Virginia One-Party

Licensing & Regulation

Virginia licenses PIs through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services, under Va. Code §9.1-138 et seq. Applicants must be 18+, complete a 60-hour DCJS-approved training course, pass a written examination, submit fingerprints, and meet character requirements.

Physical Surveillance

Public surveillance is permitted. Virginia's stalking statute (Va. Code §18.2-60.3) constrains intrusive conduct. GPS tracking on a non-owned vehicle is risky.

Audio & Video Recording Consent

Virginia is a one-party-consent state under Va. Code §19.2-62. The recording party must be a participant.

Domestic, Marital & Infidelity Investigations

Virginia allows fault-based divorce; adultery is a ground that affects spousal support. PIs do significant matrimonial work. Virginia retains some heart-balm torts in limited form. Accessing a spouse's accounts may violate Va. Code §18.2-152.3 (computer fraud).

Cybersecurity, Hacking & Digital Investigations

Va. Code §18.2-152.1 et seq. (Virginia Computer Crimes Act) parallels the CFAA. OSINT is permitted; pretexting is barred. Virginia has the Consumer Data Protection Act.

Missing Persons, Skip Tracing & Harassment

Virginia State Police coordinate missing-persons cases. DPPA fully applies. Va. Code §18.2-60.3 (stalking) is broad.