What does "Professional investigator" mean?

"Professional investigator" means a person, other than an insurance adjuster who is on salary and employed by an insurance company, who for a fee, reward, or other consideration engages in the investigation business.   

What does "investigation business" mean?

"Investigation business" means a business that, for a fee, reward, or other consideration, engages in business or accepts employment to furnish, or subcontracts or agrees to make, or makes an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information.  Please refer to the Professional Investigators Act  for complete details.    

What is "computer forensics"?

"Computer forensics" means the collection, investigation, analysis, and scientific examination of data held on, or retrieved from, computers, computer networks, computer storage media, electronic devices, electronic storage media, or electronic networks, or any combination thereof.

If  performing "computer forensic" assignments as an investigator agency or an individual investigator, will we or I  be required to get a professional investigator's license?

Yes.   

Can I renew my license if I am changing my business to a corporation or limited liability company?
No. A change in the business structure requires a new license.

Can an individual hold more than one license?
Yes.  A license holder may hold more than one license.  However each license requires a new application.

How long does the licensing process take to complete?
It takes approximately 12-16 weeks to issue a license.

Are listings of professional investigator agencies licensed in Michigan available on line?
No.  However, licensed agency lists are available for a fee through our "Information Sales Program."  Individual agency licenses may be verified on the Bureau's website under "Verify a License."

To whom is the license issued, the company or an individual?
The professional investigator agency license is issued to an individual who is deemed to be the "license holder" for the agency. If the "license holder" leaves the agency or no longer wishes to hold the license, the agency has to find a new person who meets the qualifications for licensure and has to submit a new license application.

Can there be more than one license holder for the same agency?
No. There can only be one license holder per agency.