Private investigator services in Vermont are governed by the 26 V.S.A. § 3171 et seq. (Private Investigative and Armed Security Services) and regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Private Investigative and Security Services. A state-level license is required to operate as a private investigator for compensation in Vermont.
Quick Facts: Vermont PI Licensing
| License required | Yes |
| Licensing authority | Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Private Investigative and Security Services |
| Governing statute | 26 V.S.A. § 3171 et seq. (Private Investigative and Armed Security Services) |
| Official license lookup | https://sos.vermont.gov/private-investigative-security-services/licensee-look-up/ |
| Authority website | https://sos.vermont.gov/private-investigative-security-services/ |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-17 |
Verifying a PI's License in Vermont
Before retaining any private investigator in Vermont, verify the individual’s license is active and in good standing. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Private Investigative and Security Services maintains a public license search at https://sos.vermont.gov/private-investigative-security-services/licensee-look-up/. 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
Vermont’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 Vermont 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.