Georgia vs Michigan: Private Investigator License Requirements
Side-by-side comparison of PI licensing in Georgia and Michigan — license status, fees, experience requirements, exams, renewal periods, and reciprocity.
Georgia and Michigan do not have a formal reciprocity agreement — a licensee moving between them must meet the destination state's full requirements.
| Georgia | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| License required | State license | State license |
| License name | Georgia Private Detective Company License | Michigan Professional Investigator License |
| Regulator | Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (Secretary of State) | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Estimated fees | ≈$400 company application + license | ≈$750 application + license |
| Experience / training | 2 years of experience, or a related 4-year degree | 3 years of investigative experience, or a related degree + experience |
| Education substitute | — | — |
| Exam required | Georgia board examination | No |
| Renewal period | 2 years | 2 years |
| Processing time | 45-90 days | 60-90 days |
| Reciprocity | Florida | No formal agreements |
| Notes | — | — |
Requirements and fees are compiled from state regulator published information and are subject to change — always confirm with the state regulator via the links above. Last reviewed July 2026.
Is it harder to become a private investigator in Georgia or Michigan?
Georgia: state license required — 2 years of experience, or a related 4-year degree, plus a licensing exam. Michigan: state license required — 3 years of investigative experience, or a related degree + experience, no exam.
How much does a PI license cost in Georgia vs Michigan?
Estimated fees are ≈$400 company application + license in Georgia versus ≈$750 application + license in Michigan. Fingerprinting, insurance, and bond costs may apply in addition.
Do Georgia and Michigan have PI license reciprocity?
Georgia and Michigan do not have a formal reciprocity agreement — a licensee moving between them must meet the destination state's full requirements.
Expanding into Georgia or Michigan?
Get a personalized compliance checklist for your investigation business — every license, fee, deadline, and filing step for the states where you operate.
Get Regulatory Alerts
Be first to know when licensing rules change in your state
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.