Private Investigator Arkansas License
Arkansas licenses private investigators as Credentialed Private Investigators (CPI) under the Arkansas State Police. This guide verifies 2026 fees, background check costs, exam rules, supervision under a Class A company, and renewal timing with citations to statutes, rules, and ASP forms.
To become a private investigator in Arkansas, you must hold the Credentialed Private Investigator (CPI) under the Arkansas State Police, work under a licensed Class A investigations company, pass the state PI exam (minimum 100 questions; 70%+), and clear Arkansas and FBI background checks. Initial CPI fee: $450; renewal: $150.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-30
How to become a private investigator in Arkansas
- Confirm eligibility. You must be at least 18 with suitable character and no disqualifying offenses as outlined in A.C.A. §17‑40‑306. Review the statute before applying. A.C.A. §17‑40‑306.
- Secure employment with a Class A investigations company. CPI holders operate under the supervision of a qualified Class A manager per ASP rules. 17 CAR Part 350 (CPI under Class A); program info: ASP PI/Security page.
- Complete background checks. Plan for an Arkansas name-based check ($22 online or $25 mail) and an FBI fingerprint check (ASP lists $13; note ASP’s notice of an FBI fee increase effective Oct. 1, 2026—confirm current total when you apply). ASP CBC FAQ (fees); Online CBC portal; ASP‑122NVL form.
- File the CPI application and pay fees. Submit the current CPI application to ASP Regulatory Services with the statutory $450 CPI fee; background check fees are separate by law. CPI application (latest posted by ASP); A.C.A. §17‑40‑302 (fee schedule).
- Pass the Arkansas PI exam. The exam has at least 100 questions; passing is 70%. If you fail, you must wait five business days and pay a $50 re‑exam fee; two failures cancel the application. Certain recent five‑year law‑enforcement veterans are exam‑exempt. 17 CAR §350‑1103; ASP Rules (retest $50; 5‑day wait; two‑fail rule).
- Receive your CPI and begin work. Carry your electronic ID (ASP began emailing identification cards Aug. 5, 2025) and follow ASP rules for practice, reports, and advertising. ASP PI/Security page.
- Renew every two years. CPI credentials expire two years from issuance; renew on ASP’s form with the $150 fee. Late fees apply; after significant lapse, reapplication may be required under statute. A.C.A. §17‑40‑313 (expiration/renewal); §17‑40‑302 (late fees/renewal fee).
Arkansas private investigator (CPI) requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Division of Arkansas State Police (Regulatory Services) — Private Investigators/Security/Alarm. Program page. |
| Credential type | Credentialed Private Investigator (CPI); must work under a licensed Class A investigations company/qualified manager. 17 CAR Part 350 (CPI framework). |
| Initial fees | $450 CPI fee; separate state and national background check fees set by ASP/FBI. Current ASP-published pricing: state $22 online or $25 mail; FBI portion historically $13 (verify due to Oct. 1, 2026 increase notice). §17‑40‑302; ASP CBC FAQ; ASP FBI fee notice. |
| Experience | No preset pre‑licensing hours for CPI; supervision by a Class A company is required. 17 CAR Part 350. |
| Exam | Minimum 100 questions; 70% passing; in person. Retake after 5 working days with $50 fee; two failures cancel the application. Law‑enforcement waiver available (five consecutive years, current/recent). 17 CAR §350‑1103; ASP Rules. |
| Minimum age | 18. A.C.A. §17‑40‑306. |
| Insurance/Bond | No individual CPI insurance/bond. Company liability insurance is mandated for Class B, C, and G — not Class A investigations companies. A.C.A. §17‑40‑308. |
| Renewal | Every two years; CPI renewal fee $150; late renewal fees set by statute. §17‑40‑313; §17‑40‑302. |
Private investigator Arkansas exam: topics, scoring, and retakes
The ASP PI exam covers the licensing act, ASP rules, field notes/report writing, and the Arkansas Criminal Code; it is in‑person, at least 100 questions, and 70% is passing. If you fail, you must wait five business days and pay $50 to retest; two failures cancel your application. Qualified recent law‑enforcement applicants are exam‑exempt. Exam rule (17 CAR §350‑1103); ASP Rules (retest and cancellation).
Background checks and fingerprints for CPI applicants
Arkansas requires both a state name‑based check and an FBI fingerprint check. As posted by ASP, the state check costs $22 online or $25 by mail; the FBI portion has historically been $13. ASP notes an FBI fee increase effective October 1, 2026, so confirm the current total at submission. Use the ASP‑122NVL form for mail requests or the online portal for authorized entities. ASP CBC FAQ; Online CBC portal; ASP‑122NVL (2024/2025).
Working under a Class A investigations company
Arkansas structures practice so that CPIs operate as employees under a Class A licensed investigations company with a qualified manager—different from states that license independent PIs from day one. For a step‑by‑step budget and timeline, see our Arkansas PI licensing steps and fees guide and our detailed breakdown of Arkansas PI license costs. Statutory and rule references: 17 CAR Part 350.
Renewal timing, late fees, and electronic IDs
CPI credentials are valid for two years and renew for $150. Late renewals incur statutory delinquency fees; if you let a credential lapse too long, you may need to reapply. Since August 5, 2025, ASP issues ID cards electronically via email to credential holders. A.C.A. §17‑40‑313; §17‑40‑302; ASP PI/Security page.
Reciprocity and out‑of‑state practice
ASP states Arkansas maintains reciprocal PI arrangements with Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oklahoma; review current terms and any notice requirements before relying on reciprocity. ASP reciprocity note. To compare process details, see our step‑by‑step primer on how to get an Arkansas private investigator license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a private investigator in Arkansas?
Yes. Individuals must hold the Credentialed Private Investigator (CPI) issued by the Arkansas State Police and practice under a licensed Class A investigations company. Practicing without a credential is unlawful under the chapter. ASP program page; A.C.A. §17‑40‑301.
How much does it cost to become a PI in Arkansas?
Expect the $450 CPI application fee plus background checks (state $22 online/$25 mail; FBI portion historically $13—ASP notes an FBI fee increase effective Oct. 1, 2026). Exam retakes, if needed, cost $50. Renewal is $150 every two years. §17‑40‑302 (fees); ASP CBC FAQ; ASP Rules (re‑exam).
Is experience required for the CPI?
No fixed pre‑licensing hours are required for the CPI. Instead, Arkansas requires employment and supervision under a Class A investigations company and passage of the ASP exam (unless you qualify for the five‑year law‑enforcement waiver). 17 CAR Part 350; Exam rule.
What does the Arkansas PI exam cover and how is it scored?
It covers the licensing act (Title 17, Ch. 40), ASP rules, field notes/report writing, and the Arkansas Criminal Code. The test is in person with at least 100 questions; a 70% score is passing. 17 CAR §350‑1103.
Do Arkansas CPIs need insurance or a bond?
No individual CPI insurance or bond is required. Liability insurance is mandated at the company level only for Class B, C, and G licenses; Class A investigations companies are not listed in the insurance prerequisite statute. A.C.A. §17‑40‑308.
How long does a CPI last and what if I renew late?
Two years from the date of issuance. Renew on ASP’s form with the $150 fee; statutory late fees apply. If the credential is allowed to lapse too long, reapplication is required under the chapter. A.C.A. §17‑40‑313; §17‑40‑302.
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can assemble your Arkansas CPI packet, coordinate your background checks and exam date, and track your two‑year renewal so you stay compliant and billable.
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