Regulatory Authority
Primary Regulator
How Licensing Works in Rhode Island
Rhode Island maintains a centralized, statewide licensing regime for private detectives and security guards under R.I. Gen. Laws Title 5, Chapter 5-5. Licensing is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
The statute provides for licensure of private detective agencies and private detectives. It also provides for licensure of security guards and security guard companies.
Licensure is required prior to engaging in regulated services. Both business entities and individual licensees are regulated at the state level.
Firearms licensing is governed under separate provisions of Rhode Island law and is not itself a private security or private investigation license.
Regulation of private detective and private security services is centralized at the state level.
Licenses Issued by the State
Security Services
- Rhode Island Security Guard License
- Rhode Island Security Guard Company License
Private Investigation Services
- Rhode Island Private Detective License
- Rhode Island Private Detective Agency License
Operational Notes for Multi-State Firms
Rhode Island regulates private investigation and private security under a single statutory chapter administered by the Department of Business Regulation.
Businesses and individuals must obtain appropriate licensure prior to performing regulated services.
Firearms licensing is governed under separate statutory provisions and does not substitute for required licensure under Title 5, Chapter 5-5.