Private investigator services in New Hampshire are governed by the RSA 106-F (Private Investigative Agencies and Security Services) and regulated by the New Hampshire Division of State Police — Permits and Licensing Unit. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in New Hampshire.
Quick Facts: New Hampshire PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | New Hampshire Division of State Police — Permits and Licensing Unit |
| Governing statute | RSA 106-F (Private Investigative Agencies and Security Services) |
| Official license lookup | https://www.dos.nh.gov/divisions/division-state-police/permits-and-licensing-unit |
| Authority website | https://www.dos.nh.gov/divisions/division-state-police/permits-and-licensing-unit |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in New Hampshire
Before retaining any private investigator in New Hampshire, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The New Hampshire Division of State Police — Permits and Licensing Unit maintains a public license search at https://www.dos.nh.gov/divisions/division-state-police/permits-and-licensing-unit. 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
New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire 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.