Private Investigative & Security Services FAQs

• What is the difference between becoming a licensed private investigator/security guard and an employee/registrant?
• What are the training requirements for a registered private investigative or security employee?
• What are the training requirements for a licensed private investigator or licensed security guard?
• Are VCIC background checks run on every applicant?
• I am an employee/registrant and I want to hold an armed endorsement. What do I need to do?
• I want to change agencies. What is required?
• What is a sole proprietor agency?
• Can I work for more than one agency at a time?
• Do I need to register with OPR if my business is already registered with the State of Vermont Corporations/Business Services?

What is the difference between becoming a licensed private investigator/security guard and an employee/registrant?

The degree of training and experience. Licensed private investigator/security guards must have more training and experience and are therefore able to act as the responsible party for an agency that oversees employees/registrants.

What are the training requirements for a registered private investigative or security employee?

You must upload proof of completion of 8 hours of initial training to meet the licensure requirements for a registered private investigative/security employee. See Part 9 of the Administrative Rules for training requirements.

What are the training requirements for a licensed private investigator or licensed security guard?

You must upload proof of completion of 40 hours of initial training to meet the licensure requirements for a licensed private investigator or licensed security guard. See Part 9 of the Administrative Rules for training requirements.

Are VCIC background checks run on every applicant?

Yes. Upon submission of your application, the office will conduct an internal VCIC check.

I am an employee/registrant and I want to hold an armed endorsement. What do I need to do?

Once you hold an active license, you will need to log in to your online account and click add specialty. You will select armed and follow the screen prompts. An FBI background check is required to hold this specialty.

I want to change agencies. What is required?

Log in to your online account and upload a Supervisory Authorization form to your license by clicking Update application/license. The office will assess a $60.00 change of agency fee. To submit payment, log in and click Miscellaneous Payments. Follow the prompts to submit payment. Your license will be updated to reflect the new agency affiliation, and you can reprint the license. You may be employed with more than one agency. Please be sure to let us know if you are adding or changing agencies.

What is a sole proprietor agency?

An agency registered by the licensed private investigator/security guard who has ownership control of the agency and no other licensed or registered employees. Please refer to the agency application instructions.

Can I work for more than one agency at a time?

Yes. A supervisor authorization form is required for each agency you work for.

Do I need to register with OPR if my business is already registered with the State of Vermont Corporations/Business Services?

Your registration to conduct business in the State of Vermont is different than your requirement to register with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). All Vermont businesses are required to register with the Secretary of State’s Corporations/Business Services Division. This is not your OPR registration.

For more answers to commonly asked questions, please visit our General FAQ page.

For more information, please contact us.