Private investigator services in Arizona are governed by the A.R.S. § 32-2401 et seq. and regulated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety — Licensing Unit. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Arizona.
Quick Facts: Arizona PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Arizona Department of Public Safety — Licensing Unit |
| Governing statute | A.R.S. § 32-2401 et seq. |
| Official license lookup | https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/licensing |
| Authority website | https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/licensing |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Arizona
Before retaining any private investigator in Arizona, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Arizona Department of Public Safety — Licensing Unit maintains a public license search at https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/licensing. Search by the individual’s name or company name; the record will show the license number, status, and any disciplinary history on file.
What This Means for Hiring
Arizona’s licensing requirement means the investigator you hire has, at minimum, completed the state’s training and background screening process. It does not guarantee competence on your specific case — surveillance, family-court, corporate, and skip-trace work each demand specialized experience. When evaluating a Arizona PI, ask about case-type specialization, evidentiary chain-of-custody process, and prior testimony in the jurisdiction where your matter is pending.
Reference: All 50 States + DC
For licensing requirements in other jurisdictions, see the full PI licensing reference map.