Private investigator licensing in Iowa

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Safety licenses private investigation businesses, and each employee doing investigative work needs a state-issued identification card through the licensed agency. There is no experience, education or exam requirement: applicants must be 18, must not be a peace officer, and must have no felony or aggravated misdemeanour convictions. The agency files a $5,000 surety bond and proof of liability insurance, and investigators complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2-year licence period.

Iowa Department of Public Safety, Program Services Bureau (Administrative Services Division), under Iowa Code Chapter 80A; 661 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 121.

At least 18.

No state exam is required.

$5,000 surety bond ($10,000 if licensed for more than one business type) plus proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance certificate)

Every 2 years; file renewal form PD3 with fingerprints at least 30 days before expiry, plus 12 hours of continuing education

Agency licence $100 per licence type for 2 years; employee ID card $10 each; fingerprint processing $30 (one licence and one licensee: $140); 90-day temporary permit $100

1. Register the business with the Iowa Secretary of State (LLC or corporation) or record any trade name with the county recorder 2. Get a $5,000 surety bond (form PD6) and a certificate of liability insurance in the agency's name 3. Create a DPS Licensing Portal account and submit the 'Start Your Own Company' application 4. Submit the full PD1 licence application with bond, insurance, photo and fees 5. Submit fingerprints on FD-258 cards or through a DPS-approved vendor 6. Complete the licensing requirements overview DPS sends after background checks; the licence and ID card are then emailed

Out-of-state agencies can get a 90-day, non-renewable temporary permit ($100) if their home state has similar requirements and grants Iowa reciprocal privileges; their employees still need Iowa ID cards

Agencies licensed in a state with similar requirements that grants Iowa licensees the same privilege can get a 90-day, non-renewable temporary permit ($100); they must still file the full application, bond, insurance and fingerprints (661 IAC 121.23).

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