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Private Investigator
Total cost: $135 | Training: 6 hours
Governing Authority
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division, Private Security Bureau (PSB)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
3 yrs
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
$135
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the Texas 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. Texas requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Texas requires 3 years of investigative experience. 3 years of full-time investigative experience or education/experience combination Law enforcement equivalency: 3 years law enforcement investigative experience qualifies. Military equivalency: 3 years military investigative experience qualifies.
Bachelors degree in criminal justice may substitute for 2 years experience. Complete 6 hours of required training. 6-hour Level III Individual PI training course
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction within past 20 years, Class A or B misdemeanor within past 5 years, Certain sex offenses.
Pass the Texas private investigator licensing exam. Administered by: DPS Private Security Bureau. Passing score: 70%. Topics: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, Investigation methods, Ethics, Texas law.
Submit your application to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division, Private Security Bureau (PSB). Application fee: $50. License fee: $50. Total initial fees: $135.
Renew your license every 2 years. 6 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $50.
Available License Categories
VerifiedTexas requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Private Investigator - Individual
Class A individual PI license
Private Investigations Company
Class C company license; must have qualifying manager
Required Experience
Verified3 years
Years of Experience
Details
3 years of full-time investigative experience or education/experience combination
Law Enforcement Equivalency
3 years law enforcement investigative experience qualifies
Military Equivalency
3 years military investigative experience qualifies
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
DPS Private Security Bureau
Exam Topics
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Overall licensing difficulty: 6/100
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 |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Exam Fee | $35 |
License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees | $135 |
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
6 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
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
Texas does not recognize out-of-state PI licenses
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 Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
30 hrs
Additional Training
Firearm Qualification
Must complete Level IV personal protection training (30 hours)
Requalification Period
Every 2 years
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Texas stands out for extremely low licensing fees ($135 total) and a short 6-hour training course. The state uses a 20-year lookback for felony convictions rather than a lifetime ban. The 30-hour Level IV firearms training for armed PIs is among the most extensive.
Texas has very low licensing fees ($135 total).
A 6-hour training course is mandatory but short.
The 20-year felony lookback is relatively lenient.
Armed PIs need Level IV training (30 hours).
Texas uses Class A (individual) and Class C (company) designations.
There is no interstate compact for private investigators.
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Texas
See how Texas compares: Private Investigator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Private Investigator Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to Texas →
Transfer your Private Investigator license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
Texas requires a state-level PI license. 3 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division, Private Security Bureau (PSB).
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.