Private Investigator License Requirements by State

Jane Mason, April 30, 2021

jane@securefbidirectory.com, jane@secureinvestigation.com

@janexfbi

 

Each state has different rules when it comes to licensing requirements for private investigators.  Below is a list of each state and a link with information about PI licensing to guide you to your state’s rules and requirements.  This information and the links are current as of the date of this article, so it is recommended to research individual state’s websites to obtain the most up-to-date information about PI licensing as well as any applicable laws regarding operating a business and carrying a firearm within that state.  If we missed something below, please send us an email so we can update the information!

 
 

States with no State Licensing Requirements*

The below states do not require a PI license at the state level.  Of these five states though, Alaska and Wyoming have some requirements at the county and/ or city level.  They all have other requirements, for example, business licensing, for operating a business within their jurisdiction.

Alaska

http://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=29&docid=2913

Anchorage requires a private investigator’s license to conduct business within the Municipality limits.  https://www.muni.org/Departments/Assembly/Clerk/Licensing/Pages/PrivateDetective.aspx

Fairbanks also requires a private investigator’s license to conduct business within the city limits.  https://www.fairbanksalaska.us/clerk/page/private-detective-license