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Private Investigator
Total cost: $400
Yes
License Required?
2 yrs
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
$400
Total Initial Fees
$5,000
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the North Dakota 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. North Dakota requires state licensure for private investigators through North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board. All applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements established by state law before practicing professionally.
North Dakota requires 2 years of investigative experience. 2 years of investigative experience or qualifying education Law enforcement equivalency: 2 years law enforcement experience qualifies. Military equivalency: Military investigative experience may qualify.
Bachelors degree may reduce experience.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction, Crimes of dishonesty.
Pass the North Dakota private investigator licensing exam. Administered by: ND PI and Security Board. Passing score: 70%. Topics: North Dakota PI laws, Investigation techniques, Ethics.
Submit your application to the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board. Application fee: $200. License fee: $150. Total initial fees: $400.
Renew your license every 2 years. Renewal fee: $150.
Available License Categories
VerifiedNorth Dakota requires state licensure for private investigators through North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board. 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 years of investigative experience or qualifying education
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
ND PI and Security Board
Exam Topics
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
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
$5,000
Bond Amount
Insurance
VerifiedRequired
General Liability
$100,000/$300,000
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
Not sure if you need a private investigator license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board for the latest fee schedule | $200 |
Exam Fee Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board for the latest fee schedule | $50 |
License Fee Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board for the latest fee schedule | $150 |
Renewal Fee Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board for the latest fee schedule | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board for the latest fee schedule | $400 |
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
—
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$150
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
North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND concealed weapons license
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
North Dakota requires private investigator licensing through North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board. Applicants must have 2 years of qualifying investigative experience. A written licensing exam is required. A surety bond is required. Unlike neighboring South Dakota, North Dakota maintains formal licensing requirements. The application fee is $200. Renewal costs $150.
Combined PI and Security Board.
Both bond and insurance required.
There is no interstate compact for private investigators.
An armed endorsement is available for licensed private investigators in North Dakota who complete additional firearms training and qualification requirements.
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in North Dakota
See how North Dakota compares: Private Investigator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Private Investigator Schools in North Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to North Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to North Dakota →
Transfer your Private Investigator license from North Dakota to: Minnesota → | Montana → | South Dakota →
North Dakota requires a state-level PI license. 2 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.