{
 "name": "USCLI private investigator licensing requirements",
 "publisher": "United States Council for Law & Investigation",
 "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
 "homepage": "https://uscli.org/licensing-tracker/requirements",
 "checked": "2026-10-16",
 "states": [
  {
   "state": "Alabama",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "2 years (experience, education, or training)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "None found",
    "ce": "16 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Alabama Private Investigation Board (APIB)",
   "licenses": "Individual private investigator license; apprentice license; private investigation agency license for businesses that employ or contract with investigators. Alabama has licensed investigators statewide since August 1, 2013. Cities and counties cannot require their own investigator license, but may charge a business license fee or occupational tax (Ala. Code 34-25B-19).",
   "age": "21",
   "experience": "2 years of experience, education, or training, or a combination, in investigations or law enforcement, including 120 hours of practical field experience. A related 2-year degree or a completed apprenticeship can qualify (34-25B-12).",
   "exam": "Required: a Board exam given by PSI, 50 questions, 70% to pass. The $150 testing fee is paid to PSI.",
   "background": "State and FBI check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, with fingerprint cards and a $37 fee. Any felony conviction bars licensing; so can a crime of moral turpitude, at the Board’s discretion.",
   "insurance": "None found in Ala. Code 34-25B or the Board’s application.",
   "fees": "$100 application; $300 for the 2-year license, paid after passing the exam; $37 background check; $150 exam. Renewal $300, plus $200 if renewed late, per the Board’s 2016 renewal sheet (a new Board fee rule took effect August 14, 2025). Agency fees are capped by statute at $50 (1–2 investigators) or $200 (3 or more), $500 out of state.",
   "term": "2 years from the month of issue. Renewal is accepted up to 30 days after expiration with a late fee. Apprentice licenses renew every year.",
   "ce": "16 hours in each 2-year period, including 2 hours of ethics (34-25B-26).",
   "firearms": "No investigator firearms permit found in Ala. Code 34-25B or the Board’s rules.",
   "law": "Ala. Code 34-25B (Alabama Private Investigation Regulatory Act), amended by Act 2023-397; Ala. Admin. Code 741-X. SB 126 (2026), enacted February 26, 2026, continues the Board until October 1, 2028.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Continuing education: the statute (34-25B-26) requires 16 hours per 2-year period; the Board’s rule (741-X-4) says 8 hours in each calendar year."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "APIB application instructions (2025)",
     "url": "https://www.apib.alabama.gov/PDF/2025/37ApplInstructionsChecklistsLicensedPrivateInvestigator2-3-2025.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Act 2023-397 (HB 75)",
     "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2023RS/HB75-enr.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Ala. Admin. Code 741-X-4",
     "url": "https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/chapter/741-X-4"
    },
    {
     "label": "APIB renewal information",
     "url": "https://www.apib.alabama.gov/PDF/2016/RenewalInfo2-11-16.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Arkansas",
   "short": {
    "age": "18 (application form says 21)",
    "experience": "None for an individual; 2 years for a company manager",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "None for investigation companies",
    "ce": "None found"
   },
   "authority": "Arkansas State Police, Regulatory Services",
   "licenses": "Individuals hold a Credentialed Private Investigator credential and work under a licensed company’s manager. Companies hold a Class A investigations license (or Class D for a single investigator with no other credentialed employees), and each company needs a licensed manager.",
   "age": "18 under A.C.A. 17-40-306; the current application form says 21 (see below).",
   "experience": "None for an individual credential. A company manager needs 2 consecutive years in investigations, or 2 years as a licensed bail bondsman plus a bachelor’s degree. Class A and D applicants without manager experience must complete the investigator course (17 CAR 350-1102).",
   "exam": "Required: given by the State Police, at least 100 questions, 70% to pass, with a $50 re-exam after 5 working days. Waived for 5 consecutive years of law enforcement if still employed or separated within 5 years.",
   "background": "State and FBI checks with two fingerprint cards. A felony, or a Class A misdemeanor involving theft, sex offenses, violence, or dishonesty, requires denial, even if sealed or expunged.",
   "insurance": "None for Class A or D investigation companies. The $500,000 liability requirement in A.C.A. 17-40-308 applies to security and alarm licenses.",
   "fees": "Credential $450 plus background fees ($22 state; $13 federal from October 1, 2026, plus $1 and $2 charges); renewal $150. Class A company $600, renewal $300; Class D $300, renewal $150.",
   "term": "2 years from issue. No renewal more than 6 months after expiration.",
   "ce": "None found for investigators. The continuing education rule covers polygraph examiners.",
   "firearms": "No investigator firearms commission found. A.C.A. 17-40-330 provides commissions for security officers.",
   "law": "A.C.A. 17-40 (as amended by Act 678 of 2025); 17 CAR Part 350.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Minimum age: A.C.A. 17-40-306 says at least 18, and the rules set no higher age; the credential application form effective October 2026 says the applicant must be 21."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Arkansas State Police licensing page",
     "url": "https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/private-investigators-security-companies-alarm-installation-monitoring/"
    },
    {
     "label": "A.C.A. 17-40 compilation (2025)",
     "url": "https://media.ark.org/dps/Act-393-Revised-8-5-2025.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "17 CAR Part 350",
     "url": "https://media.ark.org/dps/Code-of-Arkansas-Rules-%E2%80%93-Part-350.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Credential application (October 2026)",
     "url": "https://media.ark.org/dps/PI_Security_Credentialed_Private_Investigator_Application_10012026.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "California",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "3 years / 6,000 hours (degree can count up to 2,000 hours)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "None generally; $1,000,000 for LLCs or armed bodyguard work",
    "ce": "None found"
   },
   "authority": "Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Department of Consumer Affairs",
   "licenses": "Private investigator license, held by an individual or a business, which may employ a qualified manager. Employees of a licensee are not separately licensed. A separate exposed firearms permit is needed to carry on duty.",
   "age": "18",
   "experience": "3 years of paid investigative work, 2,000 hours a year (6,000 total), certified by the employer. A law degree or a bachelor’s in police science, criminal justice, or criminal law counts for 2,000 hours; an associate degree for 1,000. Process serving, records research, and repossession work do not count (Bus. & Prof. Code 7541).",
   "exam": "Required: a 2-hour multiple-choice exam through PSI covering law, liability, evidence, and surveillance.",
   "background": "Live Scan fingerprints through the California Department of Justice and FBI, even if already fingerprinted for another BSIS license.",
   "insurance": "None for most investigators. Licensees who carry a firearm while providing armed bodyguard services need $1,000,000 in general liability; LLC licensees need at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage.",
   "fees": "Since October 1, 2025: $374 application and exam; $424 initial license; $292 renewal ($438 if late). Firearms permit application $110.",
   "term": "2 years. A license can be renewed up to 3 years after it expires.",
   "ce": "None found in BSIS materials.",
   "firearms": "BSIS exposed firearms permit required to carry on duty: age 21, an 8-hour power-to-arrest course, a 14-hour firearms course, and four requalifications during the 2-year permit. Concealed carry also needs a local concealed carry license.",
   "law": "Bus. & Prof. Code 7512 et seq. (Private Investigator Act); Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, div. 7. SB 1311 (Chapter 232, Statutes of 2026), an urgency law approved September 14, 2026, changes what written client agreements must contain (Bus. & Prof. Code 7524).",
   "conflicts": [
    "Degree credit: the BSIS fact sheet mentions a law degree or a four-year course in police science; Bus. & Prof. Code 7541 also credits bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or criminal law."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "BSIS private investigator fact sheet",
     "url": "https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/pi_fact.shtml"
    },
    {
     "label": "BSIS fee schedule (2025)",
     "url": "https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Bus. & Prof. Code 7541",
     "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7541."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Florida",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "2 years (education or training can count up to 1)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "None",
    "ce": "None (armed: 4 hours a year of firearms training)"
   },
   "authority": "Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing",
   "licenses": "Class C private investigator; Class CC intern; Class MA manager; Class A agency and Class AA branch. A Class C licensee must own or work for a Class A agency. A Class G license is needed to carry a firearm.",
   "age": "18 (21 for a Class G firearm license).",
   "experience": "2 years of full-time, verifiable experience or training: investigative work, a Class CC internship, qualifying military training, or college coursework in criminal justice or law enforcement training (up to 1 year). Bodyguard work does not count.",
   "exam": "Required before applying: an exam on Chapter 493, $70, in person or remote.",
   "background": "Fingerprints for state and national checks. Disqualifying criminal history, lack of good moral character, or untreated illegal drug use or alcoholism can bar a license (Fla. Stat. 493.6106, 493.6118).",
   "insurance": "None for investigators or agencies. The $300,000 liability requirement in 493.6110 applies to security agencies.",
   "fees": "Class C: $50 application, $75 license, $52.75 fingerprint processing and retention ($177.75), plus the $70 exam. Renewal $75 plus $16.75 fingerprint retention. Class A agency: $50 application and $450 license; renewal $450. Veterans’ initial fees are waived within 24 months of discharge.",
   "term": "Class C: 2 years. Agency and branch: 3 years. No renewal 3 or more months after expiration.",
   "ce": "None for Class C. Class G holders requalify with 4 hours of firearms training each year.",
   "firearms": "Class G license: 28 hours of training within 12 months before applying and 4 hours of requalification a year. A Class C licensee aged 21 with a Class G may carry concealed (Fla. Stat. 493.6115).",
   "law": "Fla. Stat. ch. 493; Fla. Admin. Code ch. 5N-1.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "FDACS Class C requirements",
     "url": "https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses/Class-C-Private-Investigator-License-Requirements"
    },
    {
     "label": "Class C application (2026)",
     "url": "https://forms.fdacs.gov/16018.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Fla. Stat. 493.6203",
     "url": "http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0493/Sections/0493.6203.html"
    },
    {
     "label": "FDACS renewal fees",
     "url": "https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/73502/file/FS493_Renewal_License_Fees.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Georgia",
   "short": {
    "age": "18 (21 armed)",
    "experience": "None for employees (70-hour course); 2 years or a 4-year degree for the company",
    "exam": "Company designee (PSI); employees take a course exam",
    "insurance": "$25,000 bond, $1,000,000 liability, or $50,000 net worth (company)",
    "ce": "16 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, Secretary of State",
   "licenses": "Private detective company license, with a designee who passes the exam. Individual investigators are licensed as employees of a specific licensed company, with a separate license for each employer.",
   "age": "18 (21 for an armed license).",
   "experience": "Employees: none, but a 70-hour basic course is required. Company designee: 2 years full-time as a registered detective employee or in law enforcement, or a 4-year degree in criminal justice or a related field.",
   "exam": "The company designee takes a PSI exam, with no waiver for law enforcement or another state’s license. Employees take a 2-hour exam at the end of the 70-hour course, 75% to pass (Rule 509-3-.06).",
   "background": "GBI and FBI fingerprint check. A company applicant must be a U.S. citizen or registered resident alien of good moral character, with no felony, weapons crime, or crime of moral turpitude (O.C.G.A. 43-38-6).",
   "insurance": "Company: a $25,000 surety bond, a $1,000,000 general liability certificate naming the Board, or an audited net worth over $50,000.",
   "fees": "Company: $100 application and $300 license; renewal $300. Employee: $45 unarmed or $70 armed; renewal $65 ($80 late). Plus a $5 online or $10 paper processing fee.",
   "term": "Company licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years. Employee renewals are due August 31 of odd-numbered years.",
   "ce": "16 hours every 2 years for detective employees (Rule 509-3-.12), plus firearms requalification for armed licensees.",
   "firearms": "Armed license: age 21, at least 15 hours of classroom firearms training plus range qualification, and yearly requalification (O.C.G.A. 43-38-10; Rules 509-3-.10, 509-4-.01).",
   "law": "O.C.G.A. 43-38; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 509.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Georgia Board FAQ",
     "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/page/private-detective-and-security-agency-faq"
    },
    {
     "label": "Company license application and fees",
     "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/31%20Application%20-%20Agency%20(Company)%20License.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "How to apply as a detective employee",
     "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-apply-be-private-detective-employee"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Illinois",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "3 years (degree can substitute up to 2)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$1,000,000 general liability",
    "ce": "8 hours a year"
   },
   "authority": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)",
   "licenses": "Private detective (individual); private detective agency, which needs a licensee in charge; branch office. Agency employees hold a Permanent Employee Registration Card.",
   "age": "21",
   "experience": "3 years of full-time investigative work within the 5 years before applying, for a licensed agency, an attorney, a corporate investigative unit of 100 or more employees, the armed forces, or a law enforcement agency. A bachelor’s degree counts for 2 of the 3 years and an associate degree for 1. A year means at least 1,500 hours.",
   "exam": "Required, given by Continental Testing Services under contract with IDFPR; 70 passes, and a pass is valid for 3 years.",
   "background": "Fingerprints through the Illinois State Police or a licensed vendor, taken within 60 days of applying. A felony bars licensing until 10 years after the sentence ends.",
   "insurance": "Commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 in the licensee’s name. No bond.",
   "fees": "$500 application (exam fee paid separately to the testing service); $500 agency; $200 branch. Renewal $150 for each year of the 3-year cycle; agency renewal $450.",
   "term": "3 years. Individual licenses expire May 31 and agency licenses August 31 of the renewal year.",
   "ce": "8 hours of training each year.",
   "firearms": "A separate Firearm Control Card is required to carry a firearm on the job, with a 48-hour course and an 8-hour annual refresher (225 ILCS 447/35-40).",
   "law": "225 ILCS 447; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240. The Act is scheduled to be repealed January 1, 2029 unless extended.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "IDFPR private detective page",
     "url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/detective.html"
    },
    {
     "label": "225 ILCS 447",
     "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/details?ActID=2474&ChapterID=24&ChapAct=FullText"
    },
    {
     "label": "Fees, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.570",
     "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068012400F05700R.html"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Indiana",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "2 years (4,000 hours) or a bachelor’s degree",
    "exam": "No",
    "insurance": "$100,000 general liability",
    "ce": "None"
   },
   "authority": "Indiana Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board, Professional Licensing Agency",
   "licenses": "Private investigator firm license only. An individual can hold it as the firm’s qualifier; there is no separate individual license.",
   "age": "21",
   "experience": "The qualifier needs 2 years (at least 4,000 hours) of investigative work, such as for a licensed firm, a law enforcement or federal investigative agency, an insurer, or an attorney; or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. The agency accepts W-2 employment only.",
   "exam": "None in the statute or rules.",
   "background": "Criminal history checks from every place lived in the past 7 years, plus an Indiana State Police fingerprint check.",
   "insurance": "General liability insurance of at least $100,000 naming the State of Indiana as additional insured, covering false arrest, malicious prosecution, and wrongful entry. No bond.",
   "fees": "$300 to issue ($150 within a year of the common expiration date); $300 renewal.",
   "term": "4 years. Firm licenses expire October 1 every fourth year (2027 next).",
   "ce": "None in the statute or rules.",
   "firearms": "No armed permit. The Act says it does not authorize any licensee to carry a weapon (IC 25-30-1-19).",
   "law": "IC 25-30-1; 874 IAC 1.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Indiana licensing information",
     "url": "https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/private-investigator-and-security-guard-home/private-investigator-and-security-guard-licensing-information/"
    },
    {
     "label": "Indiana Code Title 25",
     "url": "https://iga.in.gov/ic/2026/Title_25.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "874 IAC 1",
     "url": "https://iar.iga.in.gov/code/2026/874/1"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Iowa",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "None",
    "exam": "No",
    "insurance": "$5,000 bond plus liability insurance",
    "ce": "12 hours per 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Iowa Department of Public Safety",
   "licenses": "Iowa licenses the agency (business). Individual investigators carry a state employee identification card through a licensed agency.",
   "age": "18",
   "experience": "None in Iowa Code chapter 80A or the rules.",
   "exam": "None. The exam rules were rescinded in 2005.",
   "background": "Department background investigation with fingerprints sent to the FBI. Any felony or aggravated misdemeanor conviction disqualifies, as does serving as a peace officer.",
   "insurance": "$5,000 surety bond ($10,000 for more than one license type), plus general liability insurance covering false arrest, defamation, privacy, and wrongful entry, with no minimum amount set.",
   "fees": "$100 per license type for 2 years, plus $30 for fingerprints; $10 per employee ID card.",
   "term": "2 years from issue.",
   "ce": "12 hours per 2-year license period, for licensees and employees.",
   "firearms": "Armed work requires a professional permit to carry weapons.",
   "law": "Iowa Code ch. 80A; 661 IAC ch. 121.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Iowa DPS licensing page",
     "url": "https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/administrative-services/pipsbe"
    },
    {
     "label": "Iowa Code ch. 80A",
     "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/80A.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "661 IAC ch. 121",
     "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/661.121.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Kentucky",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "None",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$250,000 liability",
    "ce": "12 hours per 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators",
   "licenses": "Private investigator; private investigating company. A company with only one investigator needs only that person’s license.",
   "age": "21",
   "experience": "None. Applicants need a high school education or equivalent and good moral character.",
   "exam": "Required, given by Schroeder Measurement Technologies; $156 paid to the vendor.",
   "background": "Fingerprints for state and FBI checks. A felony bars licensing until 10 years after release or restoration of civil rights.",
   "insurance": "Liability insurance of at least $250,000 combined single limit, unless the investigator works only for a Kentucky attorney. No bond.",
   "fees": "$400 for an individual: $100 on applying and $300 after passing the exam. Company $100 (sole proprietor) or $400. Renewal $250 every 2 years.",
   "term": "2 years; renewals due June 30, with a grace period to September 1.",
   "ce": "12 hours per 2-year licensing period.",
   "firearms": "No armed permit for private investigators in KRS 329A.",
   "law": "KRS 329A.010 to 329A.095; 201 KAR 41.",
   "pending": "A proposed amendment to 201 KAR 41:040, filed October 1, 2026, would restructure the initial fee and change the late and reinstatement fees. The fees shown are the ones in effect now.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Kentucky board",
     "url": "https://kpi.ky.gov/"
    },
    {
     "label": "KRS 329A",
     "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38867"
    },
    {
     "label": "Fees, 201 KAR 41:040",
     "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/041/040/2751/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Louisiana",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "None for an individual; 3 years for an agency",
    "exam": "Yes (40-hour course and exam)",
    "insurance": "None found",
    "ce": "Online course every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners (LSBPIE)",
   "licenses": "Agency license (to work independently or contract with the public); individual license (employed by a licensed agency); apprentice (one non-renewable year under a sponsoring agency); journeyman (contract work for licensed agencies only).",
   "age": "18",
   "experience": "None for an individual or apprentice. An agency license needs 3 years of investigative experience within the last 10 years.",
   "exam": "Required: a 40-hour board-approved basic course, then a board exam, 75% to pass, with a retake after 30 days.",
   "background": "Fingerprints for state and FBI checks. Any felony or crime of moral turpitude bars licensing (La. R.S. 37:3507).",
   "insurance": "None found in La. R.S. 37:3500–3525 or the Board’s license pages.",
   "fees": "By statute (La. R.S. 37:3516, as amended in 2024): individual $50 application, $100 exam, $150 license, $150 a year to renew; agency $50 application, $100 exam, $300 license, $300 a year to renew. Re-exam $50.",
   "term": "1 year from the date of issue. A license lapses if not renewed within 30 days after it expires.",
   "ce": "A Board-approved online course every 2 years, passed at 75% (La. Admin. Code 46:LVII.518). The Board’s page lists the course at $100.",
   "firearms": "No investigator firearms permit found in La. R.S. 37:3500–3525.",
   "law": "La. R.S. 37:3500–3525 (Private Investigators Law); La. Admin. Code 46:LVII.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Fees: the Board’s website lists initial totals of $200 for an individual and $350 for an agency, and a $25 retake fee; the statute’s fees add up to $300 and $450, with a $50 re-exam. The law PDF on the Board’s site still shows the fees from before the 2024 increase."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "LSBPIE license information",
     "url": "https://lsbpie.com/licenseinfo.aspx"
    },
    {
     "label": "La. R.S. 37:3516 (fees)",
     "url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=94192"
    },
    {
     "label": "LSBPIE continuing education",
     "url": "https://lsbpie.com/ContinuingEducation.aspx"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Michigan",
   "short": {
    "age": "25",
    "experience": "3 years or a relevant degree",
    "exam": "No",
    "insurance": "$10,000 bond or liability insurance",
    "ce": "None"
   },
   "authority": "Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)",
   "licenses": "Professional investigator agency license, issued to a person or to a firm through its qualifying officer; branch licenses.",
   "age": "25",
   "experience": "3 years full time as a licensed investigator elsewhere, an investigative employee of a Michigan agency, a government investigator or police officer, or an in-house investigator for a business or attorney; or a bachelor’s degree in police administration, security management, investigation, law, criminal justice, or computer forensics.",
   "exam": "None in the Act.",
   "background": "LARA investigates each applicant; any felony and listed misdemeanors disqualify. Five notarized references are required. The Act requires fingerprints for employees but not for the applicant.",
   "insurance": "$10,000 surety bond, or insurance naming the licensee and the state: $10,000 property damage, $100,000 for injury to one person, $200,000 for more than one.",
   "fees": "$150 application plus $600 initial license; $300 renewal; $125 per branch.",
   "term": "3 years.",
   "ce": "None in the Act.",
   "firearms": "No armed permit in the Act.",
   "law": "Professional Investigator Licensure Act, MCL 338.821 to 338.851.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "LARA agency license",
     "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/licensing/prof/detectives/professional-investigator-agency-license/pi-agency-initial-license"
    },
    {
     "label": "LARA fees",
     "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/licensing/prof/detectives/licensee/licensing-fees"
    },
    {
     "label": "MCL 338.826",
     "url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-338-826"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Minnesota",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "6,000 hours",
    "exam": "No",
    "insurance": "$10,000 bond plus financial responsibility",
    "ce": "6 hours a year"
   },
   "authority": "Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services",
   "licenses": "Private detective license for an individual or a corporation or LLC with a qualified representative.",
   "age": "18",
   "experience": "6,000 hours as an investigator for a licensed agency, a federal investigative service, a police department or sheriff’s office, or an equivalent occupation. Unlicensed work does not count.",
   "exam": "None in the statute, rules, or board requirements.",
   "background": "Fingerprints through the BCA to the FBI and five references; felonies and listed offenses disqualify. A 2026 law (ch. 83) also requires a business applicant’s CEO, CFO, qualified representative, and Minnesota manager to meet licensing requirements.",
   "insurance": "$10,000 surety bond, plus proof of financial responsibility by insurance certificate, net worth statement, or letter of credit.",
   "fees": "$1,000 individual, $1,900 corporation or LLC. Renewal from $540 to $1,220 depending on number of employees.",
   "term": "2 years.",
   "ce": "6 hours of board-certified training each year, plus 6 more if armed.",
   "firearms": "Carrying a weapon requires board-certified training and annual range certification.",
   "law": "Minn. Stat. 326.32 to 326.339; Minn. R. ch. 7506; Laws 2026, ch. 83.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Board license fees",
     "url": "https://dps.mn.gov/about-dps/associated-boards-cmtes-and-task-forces/private-detective-and-protective-agents-board/license-holders/license-fees"
    },
    {
     "label": "Minn. Stat. 326.3382",
     "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326.3382"
    },
    {
     "label": "Laws 2026, ch. 83",
     "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2026/0/Session+Law/Chapter/83/2026-07-20%2015:31:55+00:00/pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Missouri",
   "short": {
    "age": "Not set",
    "experience": "None (experience can waive the exam)",
    "exam": "Yes, unless waived",
    "insurance": "$250,000 liability",
    "ce": "16 hours per 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Missouri Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners",
   "licenses": "Private investigator; agency investigator employee; private investigator agency, held by a licensed investigator who manages it.",
   "age": "No minimum age in the statute or rules.",
   "experience": "No fixed requirement. Experience can exempt an applicant from the exam; see below.",
   "exam": "100 questions, $80, given in Jefferson City. Law enforcement officers and reciprocity applicants are exempt.",
   "background": "Fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s vendor for state and FBI checks, and a board background investigation.",
   "insurance": "Liability insurance of at least $250,000, plus workers’ compensation where required. No bond.",
   "fees": "$500 investigator application; $400 agency; $80 exam. Renewal $400 investigator, $300 agency.",
   "term": "2 years.",
   "ce": "16 hours every 2 years (8 for agency investigator employees); none in the first renewal cycle.",
   "firearms": "No firearm permit for private investigators in the statute or rules.",
   "law": "RSMo 324.1100 to 324.1148; 20 CSR 2234.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Grounds for waiving the exam. The statute (RSMo 324.1110) bases it on 2 years of good-standing Missouri business registration plus $250,000 business liability insurance. The rule (20 CSR 2234-5.010) bases it on 2 years of lawful practice within the past 3 years."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Missouri board",
     "url": "https://pr.mo.gov/pi.asp"
    },
    {
     "label": "RSMo 324.1110",
     "url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=324.1110"
    },
    {
     "label": "Fees, 20 CSR 2234-1",
     "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20c2234-1.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Nebraska",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "3,000 hours (2,000 with a bachelor’s)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$10,000 bond",
    "ce": "None"
   },
   "authority": "Nebraska Secretary of State, Licensing Division",
   "licenses": "Private detective (sole proprietor with no employees); private detective agency; plain clothes investigator (agency employee).",
   "age": "21",
   "experience": "3,000 hours of verifiable investigative experience (2,500 with an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field, 2,000 with a bachelor’s). Plain clothes investigators need none.",
   "exam": "Required, given monthly in Lincoln by the Secretary of State; 80% passes.",
   "background": "Nebraska State Patrol investigation with fingerprints for state and FBI checks. A felony, or a misdemeanor involving a sex offense or moral turpitude, disqualifies unless pardoned.",
   "insurance": "$10,000 surety bond for private detective and agency licenses. No liability insurance requirement.",
   "fees": "$50 private detective, $100 agency, $25 plain clothes investigator, plus a $38 background fee on first application. The same fee applies at renewal.",
   "term": "Expires June 30 of the first even-numbered year after issue (2-year cycle).",
   "ce": "None in the Act or rules.",
   "firearms": "No separate armed permit; general state law governs carry.",
   "law": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-3201 to 71-3213; Neb. Admin. Code, Secretary of State, ch. 3.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Nebraska licensing page",
     "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/licensing/private-detectives"
    },
    {
     "label": "Licensing requirements",
     "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/regulations/licensing/Private-Detective-Licensing-Requirements.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Rules, ch. 3",
     "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Chapter-3_0.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "North Carolina",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "3 years / 3,000 hours (degrees count for part)",
    "exam": "No (Board may require one)",
    "insurance": "None unless armed",
    "ce": "12 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Private Protective Services Board, North Carolina Department of Public Safety",
   "licenses": "Individual private investigator license; a business other than a sole proprietorship also needs a company license with a licensed qualifying agent. Trainee permits let people without experience work under a licensed investigator (expanded by S.L. 2025-51, effective October 1, 2025). A firearm registration permit is needed to carry on duty.",
   "age": "18, with a high school diploma or equivalent.",
   "experience": "3 years (3,000 hours) of verifiable investigative work in the private sector or government, or a military investigative specialty plus 2 years within the past 5. College degrees count for part of the hours (14B NCAC 16 .0204).",
   "exam": "None currently set by rule. The statute lets the Board require an exam or approved training (G.S. 74C-8(e)).",
   "background": "Criminal record check covering 5 years, five character references, and an SBI fingerprint check. Convictions for weapons, drug, alcohol, violence, burglary, or larceny offenses are treated as evidence of bad character (G.S. 74C-8(d)).",
   "insurance": "None for unarmed investigators. A licensee who carries a firearm needs liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per occurrence, and $20,000 property damage (G.S. 74C-10(e)).",
   "fees": "$150 application by rule; $500 for the 2-year license plus a required $50 Education Fund contribution, which the Board lists as $550. Late renewal $100.",
   "term": "2 years. Firearm registration permits last 1 year.",
   "ce": "12 hours every 2 years, no more than 6 online (14B NCAC 16 .1202).",
   "firearms": "Firearm registration permit required to carry on duty, renewed yearly with day and night qualification at 80% (G.S. 74C-13; 14B NCAC 16 .0807). Concealed carry also needs a concealed handgun permit and Board approval.",
   "law": "N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 74C; 14B NCAC 16.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Application fee: the Board’s website says $188; 14B NCAC 16 .0202 sets $150. The source of the other $38 is not stated."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Board: apply for a license",
     "url": "https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/licenses/apply-license"
    },
    {
     "label": "N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 74C",
     "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/byarticle/chapter_74c/article_1.html"
    },
    {
     "label": "14B NCAC 16",
     "url": "http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2014b%20-%20public%20safety/chapter%2016%20-%20private%20protective%20services%20board/chapter%2016%20rules.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Ohio",
   "short": {
    "age": "Not set",
    "experience": "2 years (4,000 hours)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$100,000 / $300,000 liability",
    "ce": "None"
   },
   "authority": "Ohio Department of Public Safety, Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)",
   "licenses": "Class B (private investigator) or Class A (investigator and security guard provider), held by an individual or by a business through a qualifying agent. Employees hold registration ID cards.",
   "age": "No minimum age in the statute or rules.",
   "experience": "2 continuous years of investigative work immediately before applying; the rule sets this at 4,000 hours, or 2,000 with specialized criminal justice education.",
   "exam": "Required, given monthly in Columbus; $25. Waived for an applicant who qualified a business within the prior 6 months (OAC 4501:7-1-07(F)).",
   "background": "Ohio BCI fingerprint results no older than 30 days when the application is submitted, plus an FBI check if the applicant will carry a firearm; five character references.",
   "insurance": "General liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage (ORC 4749.03). No bond. A PISGS instructions page lists different limits; the statute controls.",
   "fees": "$200 license, $25 exam, $10 fingerprint database enrollment, $100 per branch. Renewal $550 every 2 years.",
   "term": "2 years from issue for licenses issued since April 9, 2025.",
   "ce": "None in the statute or rules.",
   "firearms": "A firearm-bearer notation requires a 20-hour approved handgun course and annual requalification.",
   "law": "ORC ch. 4749; OAC ch. 4501:7-1.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "ORC 4749.03",
     "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4749.03"
    },
    {
     "label": "OAC 4501:7-1",
     "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-4501:7-1"
    },
    {
     "label": "PISGS application steps",
     "url": "https://homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/private-investigators-and-security-guards/apply-for-a-license/step-by-step-instructions"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Oregon",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "1,500 hours (up to 500 from education)",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$5,000 bond, letter of credit, or errors and omissions",
    "ce": "32 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)",
   "licenses": "Individual licenses only: private investigator, or provisional investigator (no experience needed; cannot employ or supervise investigators). No separate agency license found.",
   "age": "18, and eligible to work in the United States.",
   "experience": "1,500 hours of investigative work, an approved course of study, or a combination; up to 500 hours can come from related education. None for a provisional license.",
   "exam": "Required: a DPSST competency test taken online after the application is processed.",
   "background": "Fingerprint card, criminal records check, and three professional references; disqualifiers are listed in OAR 259-061.",
   "insurance": "A corporate surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or errors and omissions insurance of at least $5,000.",
   "fees": "$800 license plus $48 background check ($848). Renewal $760; late fee $40.",
   "term": "2 years. Renewing more than 30 days late requires a new application and exam.",
   "ce": "32 hours every 2 years (40 for provisional investigators), including 2 hours of ethics.",
   "firearms": "No investigator firearms permit found in ORS 703.",
   "law": "ORS 703.401–703.995; OAR 259-061.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "DPSST new license information",
     "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/pi/pages/new.aspx"
    },
    {
     "label": "ORS chapter 703",
     "url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors703.html"
    },
    {
     "label": "Application form PI-1 (October 2026)",
     "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/PI/Documents/PI-1%20includes%20PI-27.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "South Carolina",
   "short": {
    "age": "21 (business); 18 (employee)",
    "experience": "3 years / 6,000 hours (business license)",
    "exam": "None found",
    "insurance": "$10,000 surety bond (business)",
    "ce": "12 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Regulatory Services",
   "licenses": "Private investigation business license, which covers the licensee’s own registration; employee registration for investigators working for a licensed business, due within 30 days of hire.",
   "age": "21 for a business license; 18, with a high school diploma, for an employee registration (S.C. Code 40-18-80).",
   "experience": "Business license: 3 years (6,000 hours) as an investigator for a licensed agency, law firm, government, or company, or as a sworn officer. None for an employee registration.",
   "exam": "None found in S.C. Code 40-18 or SLED’s requirements.",
   "background": "Fingerprints for state and FBI checks. A felony or crime of moral turpitude, drug or alcohol abuse, or a less than honorable discharge bars licensing; active law enforcement officers cannot hold a license.",
   "insurance": "A $10,000 surety bond filed with SLED for a business license. No liability insurance requirement found.",
   "fees": "$350 a year for a business license; $350 a year for each employee registration (S.C. Code Regs. 73-408).",
   "term": "1 year.",
   "ce": "12 hours of SLED-approved training every 24 months, 4 of them presented or approved by SLED.",
   "firearms": "No investigator weapons permit found. SLED weapons permits under S.C. Code 40-18-100 are for security officers.",
   "law": "S.C. Code 40-18; S.C. Code Regs. 73-400 et seq.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "SLED private investigators page",
     "url": "https://www.sled.sc.gov/private-investigators"
    },
    {
     "label": "S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 18",
     "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c018.php"
    },
    {
     "label": "SLED business license requirements",
     "url": "https://sled.sc.gov/sites/sled/files/forms/PI/pilicnew.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Tennessee",
   "short": {
    "age": "21",
    "experience": "None for an individual; 2,000 hours for a company",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "None",
    "ce": "12 hours every 2 years"
   },
   "authority": "Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Investigation program",
   "licenses": "Individual private investigator license, which no longer requires affiliation with a company; private investigation company license (priced by size) and branch office license.",
   "age": "21. Since May 7, 2026, applicants must be U.S. citizens or “qualified aliens” (2026 Pub. Ch. 955); the department’s page still shows the earlier “resident alien” wording.",
   "experience": "None for an individual. A company must have at least one person with 2,000 hours of paid, verifiable investigative experience, or 1 year of related experience or education approved by the Commissioner.",
   "exam": "Required: a PSI exam (company applicants take the company exam).",
   "background": "Fingerprint check through IdentoGO. All arrests, convictions, and pending charges must be disclosed; offenses listed in Rule 1175-01-.04 can disqualify at the Commissioner’s discretion.",
   "insurance": "None in T.C.A. 62-26.",
   "fees": "$250 to apply as an individual ($150 application plus $100 license); renewal $100; $100 late penalty. Companies: $250 to $1,000 application and $125 to $500 license, by size.",
   "term": "2 years. No renewal more than 30 days after expiration (T.C.A. 62-26-211).",
   "ce": "12 hours before each renewal (T.C.A. 62-26-225).",
   "firearms": "No firearms permit provisions in T.C.A. 62-26.",
   "law": "T.C.A. 62-26-201 et seq. (Private Investigators Licensing and Regulatory Act); Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1175-01.",
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "Department private investigator page",
     "url": "https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pi/license/how-to-get-license/private-investigator-.html"
    },
    {
     "label": "Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1175-01",
     "url": "https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1175/1175-01.20230620.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "2026 Pub. Ch. 955",
     "url": "https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0955.pdf"
    },
    {
     "label": "Department continuing education page",
     "url": "https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pi/license/continuing-education.html"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "state": "Wisconsin",
   "short": {
    "age": "18",
    "experience": "None",
    "exam": "Yes",
    "insurance": "$2,000 bond or liability policy",
    "ce": "None"
   },
   "authority": "Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)",
   "licenses": "Private detective (must own or work for a licensed agency); private detective agency.",
   "age": "18",
   "experience": "None. DSPS says there are no pre-application requirements such as education.",
   "exam": "Required, given by DSPS on Wisconsin law and investigative practice; 84% passes.",
   "background": "State and federal criminal record checks with fingerprints. An unpardoned felony is a permanent bar.",
   "insurance": "Bond or liability policy approved by DSPS: $2,000 for a private detective, $100,000 for an agency.",
   "fees": "$8 initial credential fee and $8 renewal, for a private detective or an agency. The exam fee is separate.",
   "term": "2 years.",
   "ce": "None. DSPS says there is no continuing education requirement for this credential.",
   "firearms": "A DSPS permit to carry a firearm is required, with training and a proficiency certificate.",
   "law": "Wis. Stat. 440.26; Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 30 to 35.",
   "conflicts": [
    "Renewal date. The statute (Wis. Stat. 440.26(3)) says a private detective’s license expires on the agency license’s renewal date. DSPS lists private detective renewals on August 31 of even years and agency renewals on August 31 of odd years."
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "label": "DSPS private detective page",
     "url": "https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/private-detective/"
    },
    {
     "label": "DSPS fees and renewal dates",
     "url": "https://dsps.wi.gov/credentialing/credential-fees-and-renewal-dates/"
    },
    {
     "label": "Wis. Stat. 440.26",
     "url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/440/II/26"
    }
   ]
  }
 ]
}