How do you get a private investigator license

Learn what it takes to become licensed to practice private investigation in any state, including education, experience, and other qualifications.

More than 40 states and the District of Columbia require private investigators (PIs) to become licensed before providing private investigation services to the public. In a handful of states, licenses are required only at the city or county level. Licenses for PIs are regulated through a mix of professional boards, state police departments, and other state agencies. While there is no central designation for the profession, the requirements generally include:

Candidates who meet the requirements may apply for licensure through the appropriate agency. Consult our comprehensive state-by-state guide to find the specific requirements and application process in your state, located to your right.

In states that license PIs, weapon regulations vary widely. Many states charge a higher license fee for armed investigators. In many cases, PIs are subject to the same weapon requirements as other state residents, while others grant special carry rights to licensed investigators. A few states actually impose extra restrictions on private investigators.

Application fees for private investigators cover a very broad range from as low as $15 in Maryland to $1,450 in Connecticut. In addition, most states include bond requirements, with the most common individual bond requirement being $10,000.

A few states have reciprocal licensing agreements that allow currently licensed private investigators to work in the state. Most states allow investigators to work across state lines for a limited period of time, generally less than a month. In these cases, the investigation must be initiated in the investigator's home state. The investigator is prohibited from soliciting business while in another state and from establishing a business or setting up residence while conducting an investigation in that state.

Most individual private investigator licenses must be renewed periodically, usually every one to two years. State fees also vary, from as low as $10 in Maryland to $500 in Nevada.

Keeping up with state licensing requirements, tracking renewals, and submitting applications on time is critical to avoiding penalties. With proactive license management from Harbor Compliance, you can ensure continuous compliance wherever your next lead takes you. Contact a Compliance Specialist today to help your private investigations firm navigate licensure and certification in your state.

Alabama

Alabama

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Alabama Private Investigation Board

Fee:

$300

Due:

Licenses expire two years from the date of issuance.

Alaska

Alaska

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Alaska

Alaska does not currently license private investigators at the state level, however, the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks do issue licenses.

Colorado

Colorado

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Colorado Office of Private Investigator Licensure

Fee:

$63

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by May 31.

District of Columbia

District of Columbia

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District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection - Security Officers Management Branch

Fee:

$99

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By October 31 of even-numbered years.

Florida

Florida

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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Licensing

Fee:

$85.75 + $29.75 fingerprint processing fee for the first renewal only.

Due:

Biennially

Georgia

Georgia

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Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies

Fee:

$65

Due:

August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Hawaii

Hawaii

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Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Professional and Vocational Licensing: Private Detective and Guard Licensing Area

Fee:

$196

Due:

June 30 of even-numbered years.

Idaho

Idaho

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Idaho

Idaho does not require private investigators to be licensed.

Illinois

Illinois

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Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Division of Professional Regulation - Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Board

Fee:

$150

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

Indiana

Indiana

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Indiana

Indiana does not issue individual licenses to private investigators, however, individuals doing business as detectives will be required to apply for an Indiana Private Investigator Firm License as a sole proprietor or through a business entity.

Louisiana

Louisiana

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Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners

Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by the date issued.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts State Police - Certification Unit

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by the date issued.

Michigan

Michigan

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Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Licensing Division

Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially from the date issued.

Minnesota

Minnesota

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Minnesota Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board

Mississippi

Mississippi

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Mississippi

Mississippi does not issue individual licenses for private investigators. Registrations or permits may be required at the local level.

Nebraska

Nebraska

Our Resources:

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Nebraska Secretary of State - Licensing Division

Fee:

$50 license fee + $38 background check fee.

Fee:

$50

Due:

June 30 of even-numbered years.

Nevada

Nevada

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Nevada Private Investigator's Licensing Board

Fee:

$20 application fee + $100 exam fee + $100 abeyance fee + $500 license fee (pro-rated)

Fee:

$500 license fee + $100 abeyance fee.

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by July 1.

Ohio

Ohio

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Ohio Private Investigator Security Guard Services

Fee:

$25

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by the date issued.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Our Resources:

More Info

Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training

Fee:

$91 for an unarmed private investigator license, $141 for an armed private investigator license, $141 for a combined unarmed guard and investigator license, and $191 for a combined armed guard and investigator license.

Form:

Individual License Application

Fee:

$50 for an unarmed private investigator license, $100 for an armed private investigator license, and $150 for a combined guard and investigator license.

Form:

Renewal Application (SG/PI)

Due:

Triennially from the date issued.

Oregon

Oregon

Our Resources:

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Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training - Private Security and Private Investigators Program

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not issue private investigator licenses at the state level. Private investigators should apply for a county level license through the clerk of courts.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not issue private investigator licenses at the state level, however, cities and towns may require licensure.

South Dakota

South Dakota

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in South Dakota

South Dakota does not issue individual licenses for private investigators. Registrations or permits may be required at the local level.

Tennessee

Tennessee

Our Resources:

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Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission

Fee:

$150 application fee + $38 fingerprint fee + $100 license fee following approval.

Filing Method:

Online

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially

Texas

Texas

Our Resources:

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Texas Department of Public Safety

Fee:

$57 for owners, officers, or partners of a firm and $37 for other investigators.

Filing Method:

Online

Fee:

$57 for owners, officers, or partners of a firm and $37 for other investigators.

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the date issued.

Vermont

Vermont

Our Resources:

More Info

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Board of Private Investigative and Security Services

Fee:

$150 for an unarmed investigator license, $200 for an armed investigator license.

Filing Method:

Online

Fee:

$120 for unarmed licensees, $180 for armed licensees.

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially

Wyoming

Wyoming

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Not Required

Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Wyoming

Wyoming does not issue individual licenses for private investigators. Registrations or permits may be required at the local level.

Key Terms

Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.

Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.

Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.

Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.

Industry Resources

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.

United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.

What are the requirements to be a private investigator?

High school diploma or equivalentPrivate investigator / Entry level educationnull

How much is a private investigator in Florida?

How much a private investigator costs in Florida depends on various factors. While your private investigator may charge an hourly rate, they also may not. For basic services, you should expect to pay around $75-$125 an hour. If specialized services are needed, it may be $150-$350 an hour.

Who licenses private investigators in Florida?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses and regulates private investigative firms and individuals in Florida in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

How much do PIs make in Florida?

The average salary for a private investigator in Florida is $40,000 per year. Private investigator salaries in Florida can vary between $17,500 to $68,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.