How to become a private investigator in Utah
Utah private investigators are licensed by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Utah, 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 Utah law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a private investigator in Utah?
- Criminal background check by fingerprints
- $10,000 surety bond for apprentice, registrant, agent and agency
- Apprentices need a verification of supervision
- Agency license requires an active Utah PI agent license and $500,000 liability insurance
Utah private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Since September 1, 2026 private investigators are licensed by DOPL under the Private Investigation Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-92). Licenses earlier issued by the Department of Public Safety stay valid until they expire. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
| License name | Private Investigator Agent License (also Registrant and Apprentice classes) |
| Education or training | A criminal justice bachelor's degree or POST certification may satisfy all or part of the experience requirement. |
| Experience | Registrant: 2,000 hours of approved investigative experience, at least 1,000 within the last 10 years. Agent: 5,000 hours of approved investigative experience. Apprentice: none stated, but must work under supervision. |
| Exam | Agents must pass the Utah Private Investigator Agent Law and Ethics exam (100 questions, open book, scaled passing score 75); it is the only PI class that requires an exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Non-refundable application fee as listed on the DOPL apply page (agent, registrant or apprentice); the fee schedule lists $115 plus fingerprint and rap back fees | $160 |
|---|---|
| Agent, registrant or apprentice application (fee schedule) | $115.00 |
| Agent, registrant or apprentice renewal | $65.00 |
| Agency application | $215.00 |
| FBI fingerprint file search | $12.00 |
| BCI fingerprint file search | $20.00 |
| Rap back fee | $10 |
| Agent exam | $85 |
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 Utah
- Choose your class: apprentice, registrant or agent
- Document your investigative hours (or degree or POST certification)
- Get fingerprinted for the background check
- Agents: pass the law and ethics exam
- Get a $10,000 surety bond
- Apply online at utahdoc.mylicenseone.com or by paper application and pay the fees
Apply on the official Utah site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Utah?
- Search the name or license number on the official Utah 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.