Private Investigator License Requirements
To become a licensed private investigator in the United States, you typically need to meet several requirements, which can vary by state. Here are the general steps and requirements:
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state.
Education and Experience:
- Some states require a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Many states require relevant work experience in law enforcement, military service, or as a registered private investigator under the supervision of a licensed PI. The required experience can range from two to five years.
Background Check: You must pass a thorough background check, which includes criminal history. Felonies and certain misdemeanors can disqualify you.
Training and Education:
- Some states require you to complete a state-approved training program or course in private investigation.
- Continuing education may be required to maintain your license.
Examination: You may need to pass a state-administered exam that tests your knowledge of laws, regulations, and practices related to private investigation.
Surety Bond or Insurance: Some states require you to obtain a surety bond or liability insurance to protect clients from potential damages or losses caused by your actions.
Application and Fees: Submit a detailed application to the state licensing board, along with the required fees. The application typically includes your personal information, work experience, and proof of training.
Fingerprinting: You may be required to submit fingerprints for a background check.
Ethics and Conduct: Adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct. Violations can lead to suspension or revocation of your license.
State-Specific Requirements: Each state has its own specific requirements, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency. Some states also require ongoing education to keep the license active.
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State | Private Investigator Licensing Requirements | |||
| Alabama | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Alaska | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Arizona | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check, proof of insurance | |||
| Arkansas | Two years of law enforcement or investigative experience, passing a written exam, fingerprinting | |||
| California | Three years (6,000 hours) of compensated work experience, criminal background check, state PI exam, $5,000 surety bond | |||
| Colorado | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, proof of insurance | |||
| Connecticut | Three years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, fingerprinting, background check | |||
| Delaware | Two years of law enforcement or investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Florida | Two years of law enforcement or investigative experience, 40-hour training course, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Georgia | Two years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, criminal background check, fingerprinting | |||
| Hawaii | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Idaho | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Illinois | Three years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, fingerprinting, criminal background check | |||
| Indiana | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Iowa | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Kansas | Two years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, background check, fingerprinting | |||
| Kentucky | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Louisiana | Two years of law enforcement or investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Maine | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Maryland | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Massachusetts | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check, proof of insurance | |||
| Michigan | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, fingerprinting | |||
| Minnesota | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Mississippi | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Missouri | Two years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Montana | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Nebraska | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Nevada | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check, proof of insurance | |||
| New Hampshire | No state licensing requirements | |||
| New Jersey | Three years of investigative experience or law enforcement, passing a written exam, fingerprinting, background check | |||
| New Mexico | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| New York | Three years of investigative experience, or three years in law enforcement or as a fire marshal, passing a written exam | |||
| North Carolina | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, proof of insurance | |||
| North Dakota | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Ohio | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, proof of insurance | |||
| Oklahoma | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, fingerprinting | |||
| Oregon | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Pennsylvania | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Rhode Island | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check, proof of insurance | |||
| South Carolina | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| South Dakota | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Tennessee | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Texas | Three years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check, fingerprinting | |||
| Utah | Two years of law enforcement or investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check | |||
| Vermont | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field, or a combination of education and experience totaling three years, passing an exam | |||
| Virginia | No state licensing requirements | |||
| Washington | No state licensing requirements | |||
| West Virginia | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, background check, proof of insurance | |||
| Wisconsin | Two years of investigative experience, passing a written exam, criminal background check | |||
| Wyoming | No state licensing requirements | |||