Private investigator services in Kentucky are governed by the KRS 329A.010 et seq. and regulated by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Kentucky.
Quick Facts: Kentucky PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators |
| Governing statute | KRS 329A.010 et seq. |
| Official license lookup | https://kpi.ky.gov/Pages/Licensee-Search.aspx |
| Authority website | https://kpi.ky.gov/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Kentucky
Before retaining any private investigator in Kentucky, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators maintains a public license search at https://kpi.ky.gov/Pages/Licensee-Search.aspx. 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
Kentucky’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 Kentucky 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.