Private investigator services in Texas are governed by the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 and regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety — Private Security Bureau. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Texas.
Quick Facts: Texas PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Texas Department of Public Safety — Private Security Bureau |
| Governing statute | Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 |
| Official license lookup | https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/psb/ |
| Authority website | https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Texas
Before retaining any private investigator in Texas, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Texas Department of Public Safety — Private Security Bureau maintains a public license search at https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/psb/. 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
Texas’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 Texas 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.