How to become a private investigator in Michigan
Michigan private investigators are licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Michigan, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Michigan?
- U.S. citizen
- At least 25
- High school education or equivalent
- No felony and no listed misdemeanors (fraud, weapons, assault, drugs, 2+ alcohol offenses, etc.)
- No dishonorable military discharge
- 3 years full-time investigative experience, or a qualifying bachelor's or graduate degree
- Michigan physical office location
- 5 reference statements
- $10,000 bond or insurance policy.
Michigan private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Michigan licenses professional investigator agencies; the qualifying officer must meet state requirements. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau |
| License name | Professional Investigator Agency License |
| Education or training | No course required; a bachelor's or graduate degree in police administration, security management, investigation, law, criminal justice or computer forensics can substitute for experience. |
| Experience | 3 years full-time investigative experience, or a qualifying bachelor's or graduate degree. |
| License term | 3 years |
How much does it cost?
| Agency application fee | $150 |
|---|---|
| Agency license fee | $600 |
| Total initial agency fee | $750 |
| Agency renewal | $300 |
| Branch license | $125 |
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 Michigan
- Confirm you meet the age, citizenship and experience rules
- Form your business entity or register a DBA
- Get 5 reference statements and a $10,000 bond or insurance
- Apply for a Professional Investigator Agency license in MiCLEAR
- Upload proof of experience and pay the $750 fee
- Renew every 3 years
Apply on the official Michigan site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Michigan?
- Search the name or license number on the official Michigan 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.