Private Investigator Licensing by State
Reference map of PI licensing requirements across all 50 states and DC — statute, licensing authority, official lookup, and key requirements. Last reviewed 2026-05-17.
License Reciprocity Matrix
Which PI licenses are recognized across state lines — full matrix with statutory basis and day caps.
How to Use This Reference
Click any state to see the licensing authority, governing statute, and the official license-lookup URL for that jurisdiction.
A small number of states do not require a state-level PI license. In those states, local municipalities may still require registration or a business license. Always confirm with local government before practicing.
Licensing rules change. Each state page shows when it was last reviewed. For the current rule, verify with the official source linked on the state page.