Private Investigator Licenses
Some states require Private Investigator Licenses. This keeps prices high by discouraging competitors from entering the Private Investigation business.
This is called a barrier to market entry, which forces the supply of Private Investigators down while keeping the demand up. This raises prices and lowers quality. This is, in effect, a government subsidy to Private Investigators which is funded by the taxpayers in the form of buearcratic overhead and by the clients of Private Investigators in the form of higher fees.
In states which do not license Private Investigators, counties or cities sometimes issue Private Investigator licenses.
Alabama Private Investigator License
For information on Alabama Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
The Alabama State Department of Revenue
50 N. Ripley
Montgomery, AL 36132
Alabama requires private investigators to obtain a Business, Vocation or Occupation Privilege License, as documented in Alabama statute 40-12-93: Detective Agencies.
Alaska Private Investigator License
Alaska does not issue Private Investigator licenses.
However, the city of Fairbanks does require licenses of Private Investigators.
For information on obtaining a Fairbanks Alaska Private Investigator License, please contact:
Ciy of Fairbanks
City Clerk’s Office
800 Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701-4615
(907) 459-6715 voice
(907) 459-6710 fax
clcolp@ci.fairbanks.ak.us
Fairbanks Alaska Private Investigator License/Exam Fees
Application $50
License $25
Renewal application $25
Annual license renewal $25
Surety bond $5,000
New licenses and renewals are issued for 1 year each.
Fairbanks Alaska Private Investigator Licensing Requirements
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, of good moral character, and have never been convicted of any felony or crime of moral turpitude.
Applications must be accompanied by a surety bond, a copy of applicants State of Alaska business license, a copy of applicants driver’s license, current driving record and criminal background report.
The applicant will need to provide a criminal history from each state of residency. The Alaska report must be dated the same date that the application is submitted.
Arizona Private Investigator License
For information on Arizona Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Dept. of Public Safety, Licensing
P. O. Box 6328
Phoenix, AZ 85005.
602)223-2120
(602)223-2398 (Fax)
Arkansas Private Investigator License
For information on Arkansas Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies
#1 State Police Plaza Dr.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
(501) 618-8600
Arkansas Private Investigators and Alarm Installation/Monitoring
The Arkansas Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (17-40-101 – 107 and other associated statutes) designates the Arkansas State Police as an administering agency to regulate private investigators, private security agencies and individuals or businesses offering security or investigative services.
Through the Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, the Arkansas State Police administers a variety of licensing functions that involve the private security and investigation industry.
Should you have questions regarding those individuals or companies regulated by the State Police or if you are seeking assistance in obtaining a license, you may e-mail the PI/Alarm License Administrator or telephone the Regulatory Services office at (501) 618-8600.
California Private Investigator License
For information on California Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Licensing Division
400 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 952-5210
California Private Investigator / Qualified Manager Requirements for Licensure
A private investigator is an individual who (1) investigates crimes, (2) investigates the identity, business, occupation, character, etc., of a person, (3) investigates the location of lost or stolen property, (4) investigates the cause of fires, losses, accidents, damage or injury, or (5) secures evidence for use in court. Private investigators may protect persons only if such services are incidental to an investigation; they may not protect property. An individual, partnership, or corporation licensed as a private investigator may employ a qualified manager to manage the business on a day-to-day basis. To be eligible to apply for licensure as a private investigator/qualified manager, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 or older.
- Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Have three years (2,000 hours each year, totaling 6,000 hours) of compensated experience in investigative work; or a law or police science degree plus two years (4,000 hours) of experience; or an AA degree in police science, criminal law, or justice and 2 years (5,000 hours) of experience. Experience must be certified by your employer and have been received while you were employed as a sworn law enforcement officer, military police officer, insurance adjuster, employee of a licensed PI or repossessor, or arson investigator for a public fire suppression agency. (Work as a process server, public records researcher, custodial attendant for a law enforcement agency, bailiff, agent who collects debts in writing or by telephone after the debtor has been located, or person who repossesses property after it has been located is not considered qualifying experience.)
- Pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination covering laws and regulations, terminology, civil and criminal liability, evidence handling, undercover investigations and surveillance. A copy of the Private Investigator Act will be sent to you; and
- Upon notification that you have passed the examination, you must submit a licensing fee of $175 to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.
- To apply for a Private Investigator license, submit your completed application, two recent passport-quality photographs, a $50 application fee and a Private Investigator Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $24 FBI Fingerprint processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan site. Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.
California Firearm Permit
Whether you work as a private investigator or qualified manager, you may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a firearm permit by the Department of Consumer Affairs. To apply for a firearm permit, you must complete:
- A course in the Power to Arrest. The three-hour training covers responsibilities and ethics in citizen arrest, relationship with police, limitations on Power to Arrest, restrictions on searches and seizures, criminal and civil liabilities, terrorism, code of ethics and personal and employer liability. The training and exam may be administered by any licensee.
- A course in the carrying and use of firearms. The 14-hour (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) training course covers moral and legal aspects, firearms nomenclature, weapons handling and shooting fundamentals, emergency procedures and range training. The course must be given by a Bureau-certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau-certified training facility. Written and range exams are administered at the end of the course. Costs of training are determined by the training facility. For a list of state-licensed training schools, call 1-800-952-5210; and
- Be a citizen of the United States or have permanent legal alien status. Submit a firearm permit application, an $80 application fee and a Private Investigator License w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $28 Firearm Eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and $24 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan site. Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.
- Note: a firearms qualification card expires two years from the date of issuance. An applicant must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four months apart.
California Tear Gas Permit
The law requires those who wish to carry tear gas on duty to complete training approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
California Private Investigator Insurance
A private investigator who carries a firearm or provides armed bodyguard services must have $1 million in insurance – $500,000 for one loss due to bodily injury or death and $500,000 for one loss due to injury or destruction of property.
To request an application for licensure as a private investigator or qualified manager, call 916-322-4000 or 1-800-952-5210, or visit our Web site: www.dca.ca.gov/bsis.
Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in exercising licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is consistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.
Colorado Private Investigator License
The state of Colorado does not license private investigators.
Connecticut Private Investigator License
For information on Connecticut Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police
294 Colony St.
Meriden, CT 06450-2098
Connecticut Private Investigator License Requirements
Connecticut General Statute 29-153 requires that any person or firm wishing to conduct business as a private investigation service in this state, must first obtain a professional license from the Commissioner of Public Safety. Guidelines for obtaining the license, eligibility criteria, and applicable license fees are detailed in the statute. Private investigation services are also required to register all employees working as investigators under their license. The Special License and Firearms Unit (SLFU) is responsible for processing the license applications and employee registrations, as well as investigating complaints concerning violations of the license statutes.
Delaware Private Investigator License
For information on Delaware Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Detective Licensing
Delaware State Police
P. O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903
(302) 736-5900
Florida Private Investigator License
For information on Florida Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Licensing
P.O. Box 6687
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687
(904) 488-5381
Georgia Private Investigator License
For information on Georgia Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
(478) 207-1460
Hawaii Private Investigator License
For information on Hawaii Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Hawaii Licensing Administration: Private Detective and Guard
1010 Richards St.
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801.
(808)586-2705
detective@dcca.hawaii.gov
Idaho Private Investigator License
Idaho does not issue Private Investigator licenses.
Illinois Private Investigator License
For information on Illinois Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Illinois Division of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street
3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Indiana Private Investigator License
For information on Indiana Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Indiana Private Detectives Licensing Board
302 West Washington St., Room E-034
Indiana Government Center South
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317)232-2980
(317)232-2312 (Fax)
Iowa Private Investigator License
For information on Iowa Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Iowa Department of Public Safety – Division of Administrative Services
Wallace State Office Bldg
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515)281-3211
Kansas Private Investigator License
For information on Kansas Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
The Kansas Bureau of Investigations – Private Detective Licensing Unit
1620 Tyler
Topeka, KS 66612-1837
(785)296-4436
Kentucky Private Investigator License
For information on Kentucky Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators
P.O. Box 1360 Frankfort, KY
(502)564-3296 Extension 239
(502)564-4818 (Fax)
Louisiana Private Investigator License
For information on Louisiana Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners
2051 Silverside Drive
Suite 190
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(800)299-9696
(225)763-3556
(225)763-3536 (Fax)
lsbpie@intersurf.com
Maine Private Investigator License
For information on Maine Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Maine Department of Public Safety – Administrative Licensing and Permits
104 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0104
(207)624-7210
(207)624-8767 (Fax)
Maine Statutes Regarding Licensing Private Investigators
Maine Statute Title 32: Chapter 89: Private Investigators governs the licensing of Private Investigators.
Maryland Private Investigator License
Maryland does not appear to license Private Investigators.
Massachusetts Private Investigator License
For information on Massachusetts Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Massachusetts Consumer Protection and Business Licensing
485 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
(978)538-6128
(978)538-6021 (Fax)
Massachusetts Private Investigator License Requirements
- An application for a license to engage in the private detective business or a license to engage in the business of watch, guard or patrol agency shall be filed with the colonel of the state police on forms furnished by him, and statements of fact therein shall be under oath of the applicant.
- Application shall include a certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the applicant resides or has a place of business, or in which the applicant proposes to conduct his business, that he has personally known the applicant for at least three years, that he has read the application and believes each of the statements made therein to be true, that he is not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, and that the applicant is honest and of good moral character.
- The applicant, or, if the applicant is a corporation, its resident manager, superintendent or official representative, shall be of good moral character.
- The applicant shall have been regularly employed for not less than three years as a detective doing investigating work, a former member of an investigative service of the United States, a former police officer, of a rank or grade higher than that of patrolman, of the commonwealth, any political subdivision thereof or an official police department of another state, or a police officer in good standing formerly employed for not less than ten years with the commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof or with an official police department of another state.
- No such license shall be granted to any person who has been convicted in any state of the United States of a felony. No person convicted of a violation of section ninety-nine or ninety-nine A of chapter two hundred and seventy-two of the general laws shall be granted a license and any license previously granted to such person shall be revoked.
Michigan Private Investigator License
For information on Michigan Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
(517)241-5645
Michigan Law Governing Private Investigator Licenses
Michigan Private Investigators are licensed under the Private Secuity Business and Security Alarm Act 330 of 1968.
Minnesota Private Investigator License
For information on Minnesota Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651)793-2666
(651)793-7065 (Fax)
mn.pdb@state.mn.us
Mississippi Private Investigator License
The state of Mississippi does not license Private Investigators.
Missouri Private Investigator License
The state of Missouri does not license Private Investigators.
The cities of Kansas City, St. Louis, Joplin, St. Joseph, and Springfield license Private Investigators.
Montana Private Investigator License
For information on Montana Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Board of Private Security Patrol Officers and Investigators
301 S Park, Room 430
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
(406) 841-2387
(406) 841-2309 (Fax)
Nebraska Private Investigator License
For information on Nebraska Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Nebraska Secretary of State
State Capitol, Suite 2300
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2554
Nevada Private Investigator License
For information on Nevada Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Office of the Attorney General; Nevada Department of Justice
100 N. Carson St.
Carson City, NV 89701-4717
(775) 687-3223
New Hampshire Private Investigator License
For information on New Hampshire Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
New Hampshire Department of Safety; Division of State Police; Permits and Licensing Unit; Detective Agencies and Security Services
Room 106 (Permits and Licensing)
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH
New Jersey Private Investigator License
For information on New Jersey Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
New Jersey State Police; Private Detective Unit
P. O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609)882-2000 Extension 2931
New Mexico Private Investigator License
For information on New Mexico Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
New Mexico Private Investigator and Polygraph Board
2550 Cerrillos Road
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504-5101
(505)476-4650
(505)476-4645 (Fax)
New York Private Investigator License
For information on New York Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
New York State Licensing
84 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208-3490
North Carolina Private Investigator License
For information on North Carolina Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
North Carolina Private Protective Services
1631 Midtown Place, Suite 104
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
(919)875-3611
(919)875-3609 (Fax)
North Dakota Private Investigator License
For information on North Dakota Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board
513 Bismarck Expressway
Suite 5
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701)222-3063
ndpisb@midco.net
Ohio Private Investigator License
For information on Ohio Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Ohio Homeland Security Private Investigator / Security Guard Section
1952 West Broad Street
P.O. Box 182001
Columbus, OH 43218-2001
(614) 466-4130
pisg@dps.state.oh.us
Oklahoma Private Investigator License
For information on Oklahoma Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training
P.O. Box 11476
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0476
3530 North M.L. King Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405)425-2775 License Information
(405)425-2767 Application Request Line
Oregon Private Investigator License
For information on Oregon Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Oregon Board of Investigators
445 State Office Building
800 NE Oregon Street #33
Portland, OR 97232
(503)731-4359
(503)731-4366 (Fax)
pi.board@state.or.us
Pennsylvania Private Investigator License
Pennsylvania does not license Private Investigators.
Check with your local county and city to determine if they have licensing requirements.
Rhode Island Private Investigator License
The state of Rhode Island does not issue licenses to Private Investigators.
Each individual city in Rhode Island issues Private Investigator licenses in accord with The Rhode Island Private Detective Act.
South Carolina Private Investigator License
For information on South Carolina Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
P. O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
(803)896-7014
South Dakota Private Investigator License
South Dakota does not license Private Investigators.
Tennessee Private Investigator License
For information on Tennessee Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Tennessee Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
(615)741-2241
Texas Private Investigator License
For information on Texas Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Texas Department of Public Safety – Private Security Bureau
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78752-4422
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0001
(512)424-7710
Utah Private Investigator License
For information on Utah Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Utah Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Box 148280
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-8280
(801)965-4445
Utah Private Investigator Regulation Act
The Utah Private Investigator Regulation Act governs the licensing of Private Investigators in Utah.
Vermont Private Investigator License
For information on Vermont Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Vermont Secretary of State – Office of Professional Regulation – Board of Private Investigative Services
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1101
(802)828-2837
Vermont Private Investigator Statutes
Vermont Statute Title 26: Chapter 59: Section 3173: Private Investigative and Security Services governs the licensing of Private Investigators in Vermont.
Virginia Private Investigator License
For information on Virginia Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
805 East Broad Street, 10th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
(804)786-4000
Washington Private Investigator License
For information on Washington Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Washington Private Investigators Licensing Program
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
(360)664-6611
(360)570-7888 (Fax)
West Virginia Private Investigator License
For information on West Virginia Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
West Virginia Secretary of State – Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing
Building 1
Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304)558-6000
Wisconsin Private Investigator License
For information on Wisconsin Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 173
Madison, WI 53703
608)266-5511
Wyoming Private Investigator License
The state of Wyoming does not license Private Investigators.
Puerto Rico Private Investigator License
For information on Puerto Rico Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Policia De Puerto Rico
GPO Box 70166
San Juan, PR 00936
(787)793-1234
Washington D.C. Private Investigator License
For information on Washington D.C. Private Investigator License requirements, contact:
Security Officers Management Branch, Metro Police
Security Unit 2000
14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202)671-0500
(202)673-7418 (Fax)
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