Private investigator licensing in Missouri

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Missouri. Missouri has licensed private investigators and agencies statewide since 2007 through a board in the Division of Professional Registration. Applicants must be at least 21, US citizens, carry at least $250,000 of liability insurance (plus workers' compensation or a written exemption) and pass a fingerprint background check. The 100-question state exam (70% pass mark, $80) applies only to applicants who cannot show 2 years of lawful practice in the past 3 years, and is also waived for applicants qualifying by reciprocity and for POST-certified law enforcement officers.

Missouri Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners (Division of Professional Registration), under RSMo 324.1100-324.1148; 20 CSR 2234.

At least 21.

No minimum; 2 years of lawful practice within the past 3 years exempts you from the exam

Yes, applicants must pass an exam.

At least $250,000 liability insurance (certificate from a Missouri-licensed insurer naming the board as certificate holder) plus workers' compensation, or a written statement that the business is exempt

Every 2 years ($400); the PI reporting cycle ends 28 February of even years, with 16 hours of board-approved CE

Application $500; renewal $400 every 2 years; exam $80 (only if required); agency licence $400 (renewal $300); agency employee licence $100 (renewal $50); fingerprints charged separately by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's vendor

1. Check you meet the rules: at least 21, US citizen, $250,000 liability insurance and workers' compensation (or a written exemption) 2. Register with MACHS (registration number 5415) and have your fingerprints taken 3. Ask every state where you hold or held a PI licence to send a licence verification to the board 4. Send the notarised application (form 375-1142) with a passport-style photo, insurance certificates, Social Security disclosure form and the $500 fee 5. If the board finds you lack 2 years of lawful practice in the past 3 years, sit the monthly exam in Jefferson City ($80) within a year of approval 6. Apply separately for an agency licence (form 375-1150) if you will employ other investigators

No temporary or per-case permit exists; RSMo 324.1104 makes it unlawful to do private investigator work in Missouri without a Missouri licence.

RSMo 324.1144 lets the board sign reciprocal agreements with other states, but the board publishes none. Applicants licensed in another state can qualify under Missouri's general reciprocity law (RSMo 324.009), which also exempts them from the exam.

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