Match the investigator and the licence path

The new private-investigator checklist asks for proof of 1,500 experience hours, with possible educational substitution. The provisional checklist does not impose that same experience submission. Both list the financial-security alternatives, references, identification/background materials, and ethics requirements; DPSST sends examination information after processing the complete application.

An upgrade uses PI-11 and does not extend the existing expiry date. DPSST tells an applicant close to expiry to submit renewal with the upgrade. A bond purchase alone neither upgrades a provisional credential nor renews the licence.

Check the signature date and conditional start

The form’s checklist says the face date is the date the surety signed. Its effective clause separately starts when the principal meets the licensing/renewal requirements. It also requires filing with DPSST within sixty days of the face date for licensing validity. Do not treat checkout or a signed PDF as automatic authority to investigate.

Complete the principal and surety names, bond number, and both amount fields, and obtain the required principal/surety signatures. The currently linked form calls for the completed original; follow DPSST’s current delivery instructions so it arrives within the stated period.

Use the continuing form and existing route

The form continues until depleted by claims unless cancelled sooner. Surety cancellation requires thirty days’ written notice to the principal and DPSST and does not release responsibility for final orders relating to work under contracts entered before cancellation. This is not a supplied thirty-day purchase term or immediate release of earlier work.

Purchase Now opens RLI in a new tab. Compare your personal principal name, State recipient, requested amount of at least $5,000, accepted form, and actual dates before completing the application. The public option has no term label.

For renewal, the current PI-21 packet accepts current surety, qualifying irrevocable letter of credit or E&O evidence and separate continuing-education/ethics materials. It says an expired licence does not permit investigative work while renewal is pending. Keep the accepted financial security and licence current.