How to Get Your Private Investigator License in Maryland

If you’ve ever been fascinated by investigations, surveillance, or uncovering the truth, becoming a Private Investigator (PI) in Maryland could be the perfect career path for you. Whether you’re a former law enforcement officer, a security professional, or simply detail-oriented with a passion for justice, the process is clear — and Security Training Academy (STA) can help you every step of the way.

🕵️ What Does a Private Investigator Do?

Private Investigators gather facts, evidence, and information for clients, including attorneys, businesses, insurance companies, and private individuals. In Maryland, licensed PIs handle a wide range of cases, such as:

• Background investigations and surveillance

• Civil and criminal investigations

• Workers’ compensation and insurance fraud

• Missing persons or asset recovery

• Infidelity or domestic cases

• Corporate and internal theft

Because this profession involves sensitive, legal, and ethical responsibilities, Maryland law requires PIs to be properly licensed and trained.

⚖️ Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a Private Investigator in Maryland, you must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
✅ Have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
✅ Provide character references and proof of employment experience
✅ Complete fingerprinting and background checks through CJIS

Don’t meet the experience requirement? STA offers career pathways and preparatory training to help you qualify through structured coursework and related field experience.

🧾 Step 2: Complete Maryland Private Investigator Training

At Security Training Academy, we offer comprehensive PI training programs that prepare you for real-world fieldwork and compliance with Maryland Business Occupations and Professions Article §13-101 to §13-701.

Our Private Investigator Certification Program covers:

• Maryland PI laws, licensing, and ethics

• Report writing and documentation

• Surveillance and evidence collection techniques

• Interviewing and interrogation fundamentals

• Use of force and legal limitations

• Courtroom testimony and chain of custody

• Safety and situational awareness

• Technology and modern investigation tools

Graduates receive an official Certificate of Completion recognized by employers and agencies across Maryland.

🏛️ Step 3: Apply for Your License with the Maryland State Police

Once your training and experience are complete, you’ll submit your Private Detective License Application through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.

The application includes:

• Completed MSP application form

• Fingerprint receipt from CJIS

• Passport-style photo

• Training certificate

• Proof of experience (employment verification letters)

• Application and licensing fees

Security Training Academy provides hands-on help with your paperwork, fingerprinting, and guidance through the MSP online portal to ensure your application is accurate and complete. Ask our helpful staff for more information on securing assistance with your paperwork.

💼 Step 4: Start Your Career

After approval, you’ll receive your official Private Investigator license, allowing you to work as a licensed PI or open your own Private Detective Agency in Maryland. Many STA graduates go on to careers in:

• Corporate investigations

• Background screening and fraud prevention

• Insurance and civil litigation support

• Executive protection and security consulting

If you already operate a security company, obtaining a PI license expands your business opportunities and enhances your professional credibility.

🏆 Why Train with Security Training Academy?

Security Training Academy (STA) is Maryland’s leading provider of professional security and investigative training.
We offer:

• MPCTC-aligned and MSP-approved instruction

• On-site LiveScan fingerprinting and photos

• Real-world investigative training taught by certified experts

We don’t just teach; we prepare you for the real world of investigations — ethically, safely, and professionally.

📅 Ready to Begin?

Take the first step toward your Private Investigator career today.
👉 Enroll online: www.securitytrainingacademy.com
📍 Address: 8585 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD
📞 Call/Text: (443) 702-7891 or (443) 332-7710
📧 Email: [email protected]

Train with precision. Investigate with confidence.
Security Training Academy — Maryland’s #1 Private Investigator Training Center.