Getting licensed and bonded as a Michigan professional investigator is easier than you think�keep reading for a quick walkthrough of the process.
Professional investigator license and surety bond
The professional investigator license is issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Investigators have to meet many requirements in order to be eligible for licensure and to legally do business:
- U.S. citizen
- At least 25 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Has never been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving weapons, assault, fraud, controlled substances, or alcohol more than once
- Must have three years’ related experience
- Has not been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military
- Obtain a $10,000 surety bond
- Five notarized reference statements from persons unrelated to the applicant and who have known the applicant for at least five years
- Copy of certificate of incorporation, if applicable
- Names of all officers, members, or partners, if applicable
First-time applicants should be sure to thoroughly read the application and include all required information. Professional investigator licenses are valid for three years. The initial licensing fee is $750, and renewal is $300. Relicensure if the license is allowed to expire is $750. If an investigator is applying for, renewing or relicensing a branch office license, the fee is $125.
Why do investigators need this bond?
Michigan investigators need the $10,000 surety bond to guarantee their compliance with the Professional Investigator Licensure Act. They promise to be properly licensed and not act outside the scope of their license. If a person suffers damages from a “willful, malicious and wrongful act” by the bondholder, the person can file a claim on the bond to seek reimbursement.
The bond protects the state from liability and the public from financial damages. The principal�the investigator�is the person liable for their unlawful actions. Should a claim be paid from the bond, the investigator must reimburse the surety for the claim amount.
Ready to get the licensing process started? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance today!