once you’ve passed the exam and removed me as the QM from your license, you will be on your own but I will always be just a phone call away.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
California is one of the easiest states when it comes to obtaining a Private Investigator’s license as the whole process is very straightforward.
- You must 18 years of age to obtain a Private Investigator’s license.
- You may not have a Felony Criminal Record. This includes any civil convictions of fraud or deceit.
- You must submit to a full government background check, including a Live Scan.
If you already have a law degree or a bachelor’s degree in police science, social justice, criminal law, or the equivalent from an accredited institution, you are given credit for 2,000 hours of equivalent experience so only need an additional 4,000 hours or about 2 additional years of experience working as a PI.
There are some other acceptable prior work experiences that may qualify you to forego some of the hours required to obtain your license. They are:
Sworn law enforcement officerMilitary police officerArson InvestigatorInvestigator working under a licensed PI who is also a Qualified ManagerWorking under an attorney as an inside investigatorWorking for a repossession firm or insurance agency as an investigator
Most private investigators charge between $100 – $150 an hour or more depending on the services they provide. Flat rates are quoted for skip tracing, backgrounds, etc. A good PI can make a 6-figure income.