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
AlabamaOur Resources: More Info | Alabama Private Investigation Board Fee: $300 Due: Licenses expire two years from the date of issuance. |
Alaska
AlaskaOur Resources: More Info | 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
ColoradoOur Resources: More Info | Colorado Office of Private Investigator Licensure Fee: $63 Filing Method: Online Due: Annually by May 31. |
District of Columbia
District of ColumbiaOur Resources: More Info | 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
FloridaOur Resources: More Info | 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
GeorgiaOur Resources: More Info | Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies Fee: $65 Due: August 31 of odd-numbered years. |
Hawaii
HawaiiOur Resources: More Info | 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
IdahoOur Resources: More Info | Not Required Private Investigator licensure is not required on the State level in Idaho Idaho does not require private investigators to be licensed. |
Illinois
IllinoisOur Resources: More Info | 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
IndianaOur Resources: More Info | 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
LouisianaOur Resources: More Info | Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners Fee: $100 Due: Annually by the date issued. |
Massachusetts
MassachusettsOur Resources: More Info | Massachusetts State Police - Certification Unit Fee: $100 Filing Method: Online Due: Annually by the date issued. |
Michigan
MichiganOur Resources: More Info | 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
MinnesotaOur Resources: More Info | Minnesota Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board |
Mississippi
MississippiOur Resources: More Info | 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
NebraskaOur Resources: More Info | Nebraska Secretary of State - Licensing Division Fee: $50 license fee + $38 background check fee. Fee: $50 Due: June 30 of even-numbered years. |
Nevada
NevadaOur Resources: More Info | 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
OhioOur Resources: More Info | Ohio Private Investigator Security Guard Services Fee: $25 Filing Method: Online Due: Annually by the date issued. |
Oklahoma
OklahomaOur 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
OregonOur Resources: More Info | Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training - Private Security and Private Investigators Program |
Pennsylvania
PennsylvaniaOur Resources: More Info | 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 IslandOur Resources: More Info | 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 DakotaOur Resources: More Info | 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
TennesseeOur Resources: | 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
TexasOur Resources: More Info | 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
VermontOur 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
WyomingOur Resources: More Info | 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.