Tracer Licensing Information

Required State License(s):

When engaged in the business of furnishing, for hire, fee or reward, professional investigator or private detective services, including locating individuals, and investigating damage or crimes, a license is required.  Contact the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division at (517) 241-8720 for licensure information or visit our website at:  www.michigan.gov/pi

Other Possible License(s):

"Capital Finders" charge other companies a fee to locate sources of capital, investors.  A license is required with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) at (517) 241-6360 or visit the website at:

www.michgian.gov/OFIR

"Investment Finder" is one who participates in the offer to sell, the sale or purchase of securities or commodities by locating, introducing or referring potential purchasers or sellers.  A license is required with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) at (517) 241-6360 or visit the website at:  www.michigan.gov/OFIR

"Professional Investigator" or "Tracer" of people; locate people for a fee, reward, or other consideration for any reason including those who are owed money, property or goods, are required to be licensed as professional investigators with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division at (517) 241-8720 or visit the website at:  www.michigan.gov/pi

"Skip Tracer" refers to the use of electronic databases to track down people; users of skiptracing are generally third party debt collection agencies seeking debtors who have "skipped out", hence the name.  Bounty hunters and private investigators perform the acts involved with skiptracing also.  The growth of the Internet, of course, has made available many online resources for skiptracing, which raise some privacy concerns.  Third party debt collectors, collecting debts owed another and charging a fee, are licensed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs at (517) 373-7353 or visit the website at:  www.michigan.gov/collections

"FHA Finders" locate people who are owed money by the FHA on mortgage insurance policies.  There are several variations depending upon in what activities the finder is involved.  Individuals requiring more information about the FHA requirements should contact FHA directly at:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/comp/refunds/index.cfm

Revised:  4/2009