Private investigator services in Utah are governed by the Utah Code § 53-9-101 et seq. (Private Investigator Regulation Act) and regulated by the Utah Department of Public Safety — Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Utah.
Quick Facts: Utah PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Utah Department of Public Safety — Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) |
| Governing statute | Utah Code § 53-9-101 et seq. (Private Investigator Regulation Act) |
| Official license lookup | https://bci.utah.gov/private-investigator-licensing/ |
| Authority website | https://bci.utah.gov/private-investigator-licensing/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Utah
Before retaining any private investigator in Utah, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Utah Department of Public Safety — Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) maintains a public license search at https://bci.utah.gov/private-investigator-licensing/. 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
Utah’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 Utah 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.