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How to become a licensed private investigator in Vermont. State license required. Total initial fees: $200. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Private Investigator
Governing Authority
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Private Investigator Licensing
Official website →Yes
License Required?
Varies
Experience (Years)
No
Exam Required?
$200
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Available License Categories
VerifiedVermont requires state-level licensure for private investigators.
Private Investigator
Individual PI license
Required Experience
VerifiedVaries
Years of Experience
Details
No minimum experience required
Private investigator experience requirements often include work in law enforcement, military intelligence, legal investigations, or supervised work under a licensed PI.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
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 |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees | $200 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$100
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
Vermont 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 comply with Vermont firearms laws
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Vermont is one of the easiest states to obtain a PI license, requiring no experience, no exam, no bond, and no insurance. Background check is the primary barrier.
Vermont has no experience or exam requirement.
No bond or insurance required.
One of the easiest states for PI licensing.
There is no interstate compact for private investigators.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Vermont.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#5 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
$45,970
25th percentile
Median
$66,070
+26% vs. national avg ($52,370)Experienced
$75,490
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
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: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Private Investigator Licensing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the PI licensing exam.
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Vermont requires a state-level PI license. All licensing is managed through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Private Investigator Licensing.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.