Laws and limits
Is It Legal to Hire a Private Detective?
Hiring a detective is legal. What the detective does, and why, is what the law cares about.
Key points
- Hiring a detective is legal
- Methods must be lawful
- Requests that could harm someone are declined
Lawful purposes
Investigating a partner's honesty, locating a witness, checking a business partner, documenting fraud or finding assets are all lawful purposes.
Lawful methods
The investigation must use lawful methods such as records, observation in public and interviews. See legal limits.
Requests detectives decline
Locating someone who has fled abuse, helping someone violate a protective order, harassing a person, or obtaining records illegally. Reputable detectives screen requests.
Licensing
Use a detective properly licensed where the work happens.
Common questions
Can I hire a detective to investigate my spouse?
Yes, using lawful methods.
Can a detective investigate my employee?
Yes, subject to employment law and the FCRA where applicable.
Will a detective find anyone for anyone?
No. Locate requests are screened for safety.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; consult an attorney about your situation. See our legal disclaimer.
Related services
Services connected to this guide.
Infidelity Investigations
Discreet fact-finding when you suspect a partner is being unfaithful.
Locate & Records ResearchPeople Searches
Identifying and locating an individual from limited information.
Keep reading
Related guides.
Do Private Detectives Need a License?
Which states license private detectives, which don't, how licensing works across state lines, and why it matters to clients.
Laws and limitsWhat Private Detectives Can and Cannot Do Legally
The legal limits on private detectives: surveillance, records, recording, GPS, pretexting, trespass, hacking and impersonation, explained plainly.
Hiring a private detectiveHow to Hire a Private Detective: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to hire a private detective the right way: define your goal, verify the license, agree on scope and cost, and know what results to expect.
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