New York watch, guard, and patrol agencies, as well as private investigators, need to get a license and a surety bond from the state to operate within the law. Find out how to get licensed and bonded.
How to Get a License for Watch, Guard, and Patrol Agencies in New York
New York patrol agencies and private investigators become licensed through the Division of Licensing Services in the Department of State. Eligibility criteria for the license includes:
- At least 25 years old
- Principal in the applying business
- No disqualifying criminal convictions
- Two years’ experience or two years’ equivalent position and experience
- Pass thewritten exam within the previous two years
Before applying, the Department recommends getting familiar with agency and investigator licensing laws. Here’s some of the information you’ll need to provide when you apply:
- Application type
- Business type (LLC, individual, corporation, etc.)
- DBA name, if applicable
- Applicant’s personal information, including date of birth
- Business address and contact information
- Applicant’s residence history from previous three years
- Five character witnesses per applicant
- $10,000 surety bond
If your business will have more than one branch, you will need to submitseparate applications for each branch. Watch, guard, and patrol agencies will pay a $300 fee for an individual, proprietary license, plus $300 per branch location. For a corporate license, the fee is $400 for the initial license, plus $400 for additional locations. Private investigators will pay $400 for their proprietary license, or $500 for a corporate license, and will pay the respective amounts for more business locations. Those may not be the only fees you’ll pay; consult the Department’s fee schedule for more information. Licenses are valid for two years.
How to get bonded
New York watch, guard, and patrol agencies can get bonded easily with Single Source Insurance. If you have a solid credit history, you could pay as little as 1% of this bond’s total $10,000 amount�that’s only $100. The bond protects consumers, giving them an avenue to seek reimbursement if you violate the terms of your license and cause them financial damages. Get a free quote today!
Bail enforcement agents
Bail enforcement agents submit the same application as patrol agencies and private investigators, and they also need to get a surety bond. However, their�bond is much larger at $500,000, since the state has determined a higher amount of risk is associated with that line of work.
Ready to get your New York surety bond? Single Source Insurance can help�call today!