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Can I Get My Private Investigator License with A DUI?

One of the main concerns that applicants for private investigator licenses have is whether or not an arrest or conviction record will disqualify them from getting a license. In the UK, each individual's application is analysed on a case-by-case basis. Circumstances around arrests and convictions are not always the same.

The licensing requirements put in place by the SIA aren't designed to automatically exclude individuals. Instead, the SIA tries to ensure that anyone holding a private investigator license in the UK is unlikely to engage in activities that will hurt the reputation of the license and the licensing body.


What Are The Main Requirements For A Private Investigator License?

In order to get a license, the primary requirements for any applicant are:

  • Having a legal right to work i.e. be a citizen of the UK or have a valid work permit
  • Being 18 or older
  • Possessing an IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators
  • Having a relatively clean criminal record
  • Not having a serious mental issue

What Could Cause someone To Be Denied An Investigator's License?

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting an investigator's license. The licensing body, SIA, looks keenly at every application.

Some of the reasons why you may not get a license include:

  • Having a very recent criminal record
  • Being convicted of certain crimes
  • Serving a sentence exceeding a certain duration for a crime
  • Having a long criminal record
  • Being associated with certain criminal entities or organisations etc.

A single DUI may not prevent you from getting a private investigator license unless there were additional factors involved such as being under the influence of an illegal substance or being involved in a serious accident that leads to spending time in jail. However, a history of DUIs may reflect poorly on an applicant.

However, legal problems are not the only reason why you may be denied a private investigator license. It's also possible to be denied a license if you have a history of serious mental health problems especially one that may have caused you to be forcibly detained at a healthcare facility.



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