Private investigator services in Minnesota are governed by the Minn. Stat. § 326.32–326.339 (Private Detectives and Protective Agents) and regulated by the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Minnesota.
Quick Facts: Minnesota PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services |
| Governing statute | Minn. Stat. § 326.32–326.339 (Private Detectives and Protective Agents) |
| Official license lookup | https://mn.gov/admin/private-detective/licensees/ |
| Authority website | https://mn.gov/admin/private-detective/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Minnesota
Before retaining any private investigator in Minnesota, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services maintains a public license search at https://mn.gov/admin/private-detective/licensees/. 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
Minnesota’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 Minnesota 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.