How to Hire a Private Detective in California

California licensing at a glance

California requires a private detective license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Business and Professions Code §§ 7512–7573.

Step by step: hiring in California

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 Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) 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. California generally requires the consent of all parties to record a confidential conversation. Detectives shouldn't hack accounts, pretext for records, trespass or track phones.

What affects the cost of an investigation in California

California spans 58 counties. Surveillance in a dense area like Los Angeles 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 California detective

• Are you licensed for work in California, and who will actually do the work?
• How often do you handle matters like mine in California?
• How do you handle recording and tracking under California 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 California

Mooney & Boland coordinates investigations throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento. See private detective services in California for coverage and services.

Local pages for California communities:

Common questions

Sources

• Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) (official regulator)
• Justia: Recording Phone Calls and Conversations, 50-State Survey

Reviewed November 2026.