How to Guide: Apply to be a Private Detective Employee
How To Apply
- Licensure requires completing an application, get it signed and notarized, and pay the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by August 31 of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is September 1- September 30 of odd numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Private Detective/Security Guard Employee
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
Veterans Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
|
Initial registration - detective - unarmed |
$45 |
|
Initial registration - detective - armed |
$70 |
|
Initial registration - security guard - armed |
$70 |
|
Initial registration - detective & security guard - armed |
$70 |
|
Renewal |
$65 |
|
Late Renewal |
$80 |
|
Reinstatement |
Same as initial fee |
|
Replacement license |
$25 |
|
Additional weapon/change of weapon |
$25 |
|
Verification of licensure |
$35 |
|
Decorative wall certificate |
$50 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Private Detective Employee
If you have never been licensed with this company before and have completed the requirements, submit this application with fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Weapon Permit Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Range Scores
- Proof of Training
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
|
Initial registration - detective - unarmed |
$45 |
|
Initial registration - detective - armed |
$70 |
In-House Security Employee
If you have never been licensed with this company before and have completed the requirements, submit this application with fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Weapon Permit Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Proof of Training
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
A non-refundable application fee of $70.
Private Security Employee
If you have never been licensed with this company before and have completed the requirements, submit this application with fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Weapon Permit Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Proof of Training
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
A non-refundable application fee of $70.
Private Detective/Security Guard Employee
If you have never been licensed with this company before and have completed the requirements, submit this application with fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Weapon Permit Form
- Range Scores
- Proof of Training – Security Guard
- Proof of Training – Private Detective
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
Submit a completed application along with the non-refundable application fee of $70.
In-House Private Detective Employee
If you have never been licensed with this company before and have completed the requirements, submit this application with fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Weapon Permit Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Range Scores
- Proof of Training
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
|
Initial registration - detective - unarmed |
$45 |
|
Initial registration - detective - armed |
$70 |
Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license with the same company and wish to reinstate, submit this reinstatement application and fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Weapon Permit Form
- Range Scores
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
|
Detective - unarmed |
$45 |
|
Detective - armed |
$70 |
|
Security guard - armed |
$70 |
|
Detective & security guard - armed |
$70 |
Renewal
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before August 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
The period for renewing your license begins 90 days prior to the expiration date of your license. Your renewal portal will not be available prior to that date.
- To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
A non-refundable application fee of $65.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Identification Card
Once your application is approved, you may order an Identification Card
Contact
Related Resources
- Form Identification Card
- Online Resource Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators, Inc. (GAPPI)
- Online Resource Gemalto