Private investigator license cost
Kansas sets private investigator licensing through the Attorney General. Expect a $250 application fee, $57 KBI/FBI background check, and about $10 for fingerprinting. Renewal is $175 every two years, with 8 hours of CE. Optional firearm permits add $50; a $100,000 bond or liability policy is required.
In Kansas, the private investigator license cost starts with a $250 application fee to the Attorney General, plus a $57 KBI/FBI fingerprint background check and about $10 for local fingerprinting. Optional firearm permit adds $50. Renewal is $175 every two years; eight CE hours are required.
Requirements last verified: 2026-08-10
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Kansas Office of the Attorney General — Private Detective Licensing (official portal). |
| Initial application fee | $250, set by the Attorney General (FY 2026 OAG fee schedule; fee authority at K.S.A. 75-7b22 and 75-7b05). |
| Background check | State + FBI fingerprint-based check: $57 per person via KBI (KBI criminal history fees). Local fingerprint capture commonly ~$10 (varies by agency) (KBI fingerprinting locations/typical costs). |
| Firearm permit (optional) | $50 application; $50 renewal (FY 2026 OAG fee schedule; permit term aligns to PI license per K.S.A. 75-7b17(h)). |
| Renewal fee and cycle | $175 every two years (FY 2026 OAG fee schedule); licenses expire two years from issuance; 8 hours CE required for renewal (K.S.A. 75-7b07; K.A.R. 16-4-2). |
| Minimum age | 21 years old (K.S.A. 75-7b04(c)(1)). |
| Exam and interview | Written examination and oral interview required (K.S.A. 75-7b20; K.A.R. 16-3-1). |
| Insurance/bond | Provide a surety bond or general liability insurance of at least $100,000 (K.S.A. 75-7b11; OAG application instructions confirming $100,000 minimum: OAG PI application). |
| Other common fees | Agency officer/director/partner license (if engaging in PI work): $100 (FY 2026 OAG fee schedule); duplicate license $5 (K.S.A. 75-7b22(c)). |
How much does a private investigator license cost in Kansas?
Budget at minimum: $250 (application) + $57 (KBI/FBI background check) + ~$10 (local fingerprint capture) = about $317 upfront. Add $50 if you want a firearm permit. Ongoing, plan for $175 every two years for renewal, plus any continuing education costs required for the 8 CE hours.
How to get your Kansas private investigator license (with exact costs)
- Confirm eligibility. You must be 21+, a U.S. citizen, and meet character requirements (K.S.A. 75-7b04).
- Arrange insurance or bond. Obtain a surety bond or general liability policy of at least $100,000 (K.S.A. 75-7b11; OAG instructions).
- Get fingerprinted and request the background check. Expect $57 for the KBI+FBI check, plus a local capture fee often around $10 (KBI fee; fingerprinting sites/costs).
- Submit your application and $250 fee to the Attorney General. Use the OAG Private Detective Licensing forms and instructions (OAG portal; fee schedule).
- Pass the state written exam and complete the oral interview as scheduled (K.S.A. 75-7b20; K.A.R. 16-3-1).
- Receive your two-year license. Track your renewal date and complete 8 hours of approved CE before renewing ($175) (K.S.A. 75-7b07; K.A.R. 16-4-2).
Kansas private investigator license cost breakdown
Your mandatory state fees are straightforward: $250 to apply and $175 to renew biennially. Most applicants will also pay $57 for the KBI/FBI fingerprint background check and a small local fee to be fingerprinted. If you’ll carry on duty, add the $50 firearm permit charge. Sources: OAG FY 2026 fee schedule; KBI background check fees; K.S.A. 75-7b07.
Key Kansas private investigator requirements that affect cost
Insurance or bond minimums
Before licensure, you must file a surety bond or show general liability insurance of at least $100,000. Your premium varies by provider, but the statutory threshold is fixed. See K.S.A. 75-7b11 and the OAG application guidance noting the $100,000 minimum (OAG PI application).
Exam and interview
Kansas requires a written exam and oral interview. While there’s no separate state exam fee listed beyond the application charge, you may incur optional prep-course costs. See K.S.A. 75-7b20 and K.A.R. 16-3-1.
License term, CE, and renewals
Licenses are valid two years from issuance, and individual licensees must complete 8 hours of continuing education to renew at $175. Statutes and regulations: K.S.A. 75-7b07; K.A.R. 16-4-2.
If you’re still mapping the full process beyond costs, our step-by-step guide to the Kansas Private Investigator License covers forms, timelines, and tips. Considering multi-state work or comparing budgets, our breakdown of Arkansas private investigator license fees and steps and our overview of New Hampshire PI licensing can help you benchmark requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total upfront cost to become a Kansas PI?
Most applicants spend about $317 in mandatory fees: $250 to apply, $57 for the KBI/FBI background check, and roughly $10 for local fingerprint capture. If you’ll carry while working, add $50 for the firearm permit. Insurance/bond premiums are additional. Sources: OAG fee schedule; KBI fees.
How often do I renew, and what does it cost?
Renewals occur every two years from your license issue date and cost $175. You must also complete 8 hours of continuing education before renewing. See K.S.A. 75-7b07 and K.A.R. 16-4-2 for renewal timing and CE requirements; fees are listed in the OAG’s current schedule.
Is prior investigative experience required in Kansas?
No set hours are mandated. Instead, Kansas requires that you meet character/eligibility criteria, carry required insurance or a bond, and pass a written exam plus an oral interview administered by the Attorney General’s office. See K.S.A. 75-7b04 (eligibility) and 75-7b20 (exam/interview).
Do I need insurance or a bond, and how much?
Yes. You must maintain a surety bond or general liability insurance of at least $100,000. The policy or bond must remain on file and in force for your license to stay active. See K.S.A. 75-7b11 and K.S.A. 75-7b12; the OAG application materials also restate the $100,000 minimum.
Are local fingerprint fees included in state costs?
No. The $57 background-check fee is paid for the KBI/FBI processing, but local agencies often charge a separate capture fee (commonly around $10). Check your local sheriff or police department’s posted rate. See KBI background-check information and the KBI fingerprinting locations roster.
Ready to turn these numbers into a plan? License Navigator can personalize your Kansas PI licensing checklist, track due dates, and estimate your total spend—so you can budget confidently and get licensed faster.
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