Kentucky
Kentucky licenses private investigators and investigating companies through the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators, part of the Department of Professional Licensing in the Public Protection Cabinet. The statute has not changed since 2017; the board filed two rule amendments in October 2026.
At a glance
- Authority
- Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators, administered through the Department of Professional Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet
- Statute
- Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 329A
- Rules
- 201 KAR Chapter 41
- Who is licensed
- Individual private investigators and investigating companies. A corporation qualifies through a designated qualifying agent. Investigators who do fire or arson work must also hold national certification from the National Association of Fire Investigators or the International Association of Arson Investigators (KRS 329A.095). An employee who works under a licensee for less than 240 hours a year is exempt (KRS 329A.070) but must be registered by the licensee as a limited employee for $20 (201 KAR 41:100).
- Qualifications
- At least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or resident alien, a high school education or equivalent, good moral character, a passing exam score, and no disqualifying criminal, mental health, or substance history (KRS 329A.035). Initial license fee $400, paid as $100 with the application and $300 on proof of a passing exam score (201 KAR 41:040).
- Renewal
- Every two years. Renewal applications are due June 30 of the renewal year; a grace period with a late fee runs to September 1, after which the license terminates. A terminated license can be reinstated within five years without a new exam (KRS 329A.045). Renewal fee $250; late fee $250; reinstatement fee $100 (201 KAR 41:040).
- Continuing education
- 12 hours in each two-year licensure period, directly related to private investigation. Excess hours do not carry over (201 KAR 41:070).
- Insurance
- Liability coverage with a combined single limit of at least $250,000, covering all employees. Investigators who work only as employees of, and under the supervision of, a Kentucky attorney are exempt (KRS 329A.035(3)(n)).
Changes, 2023 to 2026
No statute or rule changes were enacted in this period. KRS Chapter 329A was last amended in 2017, and we found no bill in the 2023 to 2026 regular sessions that would amend it. The board’s regulations were last amended in 2019. The entries below are a 2026 review of the existing rules and two proposed amendments.
Proposed fee rule: lower late fee, higher reinstatement fee
The board filed an amendment to its fee regulation. The late renewal fee for individual and company licenses would drop from $250 to $100, and the late window would run from July 1 to September 1 instead of to August 31. The reinstatement fee for a terminated license would rise from $100 to $250. The amendment also states that the company application fee is owed in addition to the individual licensure fee. The $400 initial fee, the $250 renewal fee, and the inactive status fees are unchanged. A public hearing is scheduled for December 21, 2026, and written comments are accepted through December 31, 2026.
For licensees: Nothing changes until the amendment is adopted. If it is, renewing late will cost less, and letting a license terminate will cost more to fix.
Proposed background checks for limited employees
Licensees already must register each limited employee (a person who investigates for a licensee less than 240 hours a year) within five business days of hire, pay $20, keep a daily log of hours, and file an annual report in December. The amendment would also require the registration to include the results of a national background check on the employee. The board’s impact statement estimates the check at about $100 per person. The hearing and comment dates are the same as for the fee rule: December 21 and December 31, 2026.
For licensees: If the amendment is adopted, budget for a national background check before registering a limited employee.
Board certifies its rules to remain in effect
Under KRS 13A.3104, Kentucky agencies must periodically review each regulation and certify whether it will be amended or remain in effect. The board filed certification letters stating that 201 KAR 41:020, 41:030, 41:040, 41:060, 41:065, 41:070, and 41:080 (September 1, 2026) and 41:090 and 41:100 (September 14, 2026) remain in effect without amendment. The October 2026 Administrative Register lists the letters.
For licensees: No change to application, exam, renewal, continuing education, complaint, or ethics rules.
Last updated October 15, 2026Source: United States Council for Law & Investigation