Common Questions About Hiring a Private Investigator in California

Frequently Asked Questions | Bonnington PI

If you're considering working with a private investigator, it's normal to have questions—especially when your situation involves sensitive personal, legal, or business concerns. At Bonnington PI, based in Sacramento, CA, we’re committed to transparency, legality, and professionalism in everything we do.

Below you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, covering licensing, confidentiality, background checks, and what to expect during your investigation.


Serving Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Northern California
Have more questions? Call (916) 936-7773.

Licensing & Legal Requirements in California

  • Can a Private Investigator Operate Without a License in California?

    No. In California, all private investigators must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Operating without a license is illegal and can lead to criminal charges and civil penalties.

    Always verify a PI’s license at www.bsis.ca.gov.

  • What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Private Investigator?

    To qualify for a PI license in California, a person must:

    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Pass a criminal background check (CA DOJ + FBI)
    • Complete 6,000 hours of verified investigative experience
    • (Some degrees in criminal justice, law, or police science may count toward this total.)
    • Pass a rigorous two-hour written exam
    • Submit a complete application and pay all required fees to BSIS

    Licensing ensures that a private investigator is both legally authorized and professionally trained to conduct investigations.

  • How Can I Verify a Private Investigator's License?

    Go to the official California BSIS website: www.bsis.ca.gov. You can search by license number or business name to confirm the PI’s legal status and qualifications.

Confidentiality & Ethics

  • Do Private Investigators and Clients Have Attorney-Client Privilege?

    Not exactly. While all communication with Bonnington PI is handled confidentially and with care, PIs are not protected by attorney-client privilege.

    However:

    • If a PI is hired directly by your attorney, their work may be protected under the attorney work-product doctrine, shielding investigative materials from disclosure during litigation.
    • If a client admits a crime, a PI is not legally obligated to report it—but may choose to do so.
    • If a client tries to use the investigation for illegal activity or deception, the case will be immediately terminated.

    Best Practice: If your case involves active litigation, hire Bonnington PI through your attorney for the highest level of protection.

Realistic Results & Expectations

  • Can You Guarantee Specific Results?

    No. A professional investigator should never guarantee results. Investigations depend on:

    • Subject behavior
    • Accuracy and availability of information
    • Surveillance conditions
    • Legal access to data

    What we can guarantee at Bonnington PI is:

    • Legal, ethical investigative practices
    • Thorough documentation
    • Respect for your privacy
    • Honest, results-driven reporting

    Even if no wrongdoing is uncovered, the results may still help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Background Checks—Internet vs. Professional Investigations

  • Can You Get the Same Results From an Online Background Check?

    Absolutely not. While internet searches may provide surface-level details, they lack accuracy, depth, and legality. Many online tools pull outdated or unverifiable data.

  • Why Are Professional Background Checks Better?

    Licensed private investigators have access to:

    • Verified databases not open to the public
    • Criminal & civil court records
    • Property ownership and asset searches
    • Employment & education verification
    • Alias & identity checks
    • Court-admissible documentation

    We deliver clear, reliable reports tailored to your needs—whether for hiring, legal cases, tenant screening, or personal safety.

  • Common Myths About Internet Background Checks

    1. "Google shows everything I need to know."

    → Most criminal and court records are not indexed by search engines.

    2. "If it’s not online, it doesn’t exist."

    → Important records may only be found in licensed, subscription-only databases or through field investigation.

    3. "Free background sites are accurate."

    → These sites often pull incomplete or incorrect data and may violate privacy laws.

    4. "I can use online info in court."

    → Only legally obtained, verified evidence from a licensed PI can stand up in court.

    5. "Social media tells the whole story."

    → People curate and conceal their online presence. We go deeper, identifying hidden accounts, offline behavior, and more.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a private investigator is a serious decision—one that can affect legal outcomes, relationships, and personal safety. Whether you’re dealing with infidelity, child custody, background checks, or business disputes, Bonnington PI is here to help you uncover the truth with discretion, professionalism, and results.

Call (916) 936-7773 to schedule a free consultation.
Based in Sacramento, CA, and serving Northern California, the Bay Area, and the Greater Sacramento Valley