How to Hire a Licensed Private Investigator in Indiana

What to check, what to ask, and what to expect before you hire an investigator in Indiana.

Start with the license

Indiana requires private investigator firms to be licensed under Indiana Code 25-30-1, through the Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Before you share the details of your case, ask for the firm's license number and look it up on the IPLA's free public license search. Check that the name on the license matches the business you are talking to and that the license is active.

Cheshire Investigation Agency holds Indiana license PI22500020. That is the only private investigator license we claim, and we encourage you to verify it. One state's license does not authorize work in another, so if part of your matter is outside Indiana, ask who will handle that part and what license they hold.

Questions worth asking

Who will actually do the work, and will you tell me if any of it is subcontracted? What will I receive at the end: a written report, photos or video, and a summary of what was checked? How often will you update me? What will you not do? A good investigator answers the last question without hesitating: no hacking, no wiretapping, no trespassing, and no GPS trackers on vehicles you have no right to monitor.

Ask how the quote is built. Cost depends on hours, travel, records, and deadlines, so a responsible firm scopes the job before naming a number. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a result or pressures you to pay before they understand the facts.

Red flags

Walk away if an investigator will not give you a license number, claims to be "licensed nationwide," says "state licensed" without naming the state, offers to get phone or bank records, or promises that their evidence will win your case. If a lawyer is involved in your matter, tell the investigator up front so the work supports your attorney's strategy.

What to expect from us

Your first step is a free consultation. We listen, tell you whether we can take the matter, and explain the first step. We'll give you a quote on that call once we understand what you need. Work begins after a signed retainer agreement, and you are kept informed as it moves. Learn more on our Southern Indiana private investigator page, or call (812) 364-1466.

Verify Their License

Ask for the Indiana license number and look it up on the IPLA public license search. Ours is PI22500020.

Check Experience & Background

Look for experience with your type of matter, whether surveillance, locates, background research, or family-law support, and ask who will do the fieldwork.

Ask the Right Questions

Ask about methods, reporting, the update schedule, and how the quote and retainer are built.

Why Choose Cheshire Investigation Agency?

Indiana Licensed: Indiana License #PI22500020, the only PI license we claim.
Veteran-Owned: Discipline and integrity on every case.
Clear Communication: You are kept informed throughout the investigation.
Lawful Methods: Every assignment is planned within Indiana law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do private investigators need a license in Indiana?

Yes. Private investigator firms in Indiana must be licensed through the Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board, administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. You can check any firm on the IPLA public license search.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. Start with a free consultation. We'll give you a quote on that call once we understand what you need.

Should a private investigator guarantee results?

No. An investigator can promise lawful methods, honest reporting, and clear communication, but not what the facts will show. A guaranteed outcome is a red flag.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

We are here to answer your questions and help you decide on the best path forward. Start with a free consultation. We'll give you a quote on that call once we understand what you need.

Greenville, Indiana (Floyd County) · Indiana license PI22500020