Private investigator services in Arkansas are governed by the A.C.A. § 17-40-101 et seq. (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act) and regulated by the Arkansas State Police — Regulatory Services. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Arkansas.
Quick Facts: Arkansas PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Arkansas State Police — Regulatory Services |
| Governing statute | A.C.A. § 17-40-101 et seq. (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act) |
| Official license lookup | https://asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/regulatory-services/ |
| Authority website | https://asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/regulatory-services/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Arkansas
Before retaining any private investigator in Arkansas, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Arkansas State Police — Regulatory Services maintains a public license search at https://asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/regulatory-services/. 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
Arkansas’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 Arkansas 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.