Wisconsin

At a glance

Authority

Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Statute

Wis. Stat. 440.26; renewal dates in 440.08

Rules

Wis. Admin. Code SPS 30 to 35

Credentials

Private detective, private detective or security agency, firearms permit, and private security permits

Renewal

Every two years. Individual private detective credentials renew in even-numbered years (DSPS lists August 31; the statute lists September 1). Agencies renew September 1 of odd-numbered years, next in 2027.

Continuing education

None (DSPS)

Eligibility

DSPS cannot credential a person with an unpardoned felony conviction.

Changes, 2023 to 2026

One statute change and one rule change took effect in this period. Neither changed licensing, renewal, or bond requirements for private detectives.

• Mar 23, 2026

  Licensing exemption bill fails to pass

  Bill, not enacted2025 Assembly Bill 746

  Would have exempted volunteers on a church safety or security team from private detective and private security licensing and permit requirements while on the premises of the church. Recommended for passage by the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform on January 15, 2026, by a vote of 5 to 2. It never reached a floor vote and failed to pass on March 23, 2026, under Senate Joint Resolution 1.

  For licensees: Nothing changed. A similar proposal could return in the 2027 to 2028 session.

  Bill history

• Mar 28, 2024

  Concealed carry for tactical EMS professionals

  2023 Wisconsin Act 218Effective March 28, 2024

  Creates Wis. Stat. 440.26 (3m) (am). The department’s rules on carrying dangerous weapons by license and permit holders and their employees must allow a person certified as a tactical emergency medical services professional under Wis. Stat. 165.85 (3) to carry a concealed firearm.

  For licensees: No change for most private detectives. It matters only for staff who hold that certification.

  Act text

• Aug 1, 2023

  Reciprocal licenses for service members and spouses

  Final ruleClearinghouse Rule 21-056

  Creates SPS 31.037. A reciprocal private detective or private security person license must be granted to a service member, former service member, or the spouse of either who meets the requirements of Wis. Stat. 440.09 (2).

  For licensees: Military applicants and spouses can apply through reciprocity.

  SPS 31