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How to become a licensed private investigator in Missouri. State license required. Experience: 2 years. Exam required. 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?
2 yrs
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
Varies
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedMissouri requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
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
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
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.
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's PI board also covers Private Fire Investigators. Age 18 min. 16 hrs CE per renewal.
Also covers Private Fire Investigators.
Exam required.
16 hrs CE per renewal.
2-year license term.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Missouri.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 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
$38,560
25th percentile
Median
$43,780
-16% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$57,710
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
450 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: Missouri Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Missouri Department of Public Safety - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-22
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.