How to Become a Private Investigator: Licensing Requirements in Every State

So you want to become a private investigator. You’ve come to the right place!

Last update: January 2022.

Investigate our archives to find articles by veteran private investigators about cases they’ve worked, tech tools they love, and how they became PIs. It’s a great place to learn about the incredible variety of work they do, from surveillance to criminal defense investigations to adoption searches. In our virtual pages, you’ll learn about niche work and investigative techniques like OSINTK9 evidence, and trash pulls. And at our YouTube channel, you’ll find a deep archive of webinar interviews with P.I.s who share their wisdom every month.

Scroll down to find basic information about the licensing statutes in your state and helpful links to regulatory agencies and PI associations. Many, but not all, states with licensure statutes also require continuing education. We have that! Check out our sister site, PI Education, to find courses approved in your state.

State licensing requirements are always changing, so think of this database as a starting point for your research and not the final word. The links for each state should lead you to more current and detailed information, including fees, applications to download, state laws, and license renewal schedules. Although statutes vary, most states that require licensure have a minimum age (usually 18 or 21, sometimes 25), will ask you to provide a photograph, proof of citizenship, and fingerprints (for a background check), and you’ll possibly need to pass an exam. Fees for the application, licensure, renewals, and background check vary widely.

A criminal record, history of drug abuse, or mental health issues may delay or preclude your licensure. Many statutes include language about “good moral character” and require personal references. Some states require previous investigative experience or education as well and may have separate agency and individual licensure. Several have entry-level employee registration or trainee licenses that let you work as an agency employee to gain the needed experience.

Alabama

A private investigator license is required in Alabama. Applicants must be 21 and pass a written exam. Costs include application fee ($100) a fee for background checks ($37) and a $300 license fee every two years. Instructions and a checklist are here.

Regulatory agency: Alabama Private Investigation Board

AL law: Chapter 25B – Alabama Private Investigation Regulatory Act

Application: AL PI License Application ($100)

PI Association: Alabama Private Investigators Association

Alabama requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for AL investigators here.

Alaska

Alaska doesn’t require a P.I. license, but you’ll need a state business license to operate. Anchorage and Fairbanks have their own licensing requirements.

Anchorage

Anchorage requires an agency license.

Regulatory agency: Anchorage Municipal Clerk

Anchorage law: 10.40.020 – Private detectives—Agency license

Application: Anchorage Private Detective Agency ($100 fee every 2y)

Fairbanks

Fairbanks requires a P.I. license, a city business license, liability insurance (a $10,000 surety bond), and a criminal history background check.

Regulatory agency: Fairbanks City Clerk

Fairbanks law: ARTICLE IV. – PRIVATE DETECTIVES

Application: Fairbanks Private Detective License (application fee $75; $400 license fee every 4y)

Wrangell St. Elias National Park, AK (photo by Bryan Goff on Unsplash)

Arizona

Arizona’s statutes require both individual P.I.s and agencies to be licensed. Applicants for a private investigator license must be 18 (qualifications here). An agency license is issued to the “Qualifying Party” (QP), who must be 21+ and show proof of three years of investigative experience.

You can work as a P.I. without the three years of experience if you register as an employee of a P.I. agency. Then you’d gain your three years as an apprentice before going solo.

Regulatory agency: Arizona Dept. of Public Safety (All the fees are listed here.)

AZ law: AZ ARS Title 32 (Go to Chapter 24 – PI Law)

Applications: Private Investigator Registration Application ($72 fee)

AZ Private Investigation Agency Application ($272 application fee + $400 license fee)

PI association: AALPI (This site has an FAQ about licensure.)

Arizona requires CE for process servers. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for AZ process servers here.
Picacho Peak, AZ (photo by iStrfry , Marcus on Unsplash)

Arkansas

Investigators in Arkansas must be licensed, and the state has reciprocal licensing agreements with TN, LA, and OK. Applicants need to be 21 and have two years of investigative experience in law enforcement or working for a P.I. firm before they can qualify for a P.I. license.

Regulatory agency: Arkansas State Police

AR law: Act 393 of the Arkansas General Assembly (p. 18)

Application: Credentialed Private Investigator Application (total fees $485.00)

Pea Ridge National Military Park, Benton Co., AR (photo by Pete Chacalos from Pixabay

California

Anyone conducting investigations in California must be licensed. To apply, you’ll need to be 18, pass an exam, and have three years of investigative experience or a degree in law or certain criminal justice topics, as specified at the BSIS site. The state also requires a license for a “Private Investigation Qualified Manager.” Each P.I. company license must have one person designated as the qualified manager. And a private investigator LLC must have a liability insurance policy — coverage limits depend on the number of managing members.

This site explains the process in detail and includes helpful checklists and fee schedules. Scoll to the bottom pages for applications and forms.

Regulatory agency: Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS)

CA law: Private Investigator Act

Application: Information about Licensing – scroll down for application form ($340 application/exam fee & $385 license fee – $725 total)

PI associations: California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI)

Professional Investigators of California (PICA)

Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA (photo by Rodrigo Soares on Unsplash)

Colorado

Colorado’s private investigator licensure statutes have been in flux of late. The state enacted mandatory licensing in 2015, but that licensing program ended in summer of 2020 — and the legal battle rages on. For now, licensing is set to expire on August 31, 2021. Keep an eye on this, as it may change yet again. The PPIAC site posts frequent updates.

Regulatory agency: Office of Private Investigator Licensure

CO law: Article 160: Private Investigators

PI associations: Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC)

Colorado Society of Private Investigators (CSPI)


Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, CO (photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash)

Connecticut

An investigator in Connecticut must be licensed. Connecticut statute 29-153 requires that any person or firm wishing to conduct business as a private detective or security service must first obtain a professional license. (This ruling defines that category in greater detail.) The requirements are tough: minimum age to apply is 25(!), and you’ll need 5 years of investigative experience at a minimum. The agency site has the details and a great checklist of what you’ll need to apply.

Regulatory agency: Connecticut Department of Emergency Service and Public Protection

CT law: Public Act No. 04-192 (recent changes: Public Act 8-73)

Application: Private Detective or Security Service License


Delaware

An investigator in Delaware must be licensed. Applicants need 5 years of investigative experience and must be employed by a private detective agency. (See this FAQ.) To apply for the initial P.I. license, you’ll fill out an employee application; there’s a separate procedure and application for an agency license. There’s a good checklist here that includes requirements and fees.

Regulatory agency: Division of State Police Board of Examiners of Private Investigators & Private Security Agencies

DE law: 1300 Board of Examiners of Private Investigators & Private Security Agencies

Applications: Employee Application, State of Delaware

Private Investigative Agency Application

Delaware Canal (photo by Robert Jones from Pixabay

Florida

Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash

An investigator in Florida must be licensed. Florida has three categories of license: Class “C” is for a private investigator, Class “CC” for an intern, and “MA” for an agency manager.

“CC” intern applicants need 40 hours of training in Florida Ch. 493 statutes and investigative techniques. See requirements here.

Applicants for Class “C” need some combination of investigative experience, college coursework, or internship with an agency. This page explains the process in detail, and this pdf breaks down the exam requirements.

See requirements for an “MA” agency manager license here.

Regulatory agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

FL law: Chapter 493 – PRIVATE INVESTIGATIVE, PRIVATE SECURITY, AND REPOSSESSION SERVICES

Applications: Class “C” Private Investigator License

Class “CC” Private Investigator Intern License

Class “MA” Agency Manager License

PI associations: Florida Association of Private Investigators (FAPI)

Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI)


Georgia

The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies only issues investigative licenses to companies; the company license holder must be an owner, partner, or officer of the LLC or corporation who has the required qualifying experience or education. To work as a private investigator in Georgia without opening a company, you’ll need to get hired by a licensed agency and be registered as an employee — the hiring agency will submit an application for employee registration within 30 days of hiring you.

The Big Chicken, Marietta, GA {public domain}

No matter what path you choose, every applicant (regardless of experience and qualifications) must successfully complete a 70-hour basic training course taught by a Board-approved instructor;  you may attend Board-approved training classes on your own prior to being hired by a licensed company. 

You’ll also have to pass a state exam to apply for a company license. 

Still have questions? Go the Georgia Board of Private Investigator and Security Agencies website (link below) to find detailed checklists and requirements. 

Regulatory agency: Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies

GA law: O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 38

Applications: Employee Registration Forms (fee: $45; if armed, $70)

Agency Licensure (total fees $400)

PI Education’s 70-Hour Training Course for Georgia Private Investigators

PI Association: Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators (GAPPI)

Georgia requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for GA investigators here.

Hawaii

An investigator in Hawaii must obtain a license. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs regulate private investigators. You’ll need a high-school diploma or GED and four years of investigative experience in government, law enforcement, a law firm, or a private investigations agency to qualify. You can apply some training programs toward this experience. Exams are given monthly on Oahu.

You’ll find a list of requirements here (and at the application link below).

Regulatory agency: Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs: Board of Private Detectives & Guards

HI law: Hawaii Revised Statutes 463 & Hawaii Administrative Rules Ch. 16, Title 97

Application: Requirements, Instructions & Application – Guard or Private Detective ($50 exam & $50 application fee)

Thomas Magnum abides. (Photo by Alan Light {CC-BY-2.0})

Idaho

The state of Idaho does not have a license requirement for private investigators, but some cities have their own regulations. Among them are:

Chubbock requirements

Coeur d’Alene requirements

Nampa requirements

Pocatello requirements

A few more towns may have licensing requirements in place or underway, so check the laws in each town. The Private Investigator Association of Idaho is a good resource and also offers a Certified Private Investigator Program — a voluntary certification that proves you’ve studied the skills required to be a professional investigator.

PI association: Private Investigators Association of Idaho (PIAI)


Illinois

An investigator in Illinois must be licensed. Applicants must be 21 and have 1 to 3 years of qualifying experience to be eligible to take the exam. Qualifying experience may include a combination of a relevant baccalaureate degree and full-time investigative experience for a corporation, government agency, the military, or a licensed investigations agency.

Which brings us to the famous PERC. All PIs need the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) in order to work for a licensed detective agency. Within 30 days of employment (or before you’re hired), you must have completed 20 hours of basic training. This training may be completed in a classroom or online with a qualified instructor. 

Regulatory agency: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (Great page! Very organized & includes a study guide )

IL law: Title 68; Part 1240

Applications: PERC Card ($55 fee)

Private Detective Instruction Sheet, Required Experience & Application ($298 fee)

Agency Registration Application ($500 fee)

PI association: Associated Detectives and Security Agencies of Illinois (ADSAI)

Chicago, IL (Photo by Johannes Krupinski on Unsplash)

Indiana

An investigator in Indiana must be licensed. The licensing board requires two years (4,000 hours) of investigative experience or a criminal justice bachelor’s degree (details here).

Regulatory agency: Indiana Private Investigator & Security Guard Licensing Board

IN law: Rule 874 IAC 1-2 – Private Investigator Firm Licensing

Application: Downloadable Application for Licensure as a Private Investigator Firm (fee $300; downloadable checklist here.)

PI associations: Indiana Association of Professional Investigators (IAPI)

Indiana Society of Professional Investigators (INSPI)

Bridgeton Bridge, IN (Photo by David Mark from Pixabay

Iowa

Anyone operating a private investigation business in Iowa must be licensed. There’s no education, experience, or examination requirement. This FAQ explains the process.

Regulatory agency: Iowa Department of Public Safety

IA law: Iowa Code Chapter 80A & Regulations: Administrative Rules Chapter 121

Application: Private Investigative Agency License (Total fees: $140)

PI association: Iowa Association of Private Investigators (IAPI)

Iowa requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for IA investigators here.
Photo by Austin Goode on Unsplash

Photo: Josh ReddUnsplash

Kansas

An investigator in Kansas must be licensed. A licensed P.I. can work independently, but anyone wishing to operate a business employing other investigators needs an agency license.

Regulatory agency: Office of the Attorney General

KS law: Chapter 75. Article 7b & Regulations: Private Detective Act

Applications: Agency License – Initial Application ($250 fee)

Private Detective – Initial Application ($250 fee)

PI association: Kansas Association of Licensed Investigators (KALI)

Kansas requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for KS investigators here.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, individual investigators must be licensed and must pass an examination (test fee: $156; study guide here). Anyone planning to run a private investigations company also needs to apply for a company private investigator license.

Regulatory agency: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators

KY law: KRS 329A.010 to 329A.090 & Regulations: 201 KAR 41

Application: Private Investigator Company License (fees: $400 company license or $100 for sole proprietorship license and $33.25 for fingerprints & background check)

Private Investigator Individual License (total fees: $433.25)

PI associations: Kentucky Professional Investigators Association (KPIA)

Kentucky Society of Professional Investigators

Kentucky requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for KY investigators here.

Louisiana

An investigator in Louisiana must be licensed; an examination and 40-hour approved training course (schedule here) is a prerequisite. A private investigation agency license requires three years of experience working in an investigative capacity. Three other levels of licensure issued are a private investigator license (for agency employees), an “apprentice license,” and a “private investigator journeyman license.” Fee schedule is $350 for agency licensure and $200 for private investigator or apprentice license.

A list of states with full and limited reciprocity agreements is here.

Regulatory agency: Louisiana State Board Of Private Investigator Examiners

LA law: La. R.S. 37:3500-3525 & Regulations: LAC 46: LVII • Chapters 1-9

Applications: You’ll find all 4 application types at the LABPIE site.

Lake Martin, Breaux Bridge, LA (Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash)

Maine

An investigator in Maine must be licensed. The criteria to qualify are pretty stringent and include a high-school education plus varying combinations of apprenticeship, academic credit, and investigative experience — the options are outlined here. You’ll need to pass an exam, but the state may waive some of these prerequisites if you’ve held a license for 3+ years in another state with similar requirements.

An investigative assistant must be licensed and sponsored by a licensed investigator, and has to finish 1,200 hours of training to then qualify for the P.I. license.

Regulatory agency: Department of Public Safety- Maine State Police (Or download this PDF)

ME law: MRS Title 32, Chapter 89

Applications: Initial Application for Professional Investigator License (fees: $71 to apply; $450 when license is issued)

Application for Investigative Assistant License (fees: $221 to apply; $400 when license is issued)

PI association: Maine Licensed Private Investigators Association (MLPIA)

Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth, ME (Photo by Mercedes Mehling on Unsplash)

Maryland

An investigator in the state of Maryland must be certified and employed by a sponsoring licensed agency. If you plan to open a business that provides private detective services, an agency license is also required. You can apply as an individual or as a firm. Experience requirements are here, and a fee schedule is here.

Regulatory agency: Maryland State Police

MD law: Code Ann. § 13-101

Applications: Download the form here. (Private Detective Agencies & Private Detective Certification applications are on the same form. You’ll need the latest Adobe Acrobat to open the PDF.)

PI association: Maryland Investigators and Security Association, Inc. (MISA)

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (Photo by Peter Pryharski on Unsplash)

Massachusetts

Cape Cod, MA (Photo: Haoxi WangUnsplash)

An investigator in Massachusetts must be licensed. Requirements include 3y experience as an investigator or experience as a police officer or federal investigator. You’ll also need statements from “3 reputable citizens of Massachusetts” certifying that you are an honest and overall decent human.

Regulatory agency: Massachusetts State Police

MA law: Mass. General Laws Chapter 147 Sections 22-30

Application: To apply online, go to the MSP Certification Licensing site to create an account and log in. ($550 fee)

PI association: Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts


Michigan

Upper Peninsula, MI (Photo: Max BenderUnsplash)

Michigan requires licensure for private investigators. Minimum age is 25y, and prerequisites include a high-school education, 3 years of investigative experience or related higher-ed study (details here), and a $10,000 insurance policy.

Fees are a little steep — $750 for a corporation application.

Regulatory agency: Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

MI law: Public Act 285 of 1965

Application: Professional Investigator, Branch License & Relicensure

PI association: Michigan Council of Professional Investigators (MCPI)


Minnesota

An investigator in Minnesota must be licensed. Requirements include 6,000 hours of investigative employment experience and five references. Fees are high — $1,000 for an individual license, on up to $1,900 for a corp/LLC. See fee schedule here. And the application isn’t even free to download — you’ll have to send away for it and enclose a check or money order for $25. Minnesota doesn’t play.

Regulatory agency: Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

MN law: Chapter 326 – Private Detectives, Protective Agents

MN rules: Administrative Rules Chapter 7506

Application: Requirements & Procedures for Application

PI association: Minnesota Association of Private Investigators and Protective Agents (MAPI)

Minnesota requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for MN investigators here.
Winter roads in MN (Photo by Dave Sicilia on Unsplash)

Mississippi

Vicksburg, MS (photo: Justin WilkensUnsplash_

Anyone whatsoever can operate as a P.I. in Mississippi — even felons, according to this 2015 Clarion-Ledger article by legendary investigative journo Jerry Mitchell. All you need is a business license in the city or county where you live or do business — at a cost of around $25,

Richard A. Brooks, past president of the MPIA, has long championed licensure. He lobbied hard for a 2015 bill (HB 713) to license and regulate MS PIs. It passed the state House but died in the Senate Judiciary Committee…RIP.

That means it falls to you to regulate yourself, learn the trade, and do business ethically. We recommend you join the MPIA and seek out colleagues — or better yet, a mentor — who can answer your questions about techniques, marketing, and investigative ethics.

PI association: Mississippi Professional Investigators Association (MPIA)


Missouri

In Missouri, a private investigator must be licensed, and anyone wishing to operate a firm that employs other investigators also needs an agency license. These are two separate applications. Applicants for the private investigator license must be 21 and show proof of $250K of business liability insurance and worker’s comp insurance. If you have investigative experience, you can include proof of your work history (e.g., references, copy of the business license, etc.). If you have little or no experience, that’s OK — the board director will review your application and decide whether you’re good to go or need to first pass a written exam ($80) to be approved for licensure.

St. Louis, MO (Photo: Kirk ThorntonUnsplash)

Although you may apply for the individual and agency licenses simultaneously, the board will approve the individual license first, then review the agency license. This requires a separate application (and fee) and a physical address for your business.If you want to work for an agency, you’ll use the investigator employee application. That qualifies you to work for a specific agency. If you leave that agency, you’ll have to apply all over again for work for a different one.

You can find all the application instructions, applications, and other necessary forms on this page.

Regulatory agency: Missouri Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners

MO law: Title XXII, Chapter 324

MO rules: Rules of Dept. of Commerce and Insurance, Division 2234

Applications: Private investigator (individual) ($500 fee)

Private Investigator Agency application ($400 fee)

Licensed Agency Investigator Employee application ($50 fee)

PI associations: Missouri Association of Private Investigators (MAPI)

Missouri Investigators Association (MOIA)

Missouri requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE courses for MO investigators here.

Montana

An investigator in Montana must be licensed. Applicants need to be 21, have a $500K commercial liability policy, pass a written exam, supply character references, and demonstrate a GED and the requisite combo of investigative experience (3y) and/or education — all prerequisites and required documents are detailed here.

Private investigator trainees also need a license. Applicants must be 18 and include with the application a commitment from a licensed PI to hire and supervise them. Requirements are here.

Regulatory agency: Montana Board of Private Security

MT law: MCA 2019, Title 37, Ch 60

MT rules: ARM 24.182.5

Applications: Private Investigator, armed or unarmed ($250 fee; online app login is here.)

Private Investigator Trainee ($150 fee; online app login is here.)

PI association: Montana Association of Private Investigators (no site)

Montana requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for MT investigators here.
Glacier National Park, MT (Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash)

Nebraska

Nebraska requires licensure for private investigators, private investigator agencies, and “plain-clothes investigators” (as defined here – in plain English, this latter term just means an agency employee without a full P.I. license).

Applicants must be 21 and “shall have such experience and competence in the detective business or otherwise as the secretary may determine to be reasonably necessary for the individual to perform the duties of his or her position in a manner consistent with the public interest and welfare.” What that entails, only the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Licensing Division knows. Basic requirements and fees are listed here.

Regulatory agency: Nebraska Secretary of State

NE law: Nebraska Revised Statute §71-3201 through 3213

Applications: Request them by phone, mail, or email from the Licensing Division at this site.

PI association: Nebraska Association of Licensed Private Investigators (NALPI)

Photo by Chad Peltola on Unsplash

Nevada

An investigator in Nevada needs a license. Applicants must be 21, pass a written exam, have a $200K insurance policy, and show 10,ooo hours of investigative experience “or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the Board.” (A related degree can count toward some of that experience.)

Requirements are listed here. If you plan to work for an agency, you’ll apply for a work card instead.

Some motivated soul put together a marvelous License Booklet here that explains everything rather well.

Regulatory agency: Nevada Private Investigator Licensing Board

NV law: NRS 648 & NAC 648

Application: Email Shelly at slancaster@pilb.nv.gov. Seriously.

PI association: Nevada Society of Professional Investigators (NSPI)


New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires licensing for individual private investigators, P.I. agencies, and agency employees. Applicants must be 18, and P.I. & agency applicants need a $50K (minimum) surety bond and 4y investigative experience or a related degree. (Employee applicants don’t need the experience or education prerequisites.)

Requirements and fees (for applications & background checks) are outlined succinctly here.

Regulatory agency: NH State Police – Licensing Unit

NH law: RSA 106-F

NH rules: Saf-C 2200

Applications: Individual Private Investigator ($150 fee)

Private Investigator Agency ($350 fee)

Private Investigator Employee ($5 fee)

PI association: New Hampshire League of Investigators

Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash

New Jersey

photo: Dan MallUnsplash

New Jersey requires private investigators to be licensed. Applicants must be 25 and have 5y of investigative experience. Expect a background and a credit check. To work for an agency, you’ll just need to register, fill out this employee statement, and submit fingerprints for a background check. Agencies must also submit a statement. There’s lots of good info (w/ links) here.

Private investigator agencies can file for business registration at business.nj.gov.

Regulatory agency: NJ State Police – Private Detective Unit

NJ law: Private Detective Act of 1939

NJ rules: NJAC Ch. 55, Title 13

Application: Private Detective License ($250 fee)

PI associations: New Jersey Licensed Private Investigators Association (NJLPIA)


New Mexico

New Mexico requires licensure … and it’s kinda complicated. Applicants must be 21, show 6,000 hours of recent investigative work experience, and have a $10K surety bond and $1m liability policy. Agency license applicants have to prove there’s a New Mexico licensed PI manager running a physical office in NM where records are kept on site. This manager needs a PI license and proof of employment at the agency (s)he is managing. Form links are here and fees are listed here.

Regulatory agency: NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. – Private Investigations Advisory Board

NM law: NM Statutes Annotated 61-27B-2

NM rules: NMAC 16.48 – Private Law Enforcement Practitioners

Applications: Private Investigator License ($400 fee)

PI Company License ($300 fee)

PI Manager License ($300 fee)

PI Employee Registration ($75 fee)

New Mexico requires CE. Find PI Ed’s CE for NM investigators here.
Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area, NM (photo: John FowlerUnsplash)

New York

New York requires private investigators to be licensed. Applicants must be 25, be a principal in the business entity, pass a written exam, prove 3y investigative experience (or 20y LEO service), and have a $10K surety bond. Detailed requirements are listed here.

Regulatory agency: NY Dept. of State Division of Licensing Services

NY law & rules: Private Investigators, Bail Enforcement Agents, Watch, Guard or Patrol
Agencies & Security Guards Licensing Law

Application: Private Investigator License ($400 fee; $500 for a business license)

PI associations: Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS)

Society of Professional Investigators (SPI)

Manhattan, NY (photo: Florian Wehde on Unsplash)

North Carolina

North Carolina private investigators must be licensed. Applicants need to be 18 and have five references and 3y relevant investigative experience — details are here and a checklist of required documents and fees is here. An investigative business (except a sole proprietorship) must have a business license issued by the Board.

Reciprocal agreements with these 7 states allow licensed P.I.s from those states to enter NC for a limited time to investigate cases that originate in their state.

Regulatory agency: NC Dept. of Public Safety– Private Protective Services Board

NC law: Chapter 74C. – Private Protective Services.

Application: Have documents ready, and then go here to start the application process. ($188 fees)

PI association: North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI)

North Carolina requires CE. Find PI Ed’s CE for NC investigators here.
Kitty Hawk, NC (Photo by History in HD)

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Pk, ND
(photo: Richard LeeUnsplash)

An investigator in North Dakota must be licensed. Applicants must be 18, pass an examination, and have a GED and 2,000 hours of experience as an investigative agency employee.

An investigator in North Dakota must be licensed. Applicants must be 18, pass an examination, and have a GED and 2,000 hours of experience as an investigative agency employee.

To employ other P.I.s, you’ll need an agency license, and the agency must have a qualifying agent who, in effect, calls the shots. Anyone who conducts investigations for an agency, but is not licensed, must register as an employee with the Board.

Regulatory agency: ND Private Investigation and Security Board (NDPISB)

ND laws: Ch. 43-30, ND Century Code & Title 93 – Private Investigative & Security Services

Applications: See fee schedule and download private investigator & agency license applications (and all other required documents) here.


Ohio

Ohio requires private investigators to have “Class B” licenses. Applicants need 4,000 hours (2y) investigative experience, or equivalent experience in law enforcement or military police. A criminal justice degree can substitute for some of this experience. You’ll also have to pass an exam and have a “good reputation for integrity.”

Regulatory agency: Ohio Dept. of Public Safety – Private Investigator/Security Guard Services

OH law: Revised Code 4749 & Administrative Code 4501:7-1

Applications: Detailed instructions for applying for a license are here.

PI associations: Ohio Association of Security & Investigation Services (OASIS)

Ohio Investigators Association (OIA)

Caesar Creek Lake, OH {photo: Michael BowmanUnsplash}

Oklahoma

An investigator in Oklahoma must be licensed. Self-employed investigators must have an agency license; otherwise, you’ll need to be affiliated with an agency to apply. Applicants must be 18 (or 21, if armed). You’ll need to complete a two-phase (55h) CLEET training regimen (plus an additional training phase for an armed PI license) and pass a state exam. Agency license applicants need to maintain an Oklahoma place of business with a physical address and phone number, plus proof of liability insurance.

Regulatory agency: Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)

OK law & code: 59-1750.1. and Title 390, Ch 35

Application: Initial PI license application is here ($50, or $100 if armed); agency license application ($300) here.

PI association: Oklahoma Private Investigators Association (OPIA)

Oklahoma requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for OK investigators here.

Oregon

An investigator in Oregon must be licensed. To qualify you’ll need to show proof of 1,500 hours of experience (some educational substitutions may apply) and take an examination through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). If you don’t ahve the requisite experience or education, you can apply for “provisional private investigator” instead. FYI: the fees don’t change.

The licensing fee is a little steep — $550, and you’ll also need a surety bond or E&O insurance to start an agency ($5,000 minimum). The DPSST site is straightforward and clear, with great FAQs and checklists in each category – new license, renewal, etc. All the forms are here.

Regulatory agency: State of Oregon: DPSST Private Security

OR rules & statutes: OAR 259-061 & ORS 703

Application: Private investigator license ($75.25)

PI association: Oregon Association of Licensed Investigators (OALI)

Oregon requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for OR investigators here.
Mt. Hood reflected in Trillium Lake (photo: Atanas Malamov, Unsplash)

Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA
(photo: Shreyas SaneUnsplash)

You’ll need a license to work for yourself as a private investigator in Pennsylvania, although you don’t need one to work as a P.I. agency employee. Applicants must be 25 years old, have three years of investigative experience (as a P.I. or in law enforcement), and obtain a surety bond for $10,000.

License fees are $200 for an individual and $300 for a partnership or corporation. You’ll submit a written application/petition to the clerk of court in the county where you do business. To find application procedures, search the clerk of courts site in your county of business.

Regulatory agency: Clerk of Courts in each county

PA law: Private Detective Act of 1953

Application: See your county for petition guidelines.

PI association: Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Investigators (PALI)


Rhode Island

An investigator in Rhode Island must be licensed. Applicants need five years of experience in law enforcement or working as a private detective OR have a criminal justice degree (or equivalent experience and training). To apply, contact the city or county where your principal place of business is located. Cost is $150 annually.

RI law: Chapter 5-5 – Private Detective Act

PI association: Licensed Private Detectives Association of Rhode Island (LPDARI)

photo: Tom HenellUnsplash

South Carolina

South Carolina requires private investigation companies to be licensed. There are separate applications to operate as a P.I. business and to register as an employee. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have three years of experience as an investigator or in law enforcement, and post a $10,000 statutory bond.

The state is apparently sick of getting consumer complaints about contracts, so they’ve instituted some interesting requirements: investigative agencies must issue their clients written contracts that specify the fees, scope of work, and report to be provided. SLED offers guidelines, a checksheet, and a downloadable sample contract. SLED is also strongly in favor of written reports.

Links to forms, statutes, sample contracts, and an FAQ are here.

Regulatory agency: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

SC law & regulations: Chapter 18, Title 40, S.C. Code of Laws;

Article 9, Chapter 73, S.C. Code of Regulations (73-400 to 73-422)

Applications: Company license ($350 fee); Employee registration ($350 fee)

PI association: South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators (SCALI)

South Carolina requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for SC investigators here.

South Dakota

There’s no license requirement to become a private investigator in South Dakota, but you’ll need a sales tax license with the Department of Revenue to operate a business there. Check on local ordinances in the city or county where you plan to operate before hanging a shingle.

 Photo by Dennis Guten on Unsplash

Tennessee

An investigator in Tennessee must be licensed. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and pass a written test. A rule change in July of 2021 removed the requirement for P.I.s to be affiliated with an investigative agency, but applicants still have to document 2,000 hours of investigative experience or a year of related experience or education.

Requirements and application/licensure fee schedule are all here. In this video, a disembodied monotone voice walks you through how to apply for any kind of license on the state site.

Regulatory agency: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance

TN law: Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-26

PI associations: Tennessee Association of Licensed Professional Investigators (TALPI)

Tennessee Professional Investigators Association (TPIA)

Tennessee requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for TN investigators here.
Lower Broadway, downtown Nashville (photo: Chad MoreheadUnsplash)


Texas

An investigator in Texas must be licensed. You’ll need to either qualify as an agency manager or find a licensed agency to hire and train you. Agency managers must be 18+ and have at least three consecutive years of investigative experience (or a combination of relevant education and experience). You’ll then need to pass a manager’s exam and show proof of liability insurance.

To be hired as a private investigator, you must be at least 18 and meet the other requirements (no criminal history, etc.). These are laid out in detail at the TALI site. A fee schedule is here. The site also offers detailed instructions for filling out an individual license application and a company license application.

Regulatory agency: Texas Department of Public Safety

TX laws & regulations: 37 TAC Part 1, Chapter 35 & Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 (See all statutes, rules, and legal updates at this site.)

PI associations: Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI)

North Texas Private Investigators Association (NTPIA)

Texas requires CE. Find PI Ed’s approved CE for TX investigators here.

Utah

Utah requires licensure for private investigators. Applicants must be at least 21 and legal residents of Utah. A “registrant” applicant needs at least 2,000 hours of investigative experience, and an “apprentice” just needs to work for a licensed PI agency. Both need a $10,000 surety bond. (fees: $143.25)

Applicants for an agency license need 5,000 hours of experience and a $500,000 bond. (fees: $243.25)

Regulatory agency: Utah Department of Public Safety

UT laws: Private Investigator Regulation Act

Application: Private investigator license

PI association: Private Investigators Association of Utah (PIAU)

Balanced Rock, Moab, UT (photo: Andrey GrinkevichUnsplash)

Vermont

photo: Will SwannUnsplash

An investigator in Vermont must be licensed. Applicants to become a private investigator “qualifying agent” (i.e. the person responsible for a detective agency) need 2,000 hours experience in the two-year period before applying and must pass a written exam. To apply for an agency license, you’ll need to list a qualifying agent. All PIs employed by an agency must complete a Board-approved 40-hour training program.

Links to all forms and application instructions are here.

Regulatory agency: Vermont Board of Private Security Investigative & Security Services

VT statutes & rules: V.S.A. Title 26, Ch 59 & Administrative Rules

Application instructions: Investigative agency; Qualifying agent; Agency employee

PI association: Vermont Association of Investigative & Security Services (VAISS)


Virginia

In Virginia, individual private investigators must be “registered,” businesses must be licensed, and compliance agents must be “certified” (more on this below). Applicants for the PI registration must be at least 18 and complete an 60-hour training course offered by a Certified VA DCJS training school. Registered private investigators must be affiliated with a licensed agency.

Requirements for the initial registration are listed here, and a fee schedule is here. To register as an individual PI or apply for a business license, create a user name, log in, and apply at this site.

This page explains how to apply for a PI business license. You’ll need to designate and certify a person as a compliance agent for the business. The PIAVA and VAPISA sites have useful overviews of all these thorny details.

Regulatory agency: VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Services

Application: Initial registration ($39)

VA codes & statutes: VA Administrative code, Title 6. Agency 20, Chapter 174 & § 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia

PI associations: Private Investigators Association of Virginia (PIAVA)

Virginia Professional Investigators and Security Association (VAPISA)

Goshen, VA (photo: Mitchell KmetzUnsplash)

Washington

Mt. St. Helens, WA
(photo: Colin LloydUnsplash)

Investigators in Washington State must be licensed and be employed by a licensed PI firm. Requirements and fees vary for unarmed vs. armed licensure — all require a written exam.

This page guides you through applying for a business license through the Dept. of Revenue and the Private Investigative Agency Endorsement addendum to the business license application. Agency owners, partners, or qualifying agents must be at least 18 (or 21 if applying for “armed license”).

The WA Dept. of Licensing site wins a prize for thoroughness and clarity. You’ll find everything here: fee schedule, exam resources, an FAQ, and all relevant applications and forms. There’s even a helpful chat bot popup.

Regulatory agency: Washington State Department of Licensing

WA laws & rules: Links to all PI regs

Applications: PI license ($200) & Private Investigation Agency/Principal Addendum ($600)

PI associations: Washington Association of Legal Investigators (WALI)

Pacific Northwest Association of Investigators (PNAI)


West Virginia

An investigator in West Virginia must be licensed. Eligibility requirements include a minimum age of 18, five character references, and at least one year of experience and/or training in the areas listed here.

The agency site has great instruction pages to walk you through applying for an individual PI license (including a checklist and fees) and the PI firm license (which you’ll need if you plan to hire other investigators). To operate a firm, you’ll need a surety bond of $5,000 naming you, the applicant, as principal.

Regulatory agency: West Virginia Secretary of State Licensing Division

WV code: §30-18

Applications: Initial PI License (Fees are listed on the application.)

PI association: Private Investigation and Security Professionals of WV (PISPWV)

Monongalia Co, WV (photo: Elijah HailUnsplash)


Wisconsin

An investigator in Wisconsin must be licensed. Applicants must be 18+, have a high-school diploma or GED, and pass a written exam. You’ll need to apply under an existing licensed private detective agency or apply for your own agency license.

Steps in the application process are listed here.

Regulatory agency: State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

WI law: Links to state statutes and administrative code are here.

Application: Private detective license

PI association: Professional Association of Wisconsin Licensed Investigators (PAWLI)


Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t require private investigator licensure. But some local jurisdictions may have their own regulations, or may require a business license. For example, Cheyenne has a special business license for detective agencies ($140).

Yellowstone National Park, WY (photo: NicolasintravelUnsplash)