Private investigator licensing in Arkansas

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Arkansas. The Arkansas State Police licenses private investigation companies (Class A, or Class D for a one-person company) and issues Credentialed Private Investigator (CPI) credentials to individuals, who must work under the qualified manager of a licensed Class A company. Applicants must be at least 18, clear state and FBI background checks and pass a State Police exam with 70 per cent or more; company managers also need two years' investigative experience or an approved 210-hour course.

Arkansas State Police, Regulatory Services Division (Private Investigators and Private Security), under Ark. Code Ann. 17-40-101 et seq. (Act 393 of 2015, as revised to 5 August 2025); Code of Arkansas Rules 17 CAR Part 350.

At least 18.

Company licence or manager: 2 consecutive years in the investigative field with an investigations company, or 2 years as a licensed bail bondsman plus a bachelor's degree; Class A/D applicants without this can complete a 210-hour course of instruction (17 CAR 350-1102)

Yes, applicants must pass an exam.

No liability insurance requirement for Class A or D investigation companies (the $500,000 rule applies to Class B, C and G)

Every 2 years; renew no more than 90 days before expiry; licences more than 6 months expired cannot be renewed

CPI credential $450 initial (includes one exam), $150 renewal, $75 transfer; Class A company licence $600 initial, $300 renewal ($150 late); Class D (one-person) $300 initial, $150 renewal ($75 late); re-exam $50; state and FBI background check fees extra (federal fee rose to $13 on 1 October 2026)

1. Check you meet the requirements (age 18+, no disqualifying convictions) and, for a company or manager, the 2-year experience rule or 210-hour course 2. Download the current (10-2026) application from the State Police page - older versions became invalid on 1 October 2026 3. Submit it with two passport photos, two fingerprint cards, the Authority to Release form and fees; a CPI application is filed through the qualified manager of a Class A company 4. Sit the proctored State Police exam in Little Rock (Tuesdays, 9am) and score 70 per cent or more; officers with 5 consecutive years in law enforcement are exempt 5. Receive your credential by email and renew every two years

A PI licensed in another state may work in Arkansas for up to 10 calendar days without an Arkansas credential after notifying the State Police in writing when the investigation begins (17 CAR 350-1110; notification form can be faxed to 501-618-8125)

Reciprocal licensing with Tennessee, Louisiana and Oklahoma (credential without exam on proof of good standing); out-of-state licensees may also work up to 10 calendar days after notifying the State Police

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