Kansas Private Investigator License

To get a private investigator license in Kansas, apply to the Kansas Attorney General, pass the written exam and interview, submit fingerprints and five references, provide two photos, pay the required fees, and show either a $100,000 surety bond, $100,000 liability insurance, or a $100,000 cash deposit. Licenses renew biennially with 8 hours of continuing education.

Requirements last verified: 2026-07-28

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Kansas Office of the Attorney General — Private Detective Licensing Unit (official page).
Minimum age & eligibility	21+, U.S. citizen; good moral character; disqualifiers include felony convictions and certain listed misdemeanors (K.S.A. 75-7b04).
Application fee	$250 for an individual (independent or employee); $100 for an agency officer/director/partner/associate engaging in detective business; $15 if you request a printed packet (AG application packet; K.S.A. 75-7b22).
Exam & interview	Written exam (included in packet) and oral interview are required (K.S.A. 75-7b20).
Fingerprints & background	Two FBI-classifiable fingerprint cards taken by law enforcement; full background check (AG application packet; K.S.A. 75-7b20(b)).
References & photos	Five verified reference certificates (known 5+ years) and two 2x2 passport photos (K.S.A. 75-7b04; AG application packet).
Insurance/bond (choose one)	$100,000 corporate surety bond OR $100,000 liability insurance (including E&O) OR $100,000 cash deposit with the State Treasurer (K.S.A. 75-7b11; details reiterated in AG packet).
License term & renewal	Valid 2 years from issuance; renewal $175; 8 hours of AG‑approved continuing education per renewal cycle (K.S.A. 75-7b07).
Firearm permit (optional)	Separate $50 permit; specific training/need required; renew $50 (K.S.A. 75-7b17; K.S.A. 75-7b22).
Processing time	Generally processed within 90 days of receipt (AG application packet).

How to get a private investigator license in Kansas

1. Confirm you’re eligible. You must be 21+, a U.S. citizen, and meet character standards in K.S.A. 75-7b04. Gather five qualifying references and two passport photos. ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/m/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0004_section/075_007b_0004_k.pdf))
2. Complete the official application. Use the Attorney General’s packet; fill out Examination #1, get two fingerprint cards from law enforcement, and assemble all attachments. (AG licensing page; application packet). ([ag.ks.gov](https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/civil/licensing-inspections/private-detective-licensing?utm_source=openai))
3. Choose your financial responsibility option. Provide a $100,000 surety bond, $100,000 liability insurance (incl. E&O), or a $100,000 cash deposit with the State Treasurer (K.S.A. 75-7b11). ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0011_section/075_007b_0011_k/?utm_source=openai))
4. Submit and pay fees. Mail your completed packet and fees to the Attorney General. Typical fees: $250 application; optional firearm permit $50; renewal $175. (K.S.A. 75-7b22; AG packet). ([kslegislature.gov](https://kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0022_section/075_007b_0022_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))
5. Pass the written exam and oral interview. Both are required; the AG also conducts a background investigation (K.S.A. 75-7b20). ([kslegislature.gov](https://kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0020_section/075_007b_0020_k/?utm_source=openai))
6. Receive your two‑year license and ID card. Post your license at your principal place of business; renew every two years with 8 hours of CE (K.S.A. 75-7b07). ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0007_section/075_007b_0007_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Kansas private investigator license requirements, costs, and timelines

Kansas regulates private detectives statewide through the Attorney General. Beyond age and citizenship, Kansas emphasizes character, references, fingerprints, and testing; there is no minimum prior investigative experience hour requirement in statute. Licenses typically process within 90 days after the AG receives a complete packet. See the AG packet for the full checklist. ([ag.ks.gov](https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2740/638919008889030000))

Fees you should budget for (statutory caps and current practice)

The Private Detective Licensing Act authorizes the AG to set fees up to: application $250, renewal $175, firearm permit $50, trainer $100, duplicate license $5, and $15 for printed packets (K.S.A. 75‑7b22). Current AG materials list $250 for an individual application and confirm the 90‑day processing target (AG packet). ([kslegislature.gov](https://kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0022_section/075_007b_0022_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Bond or insurance: what Kansas actually requires

Before issuance, you must file ONE of the following: a $100,000 corporate surety bond, a certificate showing at least $100,000 in general liability (including errors and omissions), or a $100,000 cash deposit with the State Treasurer (K.S.A. 75‑7b11). Employees under an agency may rely on the agency’s coverage (AG packet). ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0011_section/075_007b_0011_k/?utm_source=openai))

Exams, interview, and background checks

Kansas requires a written examination to evidence knowledge of detective business and an oral interview. The Attorney General also conducts a complete background investigation for each applicant or agency principal (K.S.A. 75‑7b20). The application packet includes the initial written exam you must complete and submit. Download the packet. ([kslegislature.gov](https://kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0020_section/075_007b_0020_k/?utm_source=openai))

Continuing education for renewal

To renew your Kansas private detective license every two years, complete at least eight hours of continuing education approved by the Attorney General (K.S.A. 75‑7b07; see also AG-administered rules on acceptable CE). ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0007_section/075_007b_0007_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Carrying a firearm as a Kansas private detective

If you need to carry while on duty, apply for the optional private detective firearm permit and meet the training/necessity standards in K.S.A. 75‑7b17. Note: this is distinct from Kansas’s general concealed‑carry framework and only authorizes concealed carry while actually engaged in detective duties. ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2020/b2019_20/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0017_section/075_007b_0017_k/?utm_source=openai))

Kansas private investigator license vs. nearby states

Licensing models differ significantly. For example, Colorado’s statewide PI program sunsetted years ago; our overview of Colorado private investigator licensing: the 2026 facts explains what that means for operating from or into CO. By contrast, South Carolina maintains both individual and agency credentials; see our 2026 South Carolina PI license guide for fees and steps.

Related License Navigator guides: CT Private Investigator License: A Complete Guide · Private investigator Iowa: license, fees, steps (2026 update) · Private investigator Washington state: 2026 license guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior investigative experience to get licensed in Kansas?

No. Kansas law does not impose a minimum experience-hour requirement. Instead, you must meet age/citizenship and character standards, provide five references, submit fingerprints and photos, and pass the written exam and interview before the Attorney General issues a license. K.S.A. 75‑7b04; 75‑7b20. ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/m/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0004_section/075_007b_0004_k.pdf))

How much does a Kansas private investigator license cost?

Expect $250 for your initial application, plus optional $50 if you seek a firearm permit. Renewals are $175 every two years. Statute authorizes these amounts and the AG confirms them in the packet. K.S.A. 75‑7b22; AG packet. ([kslegislature.gov](https://kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0022_section/075_007b_0022_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Is insurance or a bond mandatory for Kansas private detectives?

Yes—before a license is issued, you must file either a $100,000 surety bond, a certificate showing $100,000 in liability (with E&O), or deposit $100,000 cash with the State Treasurer, per K.S.A. 75‑7b11. Employees may rely on the agency’s coverage as outlined in the AG packet. ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/b2025_26/laws/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0011_section/075_007b_0011_k/?utm_source=openai))

How long does it take to get approved?

The Attorney General generally processes complete applications within 90 days. Timeframes can vary based on background check and scheduling of the interview. See the AG’s application packet timeline notes. AG application packet. ([ag.ks.gov](https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2740/638919008889030000))

What CE is required to renew a Kansas PI license?

Complete at least 8 hours of AG‑approved continuing education every two years and submit proof with your renewal application, as required by K.S.A. 75‑7b07. AG regulations outline acceptable program types and providers. ([kslegislature.gov](https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/s/statute/075_000_0000_chapter/075_007b_0000_article/075_007b_0007_section/075_007b_0007_k.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can help you assemble a compliant Kansas PI application, compare costs with places like Idaho’s current PI fees or build a multi‑state plan using our Tennessee PI license checklist, and track CE/renewals—all in one place.