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How to become a licensed private investigator in Kentucky. State license required. Exam required. Total initial fees: ~$556. Verified 2026-03-23. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Most information on this page has been verified.
94% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required?
Varies
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
~$556
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedKentucky requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
VerifiedVaries
Years of Experience
Details
None required.
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
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators
Exam Topics
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Minimum Age
18 years old
Background Check
VerifiedRequired
Criminal Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Moral Character
Disqualifying Offenses
Surety Bond
VerifiedNot Required
Bond
Insurance
VerifiedNot Required
General Liability
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee $100 at submission + $300 at issuance | $400 |
Exam Fee Set by exam vendor (currently ~$156 per Pursuit Magazine) | ~$156 |
License Fee Included in the $400 application fee ($300 issuance portion) | Included |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $250/2yr |
Total Initial Fees $400 application + ~$156 exam fee (vendor-set) | ~$556 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$250/2yr
Biennial renewal
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
Kentucky 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.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
Firearm Qualification
Must hold valid Kentucky CCDW license
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Kentucky has a dedicated PI licensing board. No experience required but exam is mandatory. 12 hrs CE per 2-yr renewal cycle. $250,000 liability insurance required.
Dedicated PI licensing board.
No experience required.
Exam required.
12 hrs CE per 2 yrs.
$250,000 liability insurance required.
$400 application ($100 submission + $300 issuance). Exam ~$156 (vendor-set). Renewal $250/2yr.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#12 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
$42,900
25th percentile
Median
$48,130
-8% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$56,660
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
490 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: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
Kentucky requires a state-level PI license. All licensing is managed through the KY Board of Licensure for Private Investigators.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.