50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in South Carolina

A private investigator listening to a clients issue

Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in South Carolina. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

South Carolina Security Company Licenses

South Carolina Contract Security Agency License

Agency:South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contract Security Business Application

Agency Fee:

$350

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contract Security Business Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually

South Carolina Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigation Business Application

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Investigation Business Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually

South Carolina Proprietary Security Agency License

Agency:South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Proprietary Security Business Application

Agency Fee:

$350

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Form:

Proprietary Security Business Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually

Individual Licenses

South Carolina Individual Security Licenses

South Carolina Private Investigator License

Agency:South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigation Employee Application

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Investigation Employee Registration (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually

Learn about security licensing in other states:

Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.

Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.

Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.

Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.

United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.

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