Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed private investigator in Arizona. State license required. Experience: 3 years. Total initial fees: $722. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Yes
License Required?
3 yrs
Experience (Years)
No
Exam Required?
$722
Total Initial Fees
$2,500
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedArizona requires state registration for private investigators through the Department of Public Safety. Must first work as PI Employee under a DPS-licensed agency. Independent practice requires an agency license with a Qualifying Party (3+ yrs exp).
Private Investigator Employee
Registration to work under a DPS-licensed agency ($72 registration)
Private Investigation Agency
Agency license with Qualifying Party (3+ yrs exp required)
Required Experience
Verified3 years
Years of Experience
Details
3 yrs full-time investigative exp. Must first work as PI Employee under DPS-licensed agency ($72 registration).
Law Enforcement Equivalency
3 years law enforcement experience qualifies
Military Equivalency
Military investigative experience may qualify with documentation
Private investigator experience requirements often include work in law enforcement, military intelligence, legal investigations, or supervised work under a licensed PI.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
State Exam
Minimum Age
21 years old
Background Check
VerifiedRequired
Criminal Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Moral Character
Disqualifying Offenses
Surety Bond
VerifiedRequired
Bond
$2,500
Bond Amount
Insurance
VerifiedNot Required
General Liability
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $250 |
License Fee | $400 |
Total Initial Fees Application ($250) + License ($400) + Employee Registration ($72). Plus $2,500 surety bond. | $722 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 yrs (licenses issued on/after Sept 26, 2025 = 4 yrs)
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Regulatory Board
Private investigator licenses must be renewed on schedule. Some states require continuing education covering legal updates, ethics, and investigative techniques.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Arizona does not have reciprocity; out-of-state PIs must register in Arizona
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Private investigator license reciprocity varies by state. Some states offer endorsement for experienced PIs, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Not Required
Firearm Permit
Firearm Qualification
Arizona is a constitutional carry state; no special PI firearms permit required but CCW recommended
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Arizona requires PIs to start as employees under a licensed agency. No exam is required. As a constitutional carry state, armed endorsement is simplified. License term is transitioning from 2 to 4 years for new licenses issued after Sept 2025.
Must first work as PI Employee under a DPS-licensed agency ($72 registration).
Independent practice requires an agency license with a Qualifying Party (3+ yrs exp).
No exam required for PI registration.
Arizona is a constitutional carry state; no separate armed endorsement needed.
Licenses issued on/after Sept 26, 2025 are valid for 4 years (previously 2 years).
$2,500 surety bond required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Private Detectives and Investigators (SOC 33-9021)
Entry Level
$44,540
25th percentile
Median
$64,960
+24% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$91,150
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
980 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Private Detectives and Investigators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.6%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
3,200
per year (avg.)
38,100 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 162–174 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Licensing Unit — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Licensing Unit — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Arizona requires a state-level PI license. 3 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Arizona DPS – Licensing Unit.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.