Private investigator licensing in Alabama

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Alabama. The Alabama Private Investigation Board licenses individual private investigators, and since 1 January 2024 any business that employs or contracts with investigators also needs a private investigation agency licence. Applicants must be at least 21, have two years' relevant experience, education or training (including 120 hours of field experience, or a completed apprenticeship), pass the Board's PSI exam and clear ALEA and FBI fingerprint checks. Felony and moral-turpitude convictions disqualify.

Alabama Private Investigation Board, under Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 25B (Alabama Private Investigation Regulatory Act); Ala. Admin. Code ch. 741-X-4.

At least 21.

2 years' experience, education or training (or a combination) including 120 hours of practical field experience, in special investigations, law enforcement, a 2-year related degree, or a completed apprentice programme (Code of Ala. 34-25B-12(7), added by Act 2023-397)

Yes, applicants must pass an exam.

Every 2 years ($300); renew before expiry, with a 30-day late window ($200 late fee); 16 hours CE per licence period

Application $100 (one-time); ALEA/FBI background check $37 (money order to ALEA); licence $300 for 2 years, paid after passing the exam; renewal $300; late renewal $200; exam fee paid separately to PSI. Agency licence: $50 (up to 2 investigators) or $200 (3 or more) for 2 years; out-of-state agency up to $500 by statute

The Board aims to respond to a complete application within 10 business days (Board's stated time); total time depends on exam scheduling

1. Check you meet the rules: age 21+, no felony or moral-turpitude conviction, and 2 years' qualifying experience, education or training including 120 field hours (or do the apprentice route from age 18) 2. Complete the paper application (License by Credential checklist), get it notarised and enclose proof of citizenship or lawful presence, a photo and three fingerprint card sets 3. Mail it to the APIB in Montgomery with the $100 application fee and a $37 money order to ALEA for the background check 4. Once approved, use the Exam Eligibility Notice to book and pass the PSI licensing exam 5. Send proof of passing and the $300 licence fee to the Board to receive your two-year licence 6. If you run a business that employs or contracts investigators, also apply for a private investigation agency licence

Investigators licensed in Tennessee or Florida (and, per Georgia's board, Georgia) may work a case that originated in their home state for up to 30 days per agency per case per year without an Alabama licence; no soliciting business. Florida's agreement requires affiliation with a licensed agency and bars carrying firearms. Others need an Alabama licence

Limited licence recognition agreements with Tennessee and Florida (and listed by Georgia's board): licensed investigators may follow a case that began in their home state for up to 30 days per agency per case per year

Alabama is a one-party consent state: you can generally record a conversation you are part of without telling the others.