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New Jersey detective agency license bonds.
$100 flat.

New Jersey licenses private detective agencies through the State Police, and conditions the license on a surety bond — $5,000 for a firm, association, or corporation. Ours is $100 flat — the price is set by our carrier's rate book for this bond, the same for everyone.

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Required for a NJ private detective agency license under the Private Detective Act of 1939
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Fixed price, fixed amount — $5,000 bond, $100, no quote process
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Multi-year terms available — set it up once, forget it for up to 3 years
A-ratedA.M. Best carriersInstantunderwriting process1–3 yrterms available
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

License bonds are the simplest thing in surety. Here's the entire process:

NOW · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details and an effective date. That's the application — no financials, no credit section.

MINUTES, USUALLY

Pay & e-sign

License bonds like this are among the thousands of bond types that issue right after purchase.

SAME DAY

File with the State Police

Your executed bond arrives by email, ready to file with the State Police Private Detective Unit. Wet-ink original mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

New Jersey's Private Detective Act of 1939 requires anyone conducting a private detective or investigation business to be licensed by the Superintendent of the State Police. The license is conditioned on a surety bond — $5,000 for a firm, association, or corporation (a lower figure applies to an individual licensee).

The bond runs to the State for the benefit of anyone harmed, conditioned on the licensee conducting the business lawfully and faithfully under N.J.S.A. 45:19-8 to 45:19-27. If a licensed agency violates the act and someone is damaged, the harmed party can recover against the bond.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays a claim, you repay the surety. The bond must stay active for the life of your license; we track it and notify you 60 and 30 days out so the $5,000 filing stays continuous.

N.J.S.A. 45:19-12 (Private Detective Act of 1939)Under the New Jersey Private Detective Act of 1939 (N.J.S.A. 45:19-8 et seq.), a private detective agency is licensed by the Superintendent of the State Police and must file a surety bond — $5,000 for a firm, association, or corporation and $3,000 for an individual — approved by the Superintendent and conditioned on lawful, faithful conduct of the business. Confirm which figure applies to your license type.

You need this bond if you're

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A firm, association, or corporation applying for a NJ private detective agency license
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Renewing a detective agency license that requires the surety bond
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Replacing a non-renewed bond to keep your license in good standing
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An out-of-state agency getting licensed to work in New Jersey

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual issuing fields — the application collects no credit information for this bond.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the New Jersey detective agency bond?The premium is $100, set by our carrier's rate book for this bond — the same for every agency. The $5,000 bond amount is set by statute, so there is no quote process.
Is the bond $5,000 or $3,000?It depends on the licensee. The Private Detective Act sets a $5,000 bond for a firm, association, or corporation and a $3,000 bond for an individual. This page covers the $5,000 firm bond; if you're licensing as an individual, send us the figure and we'll issue the $3,000 version.
Do I pay the $5,000?No. You pay $100. The $5,000 is the surety's maximum liability if a valid claim is made against the bond — not a deposit, and nobody holds your money.
Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information for this bond. Most applications approve instantly.
When does it renew?The bond must stay active for as long as you hold the license. You can buy a 1, 2, or 3-year term; we send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out, with autopay available, so your license never lapses over a missed email.
Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.
How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.
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Finish your license checklist today.

$100 flat, no credit review, bond often issued in the same sitting. Free until issued.

Start application
Your price$100
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