Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed private investigator in Maine. State license required. Experience: 3 years. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required?
3 yrs
Experience (Years)
No
Exam Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedMaine requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
Verified3 years
Years of Experience
Details
3 yrs related exp OR 60 academic credits via investigative assistant sponsorship
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
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 |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Not specified | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
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
Maine 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 Maine concealed carry permit
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Maine calls it 'Professional Investigator' rather than Private Investigator. 60 academic credits can substitute for the 3-year experience requirement via investigative assistant sponsorship.
Called 'Professional Investigator' in Maine.
Education pathway: 60 credits can substitute for exp.
Licensed through State Police.
No exam required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 of 51
Cost
#5 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
$41,250
25th percentile
Median
$49,360
-6% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$54,930
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
200 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: Maine Department of Public Safety - Licensing Division — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Maine Department of Public Safety - Licensing Division — 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
Maine requires a state-level PI license. 3 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the ME State Police – Special Investigations Unit.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.