Apply for a private investigator licence

You can't apply for a private investigator licence if you’ve been convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past 10 years and the conviction was recorded.

You also need to tell us if you've been found guilty of a disqualifying offence in the past 5 years, where a conviction was not recorded. We may ask you for more information so we can assess if you're suitable to hold a licence.

These are the fees for a private investigator licence.

A mandatory criminal history check must be completed on all applications if the Office of Fair Trading hasn't arranged one within the last 6 months. Fee: $47.10 per person.

A mandatory fingerprinting fee is payable when submitting your original application. Fee: $109.60 per person.

Single function (restricted) – Class 1

• $206.80 for 6 months

Single function (unrestricted) – Class 1

• $363.90 for 1 year
• $720.30 for 3 years

Multiple function (restricted) – Class 1

• $249.60 for 6 months

Multiple function (unrestricted) – Class 1

• $449.30 for 1 year
• $905.60 for 3 years

Change or remove conditions

• $94.10

Request a licence extract

• $22.10

More information

• Download a copy of the regulated fees.

When you lodge your application, you need to attach 100 points of certified identification (ID)—the points are explained on the application form.

Please don't post originals.

You need to have the following police checks to confirm your suitability to hold a private investigator licence.

Fingerprinting

You'll need to have your fingerprints taken if you haven't done this in Queensland before for security licensing purposes or haven't held a security licence within the past 3 months—we'll let you know how to go about this. This still applies even if you have provided fingerprints in another state or territory.

Your fingerprints will be matched with the 100 points of identity from your application.

You'll get a confirmation letter explaining the fingerprinting process and what you need to do.

If you refuse to give your fingerprints, you won't be issued a security licence and the application will be withdrawn.

Criminal history check

We'll submit your application to the Queensland Police Service for a criminal history check. This check may take some time. Fees apply.

If you were born in New Zealand or have a New Zealand passport, contact the New Zealand Ministry of Justice for a copy of your criminal history or a letter showing you have no criminal history in New Zealand.

Please note this information about New Zealand criminal history checks:

• It takes 20 working days to process a request.
• The check is free.
• We can only accept original documents that are dated within 1 month of the date you send them to us.

You can upgrade your existing class 1 security licence by adding this security licence function to it.

Fees

Before you apply, contact us on 07 3738 8705 to find out the fee—it will depend on your current licence type and when you upgrade. View the OFT fee schedule for a guide.

If you withdraw your upgrade application after you pay, this fee won’t be refundable.

How to apply

Complete the Application for a security provider licence Individual—Class 1. Tick the upgrade box and list the functions you’d like to add in Part 1. You can’t apply online.

Information about the relevant training requirements (if any) and the supporting documents you need to attach is on this page.

You can lodge your completed application and supporting documents:

In person—visit one of our locations

By post

Industry Licensing Unit
Office of Fair Trading
GPO Box 3111
BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if you withdraw your application or we refuse it.

If the fingerprinting or criminal history checks haven’t started, you may also get a refund of those fees.

Complete the paper Application for a security provider licence Individual—Class 1 and attach your supporting documentation.

You can lodge the form:

In person—visit one of our locations

By post

Industry Licensing Unit
Office of Fair Trading
GPO Box 3111
BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Read this page and the application form to find out which supporting documents you need to attach.