Row Officers

The Office of the Clerk of Courts

The Clerk of Courts Office issues Private Detective Licenses

• Initial filing fee - $38.50
• Renewal filing fee - $10.00

In addition to the filling fee, a License Fee is due upon the approval

• Initial Individual License - $200.00
  (Issued for 2 yrs.)
• Initial Partnerships and Corporations - $300.00
  (Issued for 2 yrs.)
• Renewal Individual License - $300.00
  (Issued for 3 yrs.)
• Renewal Partnerships/Corporations - $450.00
  (Issued for 3 yrs.)

Application of a Private Detective License requires the following:

• Two complete Petitions (1 original and 1 original copy)
• Within the Petitions please include your Social Security Number/Federal I.D. number.
• One set of completed fingerprint cards for each individual/officer of the corporation included within the petition.
• A second set of fingerprint cards and a check in the Amount of $17.50 made payable to "Commonwealth of PA for processing.
• A check in the amount of $8.25 made payable to Clerk of Courts for each employee-this fee is waived for new applicants only.
• A set of photos (a set consists of 2 photos). The license and file.
• Surety Bond in the amount of $10,000.00.
• A Surety Bond for new applications may not be filed until the license is approved by the Court.
• It is necessary the court approve the Surety Bonds before Licenses are issued.

Private Detective I.D. cards are taken by the Security Department by appointment only.

Note: This office is not permitted to help you with the preparation of your petition; however, you may purchase a sample guide for $6.25. This packet is meant simply as a guide and questions you may have should be referred to your attorney.