Private Investigator License Requirements in Utah

Yes — to operate a private investigator business in Utah, you need a Utah Private Investigator License (Agency / Registrant / Apprentice) from Utah Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The license costs approximately ~$100-$300 depending on license tier + fingerprint fees and renews every 2 years. Key requirements include: Be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident and Agency license requires 5 years (10,000 hours) of investigative experience; registrant requires 2,000 hours; apprentice has no experience requirement.

Utah Private Investigator License at a Glance

• License: Utah Private Investigator License (Agency / Registrant / Apprentice)
• Regulator: Utah Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
• Estimated fee: ~$100-$300 depending on license tier + fingerprint fees
• Renewal period: 2 years
• Processing time: 4-8 weeks
• Last verified: 2026-07-17

Key Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Agency license requires 5 years (10,000 hours) of investigative experience; registrant requires 2,000 hours; apprentice has no experience requirement
• Pass BCI/FBI fingerprint background checks
• Carry general liability insurance ($500,000 minimum for agencies)
• Work under a licensed agency if applying as registrant or apprentice
• Submit the application to Utah BCI

How to Apply for a Private Investigator License in Utah

1. Choose your tier: apprentice (entry), registrant (2,000 hours), or agency (10,000 hours)
2. Complete fingerprinting for BCI and FBI checks
3. Obtain required liability insurance if licensing an agency
4. Submit your application to the Bureau of Criminal Identification
5. Renew every 2 years and upgrade tiers as you gain experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to run a private investigator business in Utah?

Yes. Private Investigator businesses in Utah need a Utah Private Investigator License (Agency / Registrant / Apprentice) issued by Utah Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) before operating. Operating without it can result in fines, business closure, and legal liability.

How do I get a private investigator license in Utah?

To obtain a private investigator license in Utah, you must: Be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident, Agency license requires 5 years (10,000 hours) of investigative experience; registrant requires 2,000 hours; apprentice has no experience requirement, Pass BCI/FBI fingerprint background checks. The license is issued by Utah Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and typically costs ~$100-$300 depending on license tier + fingerprint fees.

How much does a private investigator license cost in Utah?

A private investigator license in Utah costs approximately ~$100-$300 depending on license tier + fingerprint fees. This fee covers the initial application. Renewal occurs every 2 years.

How long does it take to get a private investigator license in Utah?

Processing time for a Utah private investigator license is typically 4-8 weeks. Processing times may vary based on application completeness and background check requirements.

Who regulates private investigator businesses in Utah?

Private Investigator businesses in Utah are regulated by Utah Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). They oversee licensing, compliance, and enforcement for this industry.