AR Private Investigator License Cost

The private investigator license cost in Arkansas typically totals $486.25 for a first-time Credentialed Private Investigator (CPI): a $450 application fee plus $36.25 in required state and federal background-check fees. Renewals are $186.25 every two years. Additional costs can apply for transfers or retests.

Requirements last verified: 2026-08-01

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Arkansas State Police (ASP), Regulatory Services Division, within the Department of Public Safety. Program page.
Initial CPI application fee	$450 (nonrefundable), set by statute. Ark. Code § 17-40-302(a)(1)(L).
Background checks (initial/renewal)	State: $22; FBI components: $11.25 + $1.00 + $2.00 = $14.25. Total background fees $36.25. Shown on ASP CPI renewal form and ASP background FAQ. ASP CPI renewal form; ASP Criminal Background FAQ.
Total initial cost to ASP	$486.25 ($450 application + $36.25 background). Sources above.
Renewal cost and cycle	$186.25 ($150 renewal fee + $36.25 background) every 2 years. Ark. Code § 17-40-313; ASP CPI renewal form; § 17-40-302(a)(2)(L).
Exam	Required unless exempt; 100+ questions; passing score 70%; $50 re-exam if administered by ASP; up to 2 attempts per application; 5-year recent law-enforcement experience may exempt. 17 CAR § 350-1103.
Experience/sponsorship	Must work under the supervision of a qualified manager of a Class A investigations company; no standalone PI practice under CPI without company. Rule 11.0 (LII).
Minimum age	21. Stated on ASP CPI application/renewal materials. ASP CPI renewal form.
Insurance/bond	No separate bond for a CPI credential. Company licenses (Class B/C/G) must hold public liability insurance of at least $500,000. Ark. Code § 17-40-308.
Other fees (as applicable)	$75 transfer fee to switch companies. Ark. Code § 17-40-302(a)(3)(D).

How to get a private investigator license (CPI) in Arkansas

1. Confirm employment with a Class A investigations company. A CPI must work under a qualified Class A manager; you cannot operate independently under only the CPI. See Rule 11.0.
2. Gather documents. Prepare two current passport-style photos, two classifiable fingerprint cards, and identification. The ASP requires photos and fingerprint-based state and federal checks. See the ASP PI program page.
3. Submit the CPI application and fees. Pay the $450 application fee plus state ($22) and federal ($14.25) background fees to ASP. Fees are set by law and ASP forms. § 17-40-302; ASP CPI renewal fee schedule; ASP background FAQ.
4. Pass the state PI examination. Expect a 100+ question, in-person exam covering Arkansas law, procedures, and report writing; 70% is passing. If you fail, you must wait five working days; ASP charges $50 per re-exam. 17 CAR § 350-1103.
5. Receive your CPI credential and carry it while working. Credentials expire two years from issuance; renew within 90 days before expiration and include background checks. § 17-40-313; 17 CAR § 350-301.

Private investigator license cost in Arkansas: full breakdown

For most first-time applicants, your state-paid costs are:

• $450 CPI application fee (nonrefundable) — Ark. Code § 17-40-302.
• $22 Arkansas state background check — ASP Background FAQ.
• $14.25 federal fingerprint-related fees (total of $11.25 + $1.00 + $2.00) — itemized on ASP forms — ASP CPI renewal form.

That’s $486.25 payable to ASP for initial licensure. Renewals cost $150 plus the same $36.25 in background-check fees ($186.25 total) every two years. See § 17-40-302, ASP CPI renewal form, and § 17-40-313.

Does a CPI need insurance or a bond?

No separate bond is required for the individual CPI. However, certain company licenses (Class B/C/G) must carry at least $500,000 in public liability insurance. If you plan to open a PI company, budget for that policy. See Ark. Code § 17-40-308.

Arkansas PI exam, employer sponsorship, and timing

The CPI credential is only valid while you are employed under a Class A investigations company and supervised by its qualified manager. The ASP exam is in person; a 70% score is passing, with a $50 re-exam fee if needed. See Rule 11.0 and 17 CAR § 350-1103.

For a step-by-step budgeting walkthrough that pairs these costs with every form you’ll file, see our deep-dive on Arkansas private investigator license fees and steps. If the test is your main concern, we also cover what’s on the exam, scoring, and retest rules in our Arkansas PI exam and fees guide. Curious how PI costs compare to other security roles? Review our analysis of Arkansas security guard license costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total private investigator license cost in Arkansas for first-time applicants?

$486.25 paid to the Arkansas State Police: a $450 CPI application fee plus $36.25 in state and federal background-check fees. This excludes any optional fingerprinting service charges by third parties. See § 17-40-302, ASP Background FAQ, and the ASP CPI renewal form.

How much does it cost to renew an Arkansas private investigator credential?

$186.25 every two years: $150 CPI renewal fee plus $36.25 in background-check fees. Renew within the 90-day window before expiration. See § 17-40-313 and § 17-40-302(a)(2)(L), and the ASP CPI renewal form.

Is there an Arkansas PI exam fee?

The statute sets the CPI application fee ($450). If you need to retake the state exam and ASP administers it, the re-exam costs $50. See 17 CAR § 350-1103 and § 17-40-302.

Do I need insurance to get a CPI in Arkansas?

No. Individual CPI holders aren’t required to carry a bond or liability policy. Certain company licenses (Class B/C/G) must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance. See Ark. Code § 17-40-308.

How long is the Arkansas private investigator credential valid?

Two years from the date of issuance. Renew in the 90 days before expiration and include background checks and the $150 renewal fee. See Ark. Code § 17-40-313 and § 17-40-302.

Ready to budget with confidence and finish your application? License Navigator tracks every Arkansas PI fee, form, and deadline so you don’t miss a step.