Private Detective - Licensure by Examination

There are no pre-application requirements, such as education, to receive a Private Detective credential. To obtain a Private Detective credential, you must complete the below items (Forms linked later on page):

• A completed application via LicensE

• Pass the Private Detective Exam

  • Instructions will be sent after application submission and exam fee paid

• Form 2687

  • A PO Box without a complete location address is inadequate

• A recent photograph of head and shoulders only

• Form 3038

  • This form must be completed by the employer

  • If you want to work for yourself, you must also obtain a Private Detective/Security Agency License

• Fingerprints 

  • Instructions will be sent after Form 2687 and recent photograph have been uploaded to application

• Form 225X (Convictions and Pending Charges), if applicable

• Additional documents as requested related to the information within the application

Below are some general instructions for applying for a credential on LicensE. 

1. Create or log into your LicensE account. Please visit LicensE account Information page for detailed guidance on selecting your account type.

2. Select "Apply for a License."

3. Select your Category.

4. Select your License Type.

5. Select your Application Method, then "Next."

6. Review your Personal Information.

7. Enter the requested Information on each page of the application. Information may include Examination, Education, or License History, depending on your profession.

8. If applicable, request a Veterans Fee Waiver or Initial Credential Fee Reduction.

9. Submit the requested Documents you may already have. You do not need to have all documents ready to submit.

   Note: Forms are now hosted on AccessGov. Visit AccessGov Forms Directory to choose your form.

10. Respond to the Attestation questions.

11. Provide Payment Information. Fees may be found Credential Fees.

12. Submit your application.  

Profession specific application requirements can be found in the "Application Information" section.

After logging into your Individual LicensE account, select Apply for a License and choose:

• Category: Business

•  License Type: Private Detective

•  Application Method: Licensure by Examination

Form 2687 is required so the Department may access your fingerprint report.  You will receive information on how to complete digital fingerprints after the Department has received your completed application and a signed Authorization for Release of FBI Information.

Please carefully read the Privacy Statement and Record Completeness or Accuracy Challenge Notice located on the form, which is linked below in Forms section.

Employment with a Wisconsin licensed Private Detective/Security Agency is required.

An authorized representative from an employing agency, must complete form 3038, linked in Forms section below.  A completed copy will be emailed to the applicant, and employer. The applicant should upload to their application.

If you want to work for yourself, you must also obtain a Private Detective/Security Agency credential. 

A recent photograph of head and shoulders only must be uploaded to your application. The photo does not need to be professional. It can be as simple as a selfie.

Please note, drivers license photos will not be accepted, as in many cases, it does not contain a recent photo. Photos with filters, sunglasses, or other alterations may also not be accepted.

All applicants must submit their fingerprints electronically for a background check. You will receive information on how to obtain digital fingerprints after the Department has received your completed application and a signed Form 2687 - Authorization for Release of FBI Information.

IMPORTANT: Fingerprint results are typically valid for six months. Please submit your application materials promptly. If your application materials are not received before your fingerprint results expire, you may be required to complete a new set of fingerprints.

All applicants will be required to answer questions on the application form about convictions of any crime, other violations and pending charges in Wisconsin or any other state. The Department will obtain a state and federal criminal records search on all applicants. 

If an applicant has been convicted of one or more misdemeanor or other violations or has pending charges, and if the Department determines that the crimes or violations are substantially related to the practice of a private detective, the Department will not grant a license until it has received sufficient information to determine whether the license should be granted, denied, or limited. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide complete information to the Department. Applications are deemed complete after submission of all relevant background information by the applicant. A certified copy of the police report, criminal complaint, and judgment of conviction is required for each conviction.

IMPORTANT: If an applicant was ever convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or any other state and has not been pardoned, the applicant's application will be denied. There are no exceptions.

• Applicants must take and pass an examination covering Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code, as well as investigative practices relevant to functioning as a private detective

• Exam instructions will be emailed after the exam fee has been paid

  • Please ensure you are checking the exam fee box at initial application submission to not delay being sent instructions

• Passing score is 84%

• Exam results are good for one year

  • If you do not finalize your application within a year from the date you passed the exam, you will need to retake and pass the exam

• Exam can be taken multiple times, but requires a fee for each attempt

The exam content is drawn from applicable state statutes and administrative code chapters specific to the profession. The purpose of the exam is to familiarize yourself with locating the statutes and administrative code that regulate the practice of the profession.

After you upload all required documents, submit your application, and pay the required fee(s):

1. Preliminary Application Reference Number (PAR)

   1. Your application will be assigned a Preliminary Application Reference number or PAR number. This number allows you and trusted parties to look up the status of your application without logging in. You can also reference this number in any support tickets you submit in regard to your application.

      • A trusted 3^rd party can look up your credential status by visiting LicensE, clicking “Application Status Lookup” and entering the PAR number you have provided to them.

2. Review Timeline

   1. Your materials will be reviewed within approximately 10 days by a member of the credentialing team.

      • Note: Some licenses do take longer to process due to complexity. You can see the performance data on our LicensE Dashboard to see what date we are reviewing for certain application types under "Application Review Times by Profession."

3. Pending Applicant Input Status

   1. After this review, if anything is missing or the credentialing team has any questions on your application, your application will go back into a status called “Pending Applicant Input.”  You will receive an email letting you know your application was moved into this status. You should then log into LicensE and check your application “Due Diligence.”

4. To check your "Due Diligence" 

   1. Your Due Diligence is a checklist of items required for your credential.

   2. The Due Diligence section is how DSPS staff will communicate with you regarding your credential requirements.

   3. Log in to your LicensE account

   4. Click on "Check Application Status" 

   5. Your credential application should be shown on this page. Under “Action” select the button that looks like an upside-down triangle. If you are on mobile, you will need to turn your phone into landscape view. Note: LicensE is best viewed on a desktop or laptop.

   6. After clicking the upside-down triangle, select “View Due Diligences.”

   7. The Due Diligence column lets you know what the requirement is.

   8. The “STATUS” column will you know if the item is “Met”, “Not Met”, or “Not Applicable.”

      • Items listed as “Not Met” are items that are needed by the Department.  

   9. The “NOTES” column of your Due Diligence will provide further written details or instructions about what is still needed.

5. To upload documents

   1. Some applications require additional document uploads.

   2. Log into your LicensE account

   3. Click on "Check Application Status"

   4. Your credential application should be shown on this page. Under "Action" select the button that looks like an upside-down triangle. If you are on mobile, you will need to turn your phone into landscape view. Note: LicensE is best viewed on a desktop or laptop. 

   5. After clicking the upside-down triangle, select "Upload Document."

   6. The document must be an allowable document type. 

   7. After uploading the document, click "submit." If you do not, it will not be sent to a reviewer. 

6. If you have any questions, you can submit a support ticket on LicensE by logging in and clicking "request support" at the top of the page.

LicensE statuses that require action from applicant:

LicensE statuses that indicate the application is with Department staff:

Support Ticket
Submit a support ticket on LicensE and click "request support." Please provide as much detail as possible regarding your concern so we can work to answer your question with a one touch resolution. 

Call
608-266-2112

Email
dsps@wisconsin.gov

Office Hours
7:45am-4:30pm
Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI, 53705

Note: The in-person office does not process same day.