Regulatory Authority
How Licensing Works in Indiana
Indiana regulates private investigation and contract security through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) and the Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board.
Indiana’s licensing model is **entity-centered**:
- Firms providing private investigation services are licensed as **Private Investigator Firms**.
- Businesses providing contract security services are licensed as **Security Guard Agencies**.
PLA guidance emphasizes “qualifier” requirements (experience/education) for a private investigator firm or security guard agency license, as well as insurance/financial responsibility requirements and criminal history background checks as conditions of licensure. The Board’s rules (874 IAC 1) implement these requirements.
Operationally, Indiana should be treated as a statewide regime focused on licensing the entity that offers regulated services, with compliance obligations that attach to the licensed firm/agency and its qualifying individual.
Licenses Issued by the State
Security Services
- Security Guard Agency License (Company)
Private Investigation Services
- Private Investigator Firm License (Company)
Operational Notes for Multi-State Firms
Indiana generally requires licensure for the firm/agency offering regulated services. Firms entering Indiana should secure the appropriate entity license(s) first and ensure their designated qualifier, insurance/financial responsibility documentation, and background-check requirements align with PLA guidance and 874 IAC 1.