How to become a private investigator in Nebraska
Nebraska private investigators are licensed by the Nebraska Secretary of State, Licensing Division. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Nebraska, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Nebraska law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a private investigator in Nebraska?
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen
- Character investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol
- Private detectives and agencies: 3,000 hours of experience, 2,500 hours with a related associate degree, or 2,000 hours with a related bachelor's degree
- Private detectives and agencies must file a $10,000 surety bond.
Nebraska private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. The Secretary of State licenses private detectives, private detective agencies and plain clothes investigators, the investigators who work for an agency. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Nebraska Secretary of State, Licensing Division |
| License name | Private Detective (also Private Detective Agency; Plain Clothes Investigator) |
| Experience | Private detectives and agencies: 3,000 hours of experience, or 2,500 hours with a related associate degree, or 2,000 hours with a related bachelor's degree. Plain clothes investigators have no experience requirement. |
| Exam | A written exam given on the third Wednesday of each month in Lincoln, after the application is complete. A passing score is valid for 2 years. |
| License term | Licenses renew by June 30 of each even-numbered year (2 years). |
How much does it cost?
| Private detective license | $50 |
|---|---|
| Private detective agency license | $100 |
| Plain clothes investigator license | $25 |
| Background check | $38 |
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 Nebraska
- Choose the license type: private detective, agency, or plain clothes investigator (agency employee).
- Complete the application with two fingerprint cards, two passport photos and the signed release form.
- Document your experience and get a $10,000 surety bond (detectives and agencies).
- Pay the license and $38 background check fees.
- Pass the written exam in Lincoln; call (402) 471-8606 to schedule.
- Wait up to 90 days for the State Patrol investigation.
- Renew by June 30 of each even-numbered year.
Apply on the official Nebraska site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Nebraska?
- Search the name or license number on the official Nebraska 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.