Private Investigator State License Requirements
Most states require licensing for private investigators. Information for all 50 states follows. For more detailed information, click on your state's name to be taken to the state licensing website.
| State Licensing Websites | Requirements for License/Investigative Experience | Background Check Required (State or Federal) | License Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | None | No | $25,000 |
| Alaska | None | No | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 3 years | State | $2,500 |
| Arkansas | 2 years | State | - |
| California | 6,000 hours | State | $500,000 |
| Colorado | None | No | - |
| Connecticut | 5 years | State | $10,000 |
| Delaware | 5 years | State | $15,000 |
| Florida | 2 years | State | - |
| Georgia | 2 years | State | $25,000 |
| Idaho | None | No | - |
| Illinois | 3 years | State | $5,000 |
| Indiana | 2 years | State | $7,000 |
| Iowa | None | State | $5,000 |
| Kansas | None | State | $100,000 |
| Kentucky | None | State | $250,000 |
| Louisiana | 3 years | State | - |
| Maine | Combined 6 years | State | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 5 years | State | $50,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | State | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 3 years | State | $10,000 |
| Minnesota | 6,000 hours | State | $10,000 |
| Mississippi | None | No | - |
| Missouri | None | No | - |
| Montana | 3 years | State | $500,000 |
| Nebraska | 3,000 hours | State | $10,000 |
| Nevada | 10,000 hours | State | $200,000 |
| New Hampshire | 4 years | State | $50,000 |
| New Jersey | 5 years | State | $3,000 |
| New Mexico | 3 years | State | $2,000 |
| New York | 3 years | State | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | Federal | - |
| North Dakota | 2,000 hours | State | - |
| Ohio | 2 years | State | $300,000 |
| Oklahoma | None | State | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 1,500 hours | State | $5,000 |
| Pennsylvania | None | No | $10,000 |
| Rhode Island | 5 years | State | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | State | $10,000 |
| South Dakota | None | No | - |
| Tennessee | None | State | - |
| Texas | 3 years | State | - |
| Utah | 2,000 hours | State | $10,000 |
| Vermont | 2 years | State | - |
| Virginia | None | State | - |
| Washington | None | State | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 2 years | State | $2,500 |
| Wisconsin | None | State | - |
| Wyoming | None | No | - |
| Hawaii | 4 years | State | $5,000 |