How to Hire a Private Detective in Washington

Washington licensing at a glance

Washington licenses private detectives and agencies through the Department of Licensing.

Step by step: hiring in Washington

1. Define your question. What do you need to know, and what decision depends on it?
2. Verify licensing. Look the detective up on the Washington State Department of Licensing website rather than relying on a license number shown in an ad. Confirm the license is active and check the agency license as well as the individual's where both exist.
3. Agree on scope and cost in writing. Know what will be done, for how long, and what you'll receive.
4. Share what you know. Names, addresses, photos, vehicles and schedules save billable hours.
5. Insist on lawful methods. Washington generally requires the consent of all parties to record a private conversation; an announcement captured in the recording can establish consent. Detectives shouldn't hack accounts, pretext for records, trespass or track phones.

What affects the cost of an investigation in Washington

Washington spans 39 counties. Surveillance in a dense area like Seattle may call for two detectives to keep a subject in view, while work in rural counties can involve more travel time. Records research that requires courthouse visits in several counties takes longer than searches available online.

Most surveillance is billed hourly plus expenses such as mileage; defined research tasks are often flat-fee. Our cost guide explains pricing in detail.

Questions to ask a Washington detective

• Are you licensed for work in Washington, and who will actually do the work?
• How often do you handle matters like mine in Washington?
• How do you handle recording and tracking under Washington law?
• Which county courts or records will you need, and how long will that take?
• What will the report include, and could you testify if needed?

More questions are in our list of 15 questions to ask before hiring.

Where we coordinate work in Washington

Mooney & Boland coordinates investigations throughout Washington, including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Bellevue. See private detective services in Washington for coverage and services.

Local pages for Washington communities:

Common questions

Sources

• Washington State Department of Licensing (official regulator)
• Justia: Recording Phone Calls and Conversations, 50-State Survey

Reviewed November 2026.