How to become a private investigator in Arizona
Arizona private investigators are licensed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Security Guard and Private Investigator Licensing Unit. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Arizona, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Arizona?
- Qualifying party at least 21; employees at least 18
- U.S. citizen or legal resident authorized to work
- No felony conviction or pending felony indictment
- No listed violent, weapon, fraud, theft or similar misdemeanors in the last 5 years
- Not a registered sex offender
- Fingerprint-based background check
- Agency must post a $2,500 surety bond and carry workers' compensation
Arizona private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Arizona licenses private investigation agencies through a qualifying party, and investigators who work for them must register as employees. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Arizona Department of Public Safety, Security Guard and Private Investigator Licensing Unit |
| License name | Private Investigation Agency License (qualifying party); Private Investigator Employee Registration |
| Experience | Agency qualifying party: three years of full-time investigative experience for a private concern or federal, state, county or municipal government. None stated for employee registrants. |
| License term | Agency license 4 years; employee registration runs with the agency license. |
How much does it cost?
| Agency application | $250 |
|---|---|
| Agency license | $400 |
| Agency renewal | $250 |
| Individual PI employee registration (new or renewal) | $50 |
| Associate (new or renewal) | $50 |
| Fingerprint processing fee | $22 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a private investigator in Arizona
- Decide whether you will work for a licensed agency or open your own
- To work for an agency, have it sponsor your employee registration
- To open an agency, get the agency name approved by DPS first
- Document three years of investigative experience
- Submit the notarized application with fingerprints, photo and fees
- After approval, file the $2,500 surety bond and workers' compensation proof
Apply on the official Arizona site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Arizona?
- Search the name or license number on the official Arizona private investigator license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.