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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Private Investigator and Detective Bond

A private investigator or detective bond is a surety bond required by some states before a private investigator, detective agency, or security professional can be licensed. It protects clients and the public against certain losses caused by a licensee’s failure to follow state licensing laws.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Private Investigator and Detective Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
State licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on the license type or the number of employees. Confirm the amount and obligee with the state licensing authority.
Online issue
Instant issue up to $25,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.
Term
Private investigator bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state licensing authority’s instructions.

Who needs a private Investigator and Detective Bond?

  • Private investigators and detective agencies applying for a state license that requires a surety bond.
  • Security consultants, process servers, or related licensees whose state license requires a bond.
  • Businesses adding a new state license or renewing a license where a bond must remain in force.

Why is a private Investigator and Detective Bond required?

States license private investigators to protect the public and set standards for investigations, surveillance, and access to information. The bond gives clients and the state a recovery source when a licensee violates the licensing law or fails to meet certain obligations.

The bond is required as a condition of licensure and does not replace professional liability insurance, general liability insurance, or the investigator’s own compliance practices.

How much bond do I need?

State licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on the license type or the number of employees. Confirm the amount and obligee with the state licensing authority.

Instant issue up to $25,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a private Investigator and Detective Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Private investigator bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
Apply for This Bond Online All Bonds

Private Investigator and Detective Bond term and renewal

Private investigator bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some states require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the state licensing authority’s instructions.

Good to know

  • Some states require a bond for the agency and a separate license for individual investigators. Confirm which license type requires the bond.
  • If you operate in multiple states, you may need a separate bond for each state. The online application can be used for each requirement.

Private Investigator and Detective Bond questions

A private investigator or detective bond is a surety bond required by some states before a private investigator, detective agency, or security professional can be licensed. It protects clients and the public against certain losses caused by a licensee’s failure to follow state licensing laws.

Private investigators and detective agencies applying for a state license that requires a surety bond. Security consultants, process servers, or related licensees whose state license requires a bond. Businesses adding a new state license or renewing a license where a bond must remain in force.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the state, the license term, and the applicant’s credit. Private investigator bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium.

State licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000. Some states use a higher amount or a schedule based on the license type or the number of employees. Confirm the amount and obligee with the state licensing authority. Instant issue up to $25,000. Higher amounts or specialized state bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Some states require a surety bond as a condition of a private investigator or detective agency license, while others do not. The requirement depends on the state and the license type. Check the state licensing authority’s current requirements.

No. The bond protects clients and the state against certain licensing violations. Professional liability or errors and omissions insurance covers claims arising from investigative work. Many investigators need both.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.