ABSTRACT
State Private Investigation Licensing Requirements and Fees There are no national or federal private investigator licenses that will allow an individual to operate as an investigator in all 50 states. In most states, a professional license is required for an individual to operate as a private investigator or to operate a private investigative agency. It is important to check the current licensing requirements of your particular state. (See Appendix A, “State Licensing for Private Investigators” and Appendix E, “Pennsylvania Private Detective Act.”)
Being licensed in one state does not necessarily mean that the license can be utilized in other states. In fact, most states do not have reciprocal agreements. In addition to state requirements, there may also be local laws regulating the operation of an investigative business, so it is important check with your local government to ensure that those requirements are met.
