Private Detective

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Offenses that May Result in Refusal, Bar, or Termination of Licensure

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Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and ​Renewals!

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​LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform. 

Please review the helpful links below:

  • Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
  • Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.

Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool. ​​

License Information​

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Private Detective credential is 08/31/even years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.​

A firearms permit must be obtained from the Department in order to carry a firearm while on duty as a private detective, except as provided in Wis. Admin. Code §§​ SPS 34.01​ (5) to (8).  See Firearm Permits for additional information.


Application for Licensure (Including for a License Expired Five Years or More)

Form​
Description
469Private Detective License Application Information
​3217​Application for Fee Reduction (Optional - If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the application for the credential.)
2687Authorization for Release of FBI Information
3038​
​Addendum to online application for Security Professions
1483Bond of Private Detective or Private Detective Agency
​ 3076Notice of Private Security Person or Private Detective - Employment Termination
​1329​Notice of Employment or Transfer of Private Detective License
​1482​Statement Concerning Liability Insurance for Private Detective Agencies
​3086
​Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit ONLY if you have a conviction record and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)
2254
​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable)
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Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • SIG (Signature regarding previous arrests/convictions and/or pending charges.)
  • CIB (Criminal Background Check to be run by Department.)
  • AGY (You must be employed by a licensed agency to renew this credential.)
  • If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.

Please note the following information in regards to all background checks (CIBs) required for your license renewal.  Please allow 7-10 business days, during the open renewal period, for completion of all CIB requirements.

Renewal Method

FormDescription
RDAFRenewal Dates and Fees
1329​​Notice of Employment or Transfer of Private Detective Licenses ONLY (This form is required for any private detective licenses that are being transferred to a new or different agency.  There is an additional $10.00 fee associated with this service which is required for any private detective license transfer of employment.)​
​​2254​
​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable for renewal)
​R210​Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship.  Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.