How to become a private investigator in Indiana
Indiana private investigators are licensed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Indiana, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Indiana?
- Qualifier must be at least 21
- Two years (at least 4,000 hours) of verified qualifying experience, or a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field
- 1099 contractor experience is not accepted
- Criminal background checks for each place lived in the past 7 years plus an Indiana State Police fingerprint check
- General liability insurance of at least $100,000 naming the State of Indiana as additional insured, covering false arrest, malicious prosecution and wrongful entry.
Indiana private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Indiana licenses Private Investigator Firms. Each firm must name a qualifier who meets the experience or education rules. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board |
| License name | Private Investigator Firm license |
| Education or training | No set course hours; a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field can replace the experience requirement. |
| Experience | Qualifier: two years (at least 4,000 hours) of verified qualifying experience, or a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field. 1099 contractor experience is not accepted. |
| License term | Licenses expire October 1 every four years (next in 2027). |
How much does it cost?
| Issuance | $300 |
|---|---|
| Issuance within one year of the renewal date | $150 |
| Renewal | $300 |
| Reinstatement (expired 3+ years) | $600 |
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 Indiana
- Gain 2 years (4,000 hours) of qualifying experience or earn a related bachelor's degree.
- Have your experience verified on the Verification of Experience Form.
- Get background checks for the past 7 years and an Indiana State Police fingerprint check.
- Apply for a Private Investigator Firm license in MyLicense One and pay the $300 fee.
- Send proof of $100,000 general liability insurance.
- Renew every four years by October 1.
Apply on the official Indiana site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Indiana?
- Search the name or license number on the official Indiana 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.