Delaware Private Security and Private Investigation Licensing Guide

Delaware regulates private security and private investigation through the Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section under Title 24, Chapter 13. Delaware’s structure is agency-centered: agencies are licensed at the entity level, and individuals performing regulated work are regulated through a state “registration” process that results in an identification card issued by the Professional Licensing Section.

Delaware law defines “registration” as a method of regulation whereby an individual employed by a licensed private security agency, private investigative agency, or armored car agency is licensed and issued an identification card by the Professional Licensing Section. In other words, Delaware distinguishes between entity “licenses” (for agencies) and individual “registrations” (for employees performing regulated services).

Delaware’s model also ties individual eligibility to licensed-agency employment in key categories. For example, DSP’s published requirements for a Private Investigator indicate the applicant must be employed by a licensed agency while licensed. Operators should treat Delaware as a “license + registration ID card” state and ensure both the agency license and each individual’s registration/ID card remain current.

Delaware’s regime is administered through DSP and is structured around licensed agencies employing registered individuals. Firms expanding into Delaware should secure the appropriate agency license first, then ensure all assigned personnel hold the required registration and identification card for their role, including commissioned (armed) status where applicable.