1. (1) An applicant for licensure as a private investigator, private security firearms instructor, private security guard, registered process server, or security alarm installer shall submit evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant:

   1. (a) is at least 18 years of age;
   2. (b) has completed high school or equivalent education;
   3. (c) meets character and fitness for licensure as demonstrated by a lack of unprofessional conduct; and
   4. (d) has successfully completed training, experience, and examination requirements as the department may prescribe by rule.
2. (2) In accordance with 34 U.S.C. 40316, the department shall require private investigator, private security firearms instructor, private security guard, registered process server, and security alarm installer license applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints to obtain a national criminal history background check by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation for the purposes of licensure.

3. (3) An applicant for licensure as a private security firm must:

   1. (a) be lawfully organized and registered with the secretary of state or otherwise qualified to do business within this state; and
   2. (b) designate a manager to act as the primary contact between the firm and the department.
4. (4) An applicant for a private investigator license who has not met the training and examination requirements may apply for a provisional license subject to 37-1-144 and as prescribed by department rule.

History: En. 66-3308 by Sec. 8, Ch. 234, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 66-3308; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 550, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 647, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 63, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 37, Ch. 481, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 375, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 44, Ch. 126, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 17, Ch. 405, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 33, Ch. 502, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 100, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 161, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 481, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 35, Ch. 279, L. 2025.