Private Investigator License Missouri
Missouri licenses private investigators through the state Board. You’ll need fingerprints, at least $250,000 liability insurance, Board‑approved experience or the 100‑question exam, and to renew every two years with 16 hours of CE. All facts are verified from current Missouri statutes, rules, and Board pages.
To get a private investigator license in Missouri, apply to the state Board, submit fingerprints, provide at least $250,000 liability insurance, document experience, and—if required—pass the 100‑question state exam (70%+ in two hours). Current fees: $500 application, $80 exam, $400 biennial renewal. Advertising must show your license number.
Requirements last verified: 2026-09-27
How to get a private investigator license in Missouri
- Confirm eligibility. You must be a U.S. citizen and meet background criteria; agency employees must be at least 21. Missouri requires fingerprint‑based checks via the Highway Patrol’s central repository. See RSMo 324.1108; RSMo 324.1116; RSMo 43.543.
- Obtain required insurance. Provide proof of general liability coverage of not less than $250,000 (Board named as certificate holder) and workers’ compensation if required. See RSMo 324.1108(2); 20 CSR 2234‑2.010.
- Prepare and file your application. Use the Board’s application, include two recent photos, two classifiable fingerprint sets via the Patrol’s vendor, experience documentation, and fees. See Board PI forms; RSMo 324.1108; 20 CSR 2234‑2 (PDF).
- Take the Missouri PI exam (if required). The Board assigns the exam after screening your file. It’s 100 questions (50 statutes, 25 rules, 25 practice), two hours, 70% to pass; fee $80. See Board exam information; 20 CSR 2234‑1.050; RSMo 324.1110.
- Wait for Board review and issuance. Do not practice or advertise as a PI until licensed; unlicensed practice is a prohibited act. See RSMo 324.1104.
- Advertise compliantly. Every advertisement must include your individual or agency license number, and additional locations require additional agency licenses. See RSMo 324.1132.
- Renew on time and complete CE. Licenses are biennial; renewal requires the fee and 16 hours of approved continuing education each cycle. See RSMo 324.1126; 20 CSR 2234‑6.010.
Missouri private investigator license requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners (Department of Commerce & Insurance, Division of Professional Registration). Board home. |
| Application fee | $500 (individual investigator). 20 CSR 2234‑1.050. |
| Exam | 100 questions; two hours; 70% to pass; $80 fee; scheduled by the Board after file review. Exam info; Fees rule; RSMo 324.1110. |
| Experience | No fixed hour minimum in rule; the Board evaluates documented investigative experience. If experience is insufficient, the exam is required. 20 CSR 2234‑2; RSMo 324.1110. |
| Minimum age | Agency employees must be at least 21. RSMo 324.1116. |
| Fingerprints/background | Two classifiable fingerprint sets processed via the Missouri State Highway Patrol central repository; FBI check; applicant pays vendor fees. RSMo 324.1108(1)(5); RSMo 43.543. |
| Insurance/bond | General liability insurance of at least $250,000; workers’ compensation if required. Certificate must name the Board as certificate holder. RSMo 324.1108(2); 20 CSR 2234‑2.010. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years; $400 renewal fee; 16 hours CE required. 20 CSR 2234‑1.050; RSMo 324.1126; 20 CSR 2234‑6.010. |
| Advertising rules | All ads must display the individual or agency license number; additional Missouri locations require additional agency licenses. RSMo 324.1132. |
Missouri private investigator: fees, forms, and processing
Current state fees for individuals: $500 application, $80 exam (when required), and $400 biennial renewal; fingerprint fees are paid separately to the Highway Patrol’s vendor. Agency and employee fee schedules appear in the same rule. See 20 CSR 2234‑1.050.
The Board releases exam materials and dates only after it determines the exam is required for your file. Exams are administered in Jefferson City and run from 1:00 p.m.; passing score is 70%. See Board exam information.
How Missouri’s PI exam works
The exam covers Missouri statutes, Board rules, and investigative practice (50/25/25 split), two hours total, 70% to pass. Dates are posted by the Board and subject to change based on demand. See official exam page.
Keep your Missouri PI license active
Missouri PI licenses are valid for two years. To renew, submit the renewal, pay the $400 fee, and show completion of 16 hours of approved CE; excess CE may carry over to the next cycle within limits. See RSMo 324.1126; 20 CSR 2234‑6.010.
Related Missouri credentials and multi‑state practice
If your business also provides protective services, review Missouri’s separate private security credentialing in our Missouri Private Security License guide. For a start‑to‑finish walkthrough tailored to investigators, see our detailed Private Investigator Missouri License tutorial. Expanding to the Upper Midwest? Compare requirements using our Minnesota PI licensing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take Missouri’s PI exam?
The Board decides after screening your application. If your documented experience meets standards, the exam may be waived; otherwise, you must pass a 100‑question exam (two hours, 70% to pass; $80 fee). See RSMo 324.1110 and the Board’s exam page.
What insurance do I need for a Missouri PI license?
You must maintain at least $250,000 in general liability insurance and, if applicable, workers’ compensation. The certificate must list the Board as certificate holder; agent‑issued certificates are not acceptable. See RSMo 324.1108(2); 20 CSR 2234‑2.010.
How much does it cost to become a PI in Missouri?
Expect a $500 application fee, $80 exam fee (if required), and $400 renewal every two years. Fingerprint vendor fees are paid separately. Fees are set in rule. See 20 CSR 2234‑1.050.
How old do you have to be to work as a PI in Missouri?
Missouri law requires agency investigator employees to be at least 21 years old; all applicants also undergo fingerprint‑based background checks. See RSMo 324.1116; RSMo 43.543.
What must appear in Missouri PI advertisements?
Your individual or agency Missouri license number must appear in all advertisements; additional Missouri office locations require additional agency licenses. See RSMo 324.1132.
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can streamline every step—from fingerprints and insurance evidence to exam scheduling and renewal reminders—so you can focus on investigations, not paperwork.
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.