By Lone Star Detectives | Fort Worth, TX | Licensed in the State of Texas
In recent months, we’ve seen an alarming trend: out-of-state investigation companies claiming “nationwide coverage” and accepting Texas-based cases without being properly licensed in Texas. This isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal, and it poses serious risks to attorneys, insurers, corporations, and private clients alike.
❌ The Danger of Unlicensed Private Investigation Work in Texas
If you contract with an agency that is not licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau (PSB), you may unknowingly expose yourself to:
- Suppressed or dismissed evidence in court
- Civil liability if the investigation harms your client
- Criminal charges, including stalking or harassment
- State fines and regulatory action
We’ve seen cases where unlicensed agencies cut and paste content from licensed investigators’ reports, insert them into their own templates, and submit them to Texas courts. In one instance, a licensed investigator’s name appeared in an unlicensed agency’s report submitted without consent, triggering a formal complaint and unnecessary disciplinary review.
⚠️ Attorneys, Insurance Adjusters, and Business Clients: Be Cautious
If you are:
- Assigning work on behalf of a law firm, insurance company, TPA, or client
- Relying on a third-party or national firm to conduct surveillance or investigations in Texas
- Accepting deliverables from an investigator not physically operating in Texas
…then you are responsible for ensuring the investigator is licensed by the State of Texas to accept payment, assign, or collect information related to a case.
👉 Subcontracting doesn’t override licensing requirements. If a company is not licensed in Texas, you cannot legally work under its authority. Unless they hold a valid Texas PI license, you must treat them as a client, not a managing firm.
✅ Lone Star Detectives: Your Licensed Investigation Partner in Texas
Lone Star Detectives, Inc., is fully licensed and insured to conduct private investigations throughout the State of Texas. Our team includes investigators with decades of experience in surveillance, litigation support, insurance defense, and family law matters.
We do not accept or assign cases from unlicensed companies. If contacted by an out-of-state client needing services in Texas, we refer them to licensed Texas agencies or guide them to work with us directly—ensuring complete compliance with DPS and state regulations.
📚 Know the Law:
All investigators and agencies must comply with the Texas Occupations Code §1702, governing private security services and investigation practices across the state.
Before assigning a case, always confirm that:
- The agency holds an active Texas PI license
- The investigator is registered with that license holder
- The agency has proper liability insurance and bonding
- You receive signed agreements that clearly outline services and scope
💡 Work Smarter. Stay Legal. Protect Your Case.
Don’t risk your investigation—and your client—by working with firms that aren’t legally authorized in Texas.
📍 Lone Star Detectives proudly serves the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and clients statewide, with professionalism, discretion, and full compliance.
📞 Call us today at 682-204-3041
