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Private Investigator
Total cost: ~$115–$170 | Training: 70 hours
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required?
Varies
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
~$115–$170
Total Initial Fees
$10,000
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the Georgia Private Investigator Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20You must be at least 18 years old. Georgia requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
None beyond 70-hr pre-licensing training Law enforcement equivalency: 2 years law enforcement experience qualifies. Military equivalency: Military investigative experience may qualify.
70-hr pre-licensing training mandatory. Complete 70 hours of required training.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction, Crime involving moral turpitude.
Pass the Georgia private investigator licensing exam. Administered by: Georgia Board. Passing score: 70%. Topics: Georgia PI laws, Investigation techniques, Ethics.
Submit your application to the GA Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies. Application fee: $70/$100. License fee: $45/$70. Total initial fees: ~$115–$170.
Renew your license every 2 years. 16 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $65/$700/2yr.
Available License Categories
VerifiedGeorgia requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
VerifiedVaries
Years of Experience
Details
None beyond 70-hr pre-licensing training
Law Enforcement Equivalency
2 years law enforcement experience qualifies
Military Equivalency
Military investigative experience may qualify
Private investigator experience requirements often include work in law enforcement, military intelligence, legal investigations, or supervised work under a licensed PI.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
State Exam
70%
Passing Score
Exam Provider
Georgia Board
Exam Topics
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Overall licensing difficulty: 8/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Minimum Age
18 years old
Background Check
VerifiedRequired
Criminal Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Moral Character
Disqualifying Offenses
Surety Bond
VerifiedRequired
Bond
$10,000
Bond Amount
Insurance
VerifiedRequired
General Liability
$500,000
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
Not sure if you need a private investigator license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee $70 employee registration; $100 agency license | $70/$100 |
Exam Fee Exam administered by PSI (exam vendor); fee not state-set | Set by PSI |
License Fee $45 unarmed employee; $70 armed employee | $45/$70 |
Renewal Fee $65/2yr employee; $700/2yr agency. Biennial renewal by Aug 31 odd years. | $65/$700/2yr |
Total Initial Fees Varies by license type (employee vs agency, armed vs unarmed) plus PSI exam fee | ~$115–$170 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$65/$700/2yr
$65/2yr employee; $700/2yr agency. Biennial renewal by Aug 31 odd years.
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
Georgia does not have reciprocity
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Georgia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
8 hrs
Additional Training
Firearm Qualification
Must complete firearms training and qualification
Requalification Period
Annually
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Georgia is a training-focused state requiring a mandatory 70-hour pre-licensing training course. The PI board falls under the Secretary of State's office. The state requires both a $10,000 bond and $500,000 liability insurance.
Georgia requires both bond and liability insurance.
The Board is under the Secretary of State.
There is no interstate compact for private investigators.
Training-focused state. Board under Secretary of State.
70-hr pre-licensing training mandatory.
Biennial renewal by Aug 31 odd years. 16 CE hrs/yr required.
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (you) | $400 | 162–174 wks | |
| Alabama | $400 | 162–174 wks | → |
| Florida | $150 | 162–174 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $450 | 162–174 wks | → |
| South Carolina | $350 | 162–174 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Georgia
See how Georgia compares: Private Investigator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare private investigator requirements across all states →
Private Investigator licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Georgia compare to other states for private investigator? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your private investigator license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Georgia.
Private Investigator Schools in Georgia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Georgia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to Georgia →
Transfer your Private Investigator license from Georgia to: Alabama → | Florida → | North Carolina → | South Carolina → | Tennessee →
Georgia requires a state-level PI license. All licensing is managed through the GA Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.