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How to become a licensed private investigator in Texas. State license required. Experience: 3 years. Exam required. Total initial fees: $135. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Governing Authority
Texas Department of Public Safety - 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
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
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 |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Exam Fee | $35 |
License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees | $135 |
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#31 of 51
Cost
#1 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
$37,430
25th percentile
Median
$48,070
-8% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$74,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,440 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: Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau (PSB) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau (PSB) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
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Texas requires a state-level PI license. 3 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau (PSB).
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.