How to become a private investigator in Louisiana
Louisiana private investigators are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Louisiana, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Louisiana?
- At least 18 (legal age)
- U.S. citizen or resident alien with work documents
- No disqualifying felony conviction
- Not declared mentally incompetent; not a practicing alcoholic or drug addict
- Individual and apprentice applicants need a sponsoring licensed agency
- Agency license: 3 years of investigative experience within the last 10 years
Louisiana private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Private investigators are licensed by the state board as agency, journeyman, individual (agency-sponsored) or apprentice licensees. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners |
| License name | Private Investigator License (Agency, Journeyman, Individual or Apprentice) |
| Education or training | Board-approved 40-hour Basic Private Investigation course (some exemptions under R.S. 37:3510). Apprentices must finish it during their one-year apprenticeship. |
| Experience | Agency license: 3 years of investigative experience within the last 10 years. Individual and apprentice licensees work under a sponsoring licensed agency. |
| Exam | Board-administered exam; 75% to pass; retake allowed after 30 days. |
| License term | 1 year (licenses renew annually); apprentice license is one year and not renewable; To renew: board-approved online investigative course every two years to qualify for renewal. |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Individual license (total initial) | $200 |
| Apprentice license (total) | $200 |
| Journeyman license (total) | $350 |
| Agency license (total) | $350 |
| Criminal background check | $43 |
| Exam | $100 |
| Exam retake | $50 |
| Individual renewal | $150 |
| Online continuing education course | $100 |
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 Louisiana
- Find a licensed Louisiana agency to sponsor you, or start as an apprentice
- Request an application package from the Board in writing
- Complete the 40-hour Basic Private Investigation course
- Submit the notarized application, photo, sponsor form, fingerprints and fees
- Pass the Board exam with 75% or better
- Renew every year and complete the online CE course every two years
Apply on the official Louisiana site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Louisiana?
- Search the name or license number on the official Louisiana 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.