How to Hire a Private Detective in New York

New York licensing at a glance

New York licenses private detectives through the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.

Step by step: hiring in New York

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 New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services 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. New York generally allows a participant to record a conversation (one-party consent). Detectives shouldn't hack accounts, pretext for records, trespass or track phones.

What affects the cost of an investigation in New York

New York spans 62 counties. Surveillance in a dense area like New York City 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 New York detective

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

Mooney & Boland coordinates investigations throughout New York, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Syracuse. See private detective services in New York for coverage and services.

Local pages for New York communities:

Common questions

Sources

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

Reviewed November 2026.