Licensing Law Tracker
Changes to private investigator licensing law and rules in ten states, dated and tied to the official source. This edition covers 2023 through October 2026.
What to watch
Kentucky hearing on two proposed rules
Public hearing in Frankfort on the late-fee change and short-hours employee background checks. Written comments close December 31.
Iowa target for re-adopting its rules
The department’s target date for replacing 661 IAC Chapter 121. The chapter expires January 1, 2028 unless re-adopted.
Illinois licensing board shrinks to 11 seats
Public Act 104-0601 takes effect. Board members will need 3 years of experience instead of 5.
Missouri vehicle tracking crime takes effect
RSMo 565.260 bars placing a tracker on a vehicle without every owner’s consent. There is no investigator exception.
Wisconsin agency renewals
Private detective agency credentials renew in odd-numbered years under Wis. Stat. 440.08.
Indiana firm licenses renew
All Indiana private investigator firm licenses expire on a four-year cycle. A proposed $50 late renewal fee is pending.
Illinois Act scheduled for repeal
The Private Detective Act sunsets unless the General Assembly extends it. Watch the 2027 and 2028 sessions.
By state
| State | Licensing authority | Who is licensed | Renewal | Continuing education | Changes since 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | IDFPR | Individuals and agencies | Every 3 years, May 31 | 8 hours a year | 3 Public Acts, 2 agency notices |
| Indiana | PI and Security Guard Licensing Board (PLA) | Firms only | Every 4 years, next Oct 1, 2027 | None | 1 law, 3 final rules, 1 proposed rule |
| Iowa | Dept. of Public Safety, Program Services Bureau | Agencies; employees carry a department ID card | Every 2 years; $100 agency | 12 hours per 2 years | 1 act, 1 rule amendment, rewrite proposed |
| Kentucky | Board of Licensure for Private Investigators | Individuals and companies | Every 2 years, due June 30; $250 | 12 hours per 2 years | None enacted; 2 rules proposed |
| Michigan | LARA, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau | Agencies and branch offices | Every 3 years; $300 | None | None enacted; HB 4888 pending |
| Minnesota | Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services | Individuals and corporations | Every 2 years | 6 hours a year, plus 6 if armed | 4 session laws |
| Missouri | Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners | Investigators, fire investigators, agencies, employees | Every 2 years; $400 investigator | 16 hours per 2 years | 3 laws, 4 rule amendments, 1 agency notice |
| Nebraska | Secretary of State, Licensing Division | Detectives, agencies, plain clothes investigators | Every 2 years, June 30 of even years | None | No licensing change; 2 related laws |
| Ohio | Dept. of Public Safety, PISGS | Class A, B, and C licensees; employees registered | Every 2 years since April 9, 2025 | None; armed staff requalify yearly | 6 acts, a rule rewrite, 1 agency notice |
| Wisconsin | DSPS | Individuals and agencies | Every 2 years | None | 1 law, 1 rule; neither changes licensing |
Latest changes
Ohio adds a Medicaid exemption to its tracking device law
Covers electronic visit verification only. The investigator exemption and penalties are unchanged.
Kentucky proposes fee and background check rules
Late renewal fee would drop to $100; short-hours employees would need a national background check.
Ohio background monitoring fees rise by $3
Applies to registrations and renewals filed on or after October 1, 2026.
Iowa proposes rewriting its licensing rules
Fees and the 12 hours of continuing education stay the same.
Missouri board renamed and expanded
The board grows to 10 members and takes on bail bond licensing. Investigator licensing is unchanged.
Illinois revisory act touches training sections
Technical only; no action needed by private detectives.
Illinois Public Act 104-0601 signed
Board reduced to 11 members from January 1, 2027.
Nebraska makes covert tracking a felony
Licensed investigators are exempt only with the owner’s consent and for listed purposes.
Indiana raises the penalty cap for firms
Civil penalties for business entities can now reach $5,000 per violation, up from $1,000.
Missouri makes covert vehicle tracking a crime
No exception for private investigators. Takes effect July 1, 2027.
Indiana proposes a $50 late renewal fee
Proposed rule; hearing held August 12, 2026. Not final as of this edition.
Minnesota removes partnership licenses
Corporate officers must now qualify and be fingerprinted. Effective August 1, 2026.
Ohio rewrites its licensing rules
Rules updated for two-year licenses; the concealed handgun license requirement is removed.
Indiana adopts a fines schedule
Fines default to half the statutory maximum, with listed aggravating and mitigating factors.
The Licensing Law Tracker is general information, not legal advice. Confirm any requirement with your state licensing authority. How we verify entries.
Last updated October 15, 2026Source: United States Council for Law & Investigation