What is the job of a private investigator?

A private investigator handles a varied workload, with many specialising in areas such as infidelity or finding people. UK Private Investigators offers a wide range of services including discreet surveillance, background checks, fraud identification, due diligence investigations, and tracing missing people. Our investigators use specialised tools and techniques to find information quickly and lawfully.

Is it legal to hire a private investigator in the UK?

Yes, hiring a private investigator in the UK is entirely legal, provided the investigator operates within the law. Private investigators must comply with legal frameworks including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. UK Private Investigators is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and operates fully within UK law, including GDPR.

Do private investigators need a licence in the UK?

Legally, private investigators in the UK do not currently require a licence or formal qualifications. However, professional training and experience in surveillance and investigation methods is highly beneficial. UK Private Investigators employs operatives with backgrounds in senior police, military, and specialist roles.

What can a private investigator legally do in the UK?

In the UK, a private investigator can legally carry out background checks using publicly available records, conduct interviews with relevant individuals, perform surveillance in public places, interact directly or indirectly with subjects, search licence plate numbers within legal limits, and gather information from public social media profiles. All evidence must be collected lawfully to be admissible.

What can a private investigator NOT do in the UK?

Private investigators in the UK cannot trespass on private property, make arrests, track someone with GPS without consent, hack phones, laptops, email, or social media accounts, retrieve private phone records, or access medical or personal credit records. UK Private Investigators operates strictly within these legal boundaries at all times.

Can private investigators conduct background checks?

Yes, private investigators can conduct background checks using publicly available records and specialist databases. This makes them an ideal resource if you want to verify someone you have met online, check a potential business partner, or carry out pre-marital due diligence.

Is private investigation confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is central to everything UK Private Investigators does. Investigators use encrypted communication, secure data storage, and professional methods to ensure all findings are handled discreetly. Your information is never shared with anyone other than you.

Can private investigators testify in court?

Yes, private investigators can testify in court and the evidence they gather is generally admissible, provided it was collected lawfully. Their testimony can be a significant factor in the outcome of legal proceedings.

How long does a private investigation usually take?

The duration of a private investigation varies depending on the nature and complexity of the case. Some investigations can be completed within a few days, while others may take several weeks or even months. UK Private Investigators will discuss realistic timescales with you during your free consultation before any work begins.

How much does a private investigator cost in the UK?

The cost of hiring a private investigator depends on the type of investigation, its complexity, travel requirements, and the time and resources involved. Some services are available at a fixed price, while more complex work such as surveillance is charged based on time. UK Private Investigators provides free consultations and explains all costs clearly before any work begins, with no unexpected charges.

Trace a person

Trace a person by name, telephone or address anywhere in the UK with fast, discreet and professional investigations.

Get a free, confidential consultation with a UK private investigator

Trusted UK Private Investigators

Rated highly by clients across the UK for fast, discreet and reliable people tracing services

Trace a Person Service

Our UK people tracing service is designed to locate individuals quickly, accurately and discreetly. Whether you need to trace a person for personal, legal or business reasons, our experienced investigators use advanced data sources and proven investigative methods to deliver reliable results.

Unlike many tracing companies that rely on outdated electoral roll data, we utilise a combination of non-public databases, investigative techniques and real-time intelligence to identify a person’s current address and contact details — even if they have recently moved.

We can begin a trace with as little as a name or last known address, and in many cases deliver results within 24–48 hours.

People Tracing Service

We can trace people nationwide with our network of contacts throughout the UK. We can start to trace someone with as little information as a full name or last known address, but sometimes, we may require a little more detail.

Trace a Person

We can trace a person using limited information, including a name, date of birth or last known address, to locate their current contact details.

Find a Person’s Address

If you need to confirm a current residential address, we can provide accurate and up-to-date information, even where records are limited.

Trace a Person by Phone Number

Using a telephone number, we can identify the individual linked to it and uncover key contact details.

Find an Address from a Telephone Number

Our reverse search services can provide name, address and additional relevant information linked to a number.

Locate Friends, Family or Contacts

We help reconnect individuals with lost contacts, relatives or people from their past, handling every case with discretion.

What Information Do We Need to Trace a Person?

To begin a successful trace, our investigators require some basic information about the individual you are trying to locate. In many cases, we can start with very limited details, but the more information you can provide, the faster and more accurate the results will be.

We can often begin a trace using just a name or last known address, however, additional details can significantly improve the success and speed of the investigation.

To start tracing a person, useful information includes:

Full name, including previous or married names
Date of birth or approximate age
Last known address or previous locations
Telephone numbers or email addresses
Employment details or industry
Family connections or known associates
Any additional relevant information

Knowing even a few key details can significantly increase the likelihood of successfully tracing a person.

How We Trace a Person in the UK

Tracing a person requires a combination of experience, data access and investigative expertise. At UK Private Investigators, we use a range of proven techniques to locate individuals quickly and accurately.

Our process includes:

Accessing non-public and proprietary databases
Analysing address history and movement patterns
Cross-referencing multiple data sources to verify identity
Reviewing digital footprints and publicly available information
Conducting discreet enquiries where necessary

We also utilise traditional investigative methods such as reviewing electoral roll data, analysing previous address records, and identifying connections through known associates.

While online searches and public records can sometimes provide basic information, they are often incomplete or outdated. Our investigators go far beyond these methods, using professional tools and resources to deliver reliable, up-to-date results.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and provide a full report once the trace is complete.

Why You Might Need to Trace a Person

There are many reasons why you may need to trace a person in the UK.

These include:

Locating someone who has moved or become uncontactable
Reconnecting with friends, family members or former contacts
Tracing debtors for recovery or legal action
Supporting legal proceedings, including serving documents
Identifying unknown callers or verifying contact details
Conducting background checks or due diligence
Researching family history or genealogy

No matter the reason, tracing a person can often be complex without the right tools and experience.

Who Can We Help You Trace?

We assist with a wide range of tracing cases, including:

Biological parents and family members
Lost relatives, siblings or beneficiaries
Old friends, colleagues or former partners
Debtors avoiding repayment
Tenants who have moved without notice
Witnesses required for legal matters
Missing persons or individuals who have lost contact
Shareholders, beneficiaries or individuals linked to legal cases
International contacts and overseas tracing enquiries

No matter your reason, our service is tailored to handle both straightforward and complex tracing cases with complete discretion.

How the Process of Tracing a Person Works

Once we begin your case, our investigators follow a structured process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

1. Initial Consultation

We gather the information you already have and assess the likelihood of a successful trace.

2. Research & Data Analysis

We access multiple databases, intelligence sources and in-house tools to build a profile of the individual.

3. Investigation & Verification

All information is cross-checked using multiple sources to ensure accuracy and eliminate errors.

4. Results & Reporting

We provide a clear, confidential report including verified address and contact details where available.

5. Ongoing Support

If required, we can assist with further steps such as legal support, process serving or additional investigations.

Tracing a Person vs Finding a Person

Tracing a person involves gathering information and building a profile using records, databases and investigative techniques. Finding a person focuses on identifying their current location or contact details.

Our service combines both approaches to ensure accurate, verified and actionable results.

What are the fees for different tracing services?

Our tracing fees are designed to be straightforward, with costs varying based on the complexity and type of enquiry:

Tracing from a recent address (within the last 10 years): Typically priced at £120.00, this is our standard tracing service when your information is reasonably up to date.
Tracing from an older or unknown address: If the address on record is more than 10 years old, or you have very limited information, pricing may differ. Contact us for a bespoke quote based on your specific circumstances.
Doorstep trace: For situations requiring in-person verification—where one of our investigators visits the address—a doorstep trace is available from £120.00.

No Trace, No Fee

For most tracing enquiries, you only pay once we have successfully located the individual.

No Trace Report

In cases such as divorce or probate, we can provide a detailed ‘No Trace’ report outlining all steps taken during the investigation. This is available for £55 + VAT where required.

We are always transparent with pricing and will provide a clear quote before any work begins.

What is included in a tracing report?

When you request a tracing report from us, you’ll receive a comprehensive summary of our findings. This typically includes:

The latest verified address of the person you’re looking for
Any available contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses
Additional relevant details we uncover during our search

Our tracing reports are designed to be clear and actionable, giving you everything you need to take the next step—whether that’s reaching out, pursuing legal action, or simply gaining peace of mind. Each report is backed by our thirty-day guarantee, so you know the information is fresh and reliable.

We are here to help, 24/7 - 365 days of the year

How we trace a person

Discreet People Tracing Services in the UK

With over 28 years of experience, UK Private Investigators provide fast, confidential and highly accurate people tracing services.

98–99% success rate
Results often within 24–48 hours
Access to advanced non-public data sources
Nationwide and international coverage
Fully GDPR compliant

Our service is trusted by individuals, businesses and legal professionals across the UK.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Tracing Service

Choosing the right tracing service is essential.

You should consider:

Experience and proven track record
Use of legal and ethical investigative methods
Clear and transparent pricing
Strong data protection and confidentiality practices

A professional tracing service will provide honest advice, clear communication and realistic expectations.

What Is Included in a Tracing Report?

Our tracing reports provide clear and verified information, including:

The most recent confirmed address
Available contact details where legally obtainable
Additional relevant findings uncovered during the investigation

All reports are backed by our 30-day guarantee to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is a Doorstep Trace?

A doorstep trace is a more hands-on approach used when confirmation of a person’s current address is required.

This involves a professional investigator visiting the address in person to verify residency and gather further information where necessary.

This service is commonly used in legal matters or where additional verification is required.

Can Tracing Services Confirm If Someone Has Died?

Yes, we can carry out checks across official records including:

General Register Office (GRO) records
Obituaries and public notices
Electoral roll data

Where available, we can also provide additional details such as date of death and registered next of kin.

Use the following form to start

Your full name:

Your email:

Your telephone:

Your street name & number:

Your postcode:

Name of person to be found:

Age or Date of birth (if known):

Last known address

Reason for trace:

Any other details

Terms Of Trace Service

This instruction form constitutes a legal agreement between UK Private Investigators, the service provider and the client as named. I agree to instruct UK Private Investigators on a no trace, no fee basis and upon confirmation of a successful trace (UK Private Investigators advising me that they have successfully completed), I agree to pay UK Private Investigators the fee as quoted of £ 120.00, within seven days of completion, and before I receive the report or any details from the report. ALL traces are covered by a thirty day retrace or refund guarantee. I am aware and accept, that this is NOT an enquiry form.

I agree, I am of sound mind

I am of sound mind

I agree, I am over 18 years of age

I am over 18 years of age

I agree to the terms of service and costs as shown to me on this trace instruction form.

I agree to the terms and fee as quoted above.

Your Name (By entering your name in this box below means you are in agreement to our terms as above)

Contact UKPI today to trace a person

Confidential & efficient person tracing services in the UK

UK Private Investigators has over 28 years of experience in the private eye industry, offering discreet, confidential, and affordable people tracing services to anyone who needs them. Our professional tracing agents can easily help you track down an old friend you lost touch with, a long-lost family member or debtors trying to avoid repaying their debts.

Beyond our people tracing service our UK tracing agents can also:

Track down hidden listening devices with a comprehensive bug sweep
Conduct some pre-marital investigations
Perform online dating checks

Call us on 0800 0431754 or contact us to make use of our UK tracing services.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to trace a person?

The time we need varies depending on the complexity of the case and the available information, but it can range from a few days to several weeks.

Can I trace a person without their knowledge?

Yes, tracing can often be done discreetly using public records, social media, and other legal methods that do not require the person’s consent.

Do you need the person’s personal information to trace them?

While it’s helpful, even minimal details like a name, last known location, or phone number can help us trace someone.

Is tracing someone legal?

Yes, as long as the methods used are legal and respect privacy rights, such as using public records or non-invasive online searches.

Can tracing someone help find missing persons?

Yes, tracing can assist in locating missing persons, though it may require specialised skills and resources for more complex cases.

What if the person is intentionally hiding?

Even in cases where someone is deliberately evading detection, a UKPI can use advanced techniques to uncover hidden information.

Is tracing a person expensive?

Our costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, but we’ll let you know what you can expect to pay very early on in the process. For straightforward traces—such as locating an individual from a current or recent address—fees typically start from £ 120.00. More challenging cases, like tracing someone with only an old or incomplete address, may require a custom quote based on the level of investigation involved.
If you require an in-person visit to confirm residency or gather further information, a doorstep trace is also available, which usually starts from £ 125.00

In certain situations—such as divorce or probate matters—courts may request a detailed No Trace; report outlining the steps taken during the investigation. Should this be needed, a comprehensive report can be provided for £ 55.00.
We’re always upfront about any costs, and there are no hidden fees—just clear advice and a tailored approach to your particular needs.

Can tracing UKPI take on international cases?

Yes, we can trace a person internationally, though it may require specialised tools and resources to navigate different countries’ laws and databases, and it may take longer, too.