Michigan

At a glance

Authority

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau, Licensing Division

Statute

Professional Investigator Licensure Act, 1965 PA 285 (MCL 338.821 to 338.851)

Rules

None. No professional investigator rules appear in the Michigan Administrative Code.

Who is licensed

Professional investigator agencies, plus a separate license for each branch office. For a firm or company, the manager must meet the individual qualifications.

Qualifications

At least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen, and at least 3 years of full-time qualifying investigative experience or a qualifying degree (MCL 338.826; LARA summary)

Renewal

Every 3 years, at the end of the month the license was issued. Agency renewal fee $300; branch $125. There is no late renewal period: a lapsed license needs relicensure at $750.

Continuing education

None in the Act

Bond or insurance

A $10,000 bond, or an insurance policy of $10,000 for property damage, $100,000 for injury or death of one person, and $200,000 for more than one person (MCL 338.829)

Changes, 2023 to 2026

No statute or rule changes were enacted in this period. The Act was last amended by 2010 PA 359, and the compiled law is current through PA 103 of 2026.

• Sep 11, 2025

  Collection agency exemption bill pending in committee

  Bill, pending2025 House Bill 4888

  Would amend the Act’s list of exemptions (MCL 338.824) to revise its references to collection agencies. It takes effect only if House Bill 4887, which would change collection agency licensing under the Occupational Code, is also enacted. Both bills were referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform on September 11, 2025. No further action is recorded as of October 15, 2026.

  For licensees: Nothing has changed. The bill does not alter licensing, renewal, or bond requirements for professional investigators.

  HB 4888 status Bill text HB 4887 status