Badges for Private Investigators
Professional PI & Detective Badges

Learn where to find the best badges for private investigators.

Details on badge requirements for private investigators & laws on PI identification badges

This may sound a bit condescending, but it's important to make clear: badges for private investigators are not toys.

Yes, we all loved to play with them when we were young, pretending to be an Agent of This and Officer of That, taking down the bad guys and saving the world.

But a real badge is something that should be taken much more seriously than our childhood fantasies.

The badge is a symbol of honor, of trust, and of duty.

It tells the public that you are here to help and that you have the qualifications and training to do so.

If you use private investigator badges, and you are not a licensed PI, you can expect some serious repercussions.

It is absolutely illegal to show badges for private investigators to other people in an official capacity if you are not a licensed professional.

That being said, if you are certified and licensed, a badge may be one of the most useful tools in your PI arsenal.

Badge Requirements for Private Investigators

You must be licensed in order to legally display badges and pins for private investigators.

These are official seals and symbols that can only be used by qualified professionals. To use a shield is to tell the person you're showing it to that you can be depended upon and trusted. Law enforcement officers of all kinds don't take desecrating that sentiment very lightly at all.

So what do you need to do to become licensed or qualified enough to carry an official badge?

Well, the first thing you need to do is get some training and an education.

Many PI's attend college and earn police science or criminal justice degrees. This helps them prepare for the world of law enforcement.

But you don't need a degree to become a Private Investigator.

Others gain experience by spending a few years on the force or apprenticing with an established PI. But no matter which route you take, when it comes time to get your private investigator license, you need to take some study courses.

Once you've completed your PI training, you can apply to your state's licensing division of the bureau of security and investigative services.

There are seven states in the US that don't require you to have a license, but most of the companies you'll want to work for do, so it's a good idea to earn your proper credentials.

When you are officially licensed, then you can purchase your badge. You can find them:

In mail-order catalogs
At retails stores
Or on specialized websites

Private Investigator Badge: Tips and Tricks

So, you have all of the necessary credentials and you're on the hunt for a badge--congratulations! But you may want to hear just a few tips and hints from the pros concerning your private investigator badge.

Use Your ID

A great way to avoid unnecessary hassle on the job is to display your identification next to your badge. This way you can make sure everyone knows who you are and in what capacity you have authority at the outset.

Show Your Credentials

Don't buy a badge from a retailer who doesn't care to see your license. These people may have the proper shields available, but they can't be trusted to be working within the limits of the law.

Customize

There are a great many different kinds of badges for private investigators available. Choose one that suits you, your attitude, and the kind of work you do. It will give you a professional edge over the competition.