Professional License
How to Verify a Private Investigator License
Most states require private investigators to hold a state-issued license. Requirements range from minimal registration to background checks, exams, and experience requirements. Here is how to verify PI credentials and what to look for before hiring an investigator.
Quick answer
Search your state's PI licensing board — typically housed under the Department of Public Safety, Attorney General's Office, Secretary of State, or Department of Consumer Affairs depending on the state. There is no national PI license database. Separately verify agency registration if you are hiring a firm rather than an individual.
Which states require PI licensing?
The vast majority of U.S. states require individual PI licenses. A small number — including Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming — do not have statewide PI licensing requirements as of this writing. In states without statewide licensing, local jurisdictions (counties, cities) may have their own registration requirements.
Even in states with no licensing requirement, PI agencies must generally comply with state privacy laws, which govern surveillance, background investigation, and data collection.
License types: individual vs. agency
| License Type | Scope |
|---|---|
| Individual PI License | Authorizes the individual investigator to perform PI work; required in most licensed states regardless of whether they work for an agency |
| PI Agency / Firm License | Required in most states for operating a PI business; the agency must have a licensed qualifying individual (owner or manager) on record |
| Employee Investigator Registration | Some states require individual employees of a licensed PI agency to register separately, even if the employer holds the business license |
State PI license lookups
State PI license portals (selected)
- California: BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) — bsis.ca.gov; License Search; covers individual PI and PI agency
- Texas: DPS Private Security Program — rsd.dps.texas.gov; License Search; search Private Investigator
- Florida: DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Private Investigator or Investigative Agency
- New York: Secretary of State — dos.ny.gov; Private Investigator License Lookup
- Illinois: IDFPR — idfpr.com; License Lookup; search Private Detective
- Arizona: DPS — azdps.gov; Private Investigator License Verification
- Virginia: DCJS — dcjs.virginia.gov; License Verification; search Private Investigator
- North Carolina: NC Private Protective Services Board — ppsb.nc.gov; License Search
- Georgia: Secretary of State — sos.ga.gov; Private Detective/Security License Search
- Washington: DOL — dol.wa.gov; Private Investigator License Lookup
For states not listed, search "[state] private investigator license lookup" or "[state] private detective license verification."
ASIS certifications (voluntary, not a license)
ASIS International is the leading professional association for security and investigation professionals. ASIS certifications are widely recognized in the industry but are voluntary credentials — they do not substitute for state licensure and are held separately from state licenses.
| ASIS Credential | Full Name | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| CPP | Certified Protection Professional | Board-certified security management; most senior ASIS credential |
| PCI | Professional Certified Investigator | Investigations specialty; most directly relevant for PI work |
| PSP | Physical Security Professional | Physical security assessment and implementation |
How to verify ASIS certification
- Visit asisonline.org
- Use the "Find a Professional" or credential verification tool
- Search by name or certification number
- Results show the credential type and current status
Background and experience requirements
State PI licensing requirements vary in stringency. Common requirements include:
- Background check: Criminal history check (often fingerprint-based) required in most states; felony convictions typically disqualify applicants
- Experience: Many states require 3–5 years of relevant experience (law enforcement, military, or investigative work) before issuing a PI license
- Exam: Some states (California, Texas, Florida) require a written examination
- Education: Some states accept a college degree in a relevant field (criminal justice, law, etc.) as a partial substitute for experience
- Surety bond: Required in some states as a condition of licensure
Verification checklist
- 1. Search the state PI licensing board for both the individual investigator and the agency — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 2. Confirm the license is valid in the state where investigation activities will occur
- 3. Review disciplinary or complaint history on the license record
- 4. Optionally verify ASIS PCI or CPP certification at asisonline.org for senior investigators
- 5. Confirm the PI's investigation methods comply with state privacy and surveillance laws before engaging
- 6. For firms, confirm the qualifying individual on the agency license is the same person you expect to lead your case
Verify criminal justice and security program accreditation
Private investigators who completed criminal justice, law enforcement, or security management programs should have trained at accredited institutions. Use VerifyED to confirm school accreditation before accepting educational credentials.
Search Schools and Accreditation →