Please refer to Wis. Admin. Code section RL 31.02(1).
All applicants must be at least 18 years old.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007
1). Effective January 1, 2007, each owner, member of the LLC, corporate officers or partners of the agency must submit digital fingerprints. With the digital process, results should be back within hours of the submission if no criminal record is found. The need and expense of temporary permits should be eliminated. Inked, hard copy fingerprint cards will not be accepted.
2). Digital fingerprints are required even if you currently hold a private detective license or a private security permit unless you were originally licensed within the past six months. If you meet this requirement, please indicate this on your application.
3). The Department of Regulation and Licensing has contracted with Pearson VUE as the vendor to provide the digital fingerprint process. To schedule an appointment, visit the IBT Reservation Center or call 866-416-4896. Please allow up to 5 days for an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. The cost for the digital fingerprints will be $56.25 and is expected at the time of the reservation in the form of a major credit/debit card, electronic check or prepaid voucher. You must submit your application to the Department within 14 days of being fingerprinted.
Electronic fingerprinting sites are in Duluth, Minnesota and various sites in Wisconsin.
Two forms of signature identification are required: one must be a government issued identification with a photograph. Qualifying government issued identification includes a state driver's license, state identification, military photo ID, passport, valid school ID for minors only. Your reservation must be made in your legal name and your identification must match the reservation. If you do not present the appropriate identification, your fingerprints will not be taken and you will be held responsible for the fee. The staff at the IBT facilities are not permitted to make any exceptions. Plan to arrive at the test center fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time of the appointment for check- in.
Attention Out of State Applicants Only: If you currently reside outside of the state of Wisconsin and are unable to have digital fingerprints taken at an IBT test center site, you may submit your fingerprints using the Wisconsin Easy Path Network (Form #2823). You will be required to hve your fingeprints taken at a local law enforcement facility. You must submit the Wisconsin Easy Path Network (Form #2823), two fingerprint cards and the $56.25 fee to the address listed on the form. You must submit your application to the Department within 14 days of being fingerprinted.
3). Your completed application, fee, a recent photograph of your head and shoulders and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Department within 14 days after submission of your fingerprints. If there is no criminal background history and all supporting documents have been submitted, a private detective agency license will be issued. If the search reveals a criminal background, the applicant will be requested to submit further information or a Notice of Denial will be sent as appropriate.
4). A brochure explaining the Procedures for Certification of Proficiency to Carry a Firearm is available on the Department's web site.
Check the FAQs to determine if a credential can be transferred from other States/Countries.
Biennial renewal due by August 31 of odd-numbered years
Common Denial Reason:
Incomplete application materials; conviction history of owner.
Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice.
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