yWhy You Should Only Hire a Licensed Austin Private Investigator

Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Hiring an Investigator Near You
As a professional Austin TX private investigator, I get calls every week from people asking,

​“Why should I go with you when your rates are higher than Company X?”
Or even,

“I found a private investigator who will work for $500 for the entire week!”

It’s a fair question—but the truth is, if someone is charging rock-bottom rates like that, there’s a good chance they are not licensed, insured, or legally operating in the state of Texas. And that could lead to serious consequences for your case and your future.

Is a License Really Required for a Private Investigator in Austin, TX?
Yes, absolutely. In Texas, all investigations must be conducted under a licensed investigations company. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes this crystal clear in Chapter 1702.101 of the Occupations Code, which states:
Unless the person holds a license as an investigations company, a person may not:

1. Act as an investigations company
2. Offer to perform the services of an investigations company
3. Engage in business activity for which a license is required

If you're hiring someone who doesn't meet these criteria, they're breaking the law—and you could be putting your case at risk by working with them.

What About Insurance?
In addition to being licensed, all Austin TX private investigators are required by Texas Administrative Code Rule 35.27 to carry liability insurance. This protects you, the client, in case anything goes wrong during the investigation.
An uninsured or unlicensed investigator not only puts your case in jeopardy—they expose you to legal liability and financial risk.

Why It Matters: Real People, Real Stakes
Most people don’t hire an Austin detective unless something serious is happening in their lives. You may be:

• Facing criminal charges
• Fighting for custody of your children
• Dealing with infidelity in your relationship
• Investigating fraud or harassment

I understand that calling a stranger for help with something this personal can feel overwhelming. That’s why at Special Investigations Group, we guarantee 100% confidentiality, professionalism, and legal compliance in every case.
Hiring an unlicensed investigator near you may seem like a way to save money, but in reality, you may be throwing it away. Anything they uncover is not admissible in court, and if they’re caught, it could hurt your case—not help it.

Watch Out for This Common Scam
There’s another issue I’ve seen too often in the Austin private investigation world: an investigator who shows up as “licensed” on the state website, but asks you to pay them directly, in their own name vs paying their company.
This is illegal. Even if they’re personally licensed, they cannot operate independently unless they also own a licensed investigations company. By working outside of their registered agency, they are:

• Operating without insurance
• Violating state law
• Taking money outside company records
• Leaving you with no legal protections

In short, they’re not just breaking rules—they’re stealing from the company they work for and potentially putting your case and your personal information at risk.

The SIG Difference: Trust, Transparency, and Experience
At Special Investigations Group, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured as a top-rated Austin private investigator firm. We don’t just meet the minimum standards—we exceed them.
As a licensed investigations company, we:

✅ Supervise every investigator under our license
✅ Maintain full insurance and compliance with Texas law
✅ Provide detailed contracts and clear communication
✅ Stand by your side during and after the investigation
✅ Deliver results that hold up in court

We’re proud of our track record helping people just like you—whether it’s uncovering the truth in a major criminal case, protecting your children, or defending your freedom.

How to Verify a PI License in Texas
If you’re unsure whether a PI or agency is licensed in Texas, don’t guess—verify. Use the official state search tool:
Verify a License: https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/search/index​
Just enter the investigator’s name or company name and check their status.

Final Thoughts: You Get What You Pay For
When searching for an investigator near me, remember this:
Low rates often mean low standards—or illegal activity.
A $500/week “deal” may seem attractive, but it could end up costing you far more than money. Whether you’re hiring an Austin detective for civil, criminal, or domestic issues, make sure you’re hiring someone licensed, insured, and reputable.

Need a Trusted, Licensed Austin Private Investigator?
We’re here to help. Contact Special Investigations Group today for a free confidential consultation and learn how we can get you the results you need—ethically, legally, and professionally.

Call now or request an appointment online (512) 844-7933 or https://www.siginvestigator.com/contact-us.html

Serving Austin TX and surrounding areas

When you search “investigator near me,” make sure you're choosing one who’s certified and licensed to protect your rights.