How to Check a Private Investigator's License in Five Steps
By David Schassler, licensed New York private investigator. . Updated
Ask the agency for its license number. Then look it up on the licensing site for the state where the work will happen. Check the name, the status and the expiration date. A good agency will not mind.
See more Shleuth in Google by making us a preferred source
A license is the first thing to check when you hire an investigator. It takes five minutes. It also protects your case, because evidence gathered by someone who is not licensed can cause problems later.
Step One, Ask for the Number
Ask on the first call. A real agency gives it right away. Ask for the agency license and the license of the person who will do the work, if they are different. Write them down. If someone dodges, take that as an answer.
Step Two, Find the State Site
Most states require private investigators to be licensed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The rules differ by state. In New York the Department of State issues the license and runs a licensee search (NY Department of State). Our state pages list woman owned agencies by state. Search for the state name plus private investigator license lookup. Look for an address that ends in the state government domain. Do not use a third party site that charges you to look.
Step Three, Check the Details
- Does the name match the agency or the person.
- Is the status active.
- Has it expired.
- Are there any actions or notes against it.
If anything does not match, ask the agency to explain. Names can differ because of a business name, so ask before you assume the worst.
Step Four, Ask About Insurance
Some states ask investigators to carry insurance or a bond. Florida will not issue an agency license until the agency files proof of at least $300,000 in liability coverage (Florida Statutes 493.6110). Texas requires a company policy with a $200,000 total (Occupations Code 1702.124). New York asks for proof of a $10,000 surety bond (NY Department of State). Ask whether the agency is insured and for how much. A good agency will explain what is covered. Ask it in writing if you are paying a large retainer.
Step Five, Match the License to the Place
A license is usually tied to a state, and each state sets its own bar. California asks for 3 years of investigation work, with at least 2,000 hours in each year (Business and Professions Code 7541). Texas asks for 3 consecutive years for a company license (Occupations Code 1702.114). Florida asks for 2 years for a Class C license (Statutes 493.6203). If your case is in another state, ask how the agency handles that. Many work with licensed partners. Ask who will do the field work and whether that person is licensed where the work happens.
What You See on Shleuth
On Shleuth, a listing may show the license number, its status and the date we checked. You can click through and check it yourself. How we verify explains the check. When a listing says not checked yet, that is not a warning. It means we have not done it yet, so ask the agency and confirm it with the state.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like
When you ask for a license number, a good agency answers in a sentence. It gives you the number, tells you the state and says it is happy for you to check. It may also tell you how to look it up. That kind of answer shows the agency is used to it.
A weak answer is a long story about why a license does not matter. Another weak answer is a number that does not appear in the state system. Take both seriously. You are about to share private facts and money, so a quick check is fair.
Keep a Record
Take a screenshot of the license lookup and save it with your agreement. Write down the date you checked. If something goes wrong later, you will know what you saw when you hired. If you are paying a large retainer, ask the agency to put its license number and state in the written agreement.
A Note for Businesses
If a company is hiring, the same steps apply. Ask who in the company is licensed and whether the field staff are covered too. A business owner may also ask for proof of insurance and keep it on file.
Why the Check Protects Your Case
If your matter ends up in court, the other side may ask who gathered the evidence and whether that person was licensed. A missing license can make the work harder to use. It can also expose you to trouble. Five minutes up front is cheap compared with that. Ask your lawyer too, if you have one, since they know what the court in your area expects.
Red Flags
- No license number, or a number that does not match the name.
- An expired license.
- Pressure to pay in cash or to skip a written agreement.
- Offers to wiretap, hack or pretend to be police.
If you see any of these, walk away. The evidence can hurt your case, and you can get in trouble too.
Fast Answers
Do all states license private investigators?
Most do, and the rules differ. Check your state licensing site for what applies.
What if the investigator is licensed in another state?
Ask how the agency handles work in your state. Many work with licensed partners.
Is a license a guarantee of good work?
No. It shows the agency met the state rules. You still need to ask about experience with your type of case.
How much experience does a licensed private investigator need?
It depends on the state. New York and California ask for 3 years, Texas asks for 3 consecutive years for a company license, and Florida asks for 2 years for a Class C license.
Primary Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Private Detectives and Investigators
- New York Department of State, Private Investigator and Become a Private Investigator
- California Business and Professions Code 7541, experience
- Texas Occupations Code 1702.114 and 1702.124
- Florida Statutes 493.6203 and 493.6110
All sources were read in October 2026.