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Private Investigator
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?
2 yrs
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the Missouri 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. Missouri requires state licensure for private investigators through MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. All applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements established by state law before practicing professionally.
Missouri requires 2 years of investigative experience. 2 yrs (optional/varies by license type) Law enforcement equivalency: 2 years law enforcement experience qualifies. Military equivalency: Military investigative experience may qualify.
High school diploma or GED.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction, Crimes of moral turpitude.
Pass the Missouri private investigator licensing exam.
Submit your application to the MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners.
Renew your license every 2 years. 16 CE hours required.
Available License Categories
VerifiedMissouri requires state licensure for private investigators through MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. All applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements established by state law before practicing professionally.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
Verified2 years
Years of Experience
Details
2 yrs (optional/varies by license type)
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
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
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
VerifiedNot Required
Bond
Insurance
VerifiedNot Required
General Liability
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
Not sure if you need a private investigator license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Not specified | Varies |
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
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
Missouri 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 Missouri with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
Firearm Qualification
Must hold valid Missouri concealed carry endorsement
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Missouri requires private investigator licensing through MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. Applicants must have 2 years of qualifying investigative experience. A written licensing exam is required. 16 hours of continuing education are required per renewal cycle. Neighboring states include Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, each with their own private investigator requirements.
Also covers Private Fire Investigators.
Exam required. Contact MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners for current examination details and scheduling information.
16 hrs CE per renewal.
2-year license term.
Missouri does not have automatic reciprocity for out-of-state private investigator credentials. Applicants from other states must meet all Missouri requirements independently.
An armed endorsement is available for licensed private investigators in Missouri who complete additional firearms training and qualification requirements.
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Missouri
See how Missouri compares: Private Investigator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare private investigator requirements across all states →
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How does Missouri 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 Missouri.
Private Investigator Schools in Missouri
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Missouri? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to Missouri →
Transfer your Private Investigator license from Missouri to: Arkansas → | Illinois → | Iowa → | Kansas → | Kentucky → | Nebraska → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee →
Missouri requires a state-level PI license. 2 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the MO Board of PI and Private Fire Investigator Examiners.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.