States that don't require a private investigator licence
45 of the 50 states and DC require a licence to work as a private investigator. The rest either have no specific licence or leave it to cities and counties. General business, privacy and criminal law still apply everywhere.
No specific licence
3No state PI licence. You still need the usual business registration, and some cities may add their own rules.
Local licensing only
3No statewide licence, but some cities or counties license investigators. Check where you are based.
Countries without PI licensing
No specific licence
9Local or regional licensing
1Reference information, not legal advice. Confirm with the regulator or a lawyer before you act. Back to the Licensing Atlas