How to become a private investigator in Wisconsin
Wisconsin private investigators are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Wisconsin, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Wisconsin?
- Employed by a licensed Wisconsin private detective/security agency
- No unpardoned felony conviction (no exceptions)
- Arrest or conviction records reviewed under state fair employment law
- Not impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Pass the state exam
- Pass a state and federal fingerprint background check
Wisconsin private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Licensed statewide by DSPS. Individual detectives must work for a licensed agency; to work for yourself you also need an agency license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| License name | Private Detective License |
| Education or training | None. DSPS says there are no pre-application requirements such as education. |
| Exam | Online exam on Wisconsin statutes, administrative code and investigative practices; passing score 84%, results valid one year. |
| License term | 2 years; renews by August 31 of each even-numbered year |
How much does it cost?
| Initial credential fee | $8 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $8 |
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 Wisconsin
- Get hired by a licensed private detective/security agency
- Create a LicensE account at license.wi.gov
- Apply for Business > Private Detective > Licensure by Examination and pay the credential and exam fees
- Upload a photo, Form 2687 and employer Form 3038
- Submit fingerprints when instructions arrive
- Take and pass the online exam
- Answer any Due Diligence requests in LicensE
Apply on the official Wisconsin site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Wisconsin?
- Search the name or license number on the official Wisconsin 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.