Kansas Private Investigator License Requirements

Kansas makes you collect five sworn character references, each from someone who has known you at least five years, before the Attorney General will even review your application.

Kansas PI license at a glance

Item	Detail
Regulator	Kansas Attorney General
Law	K.S.A. 75-7b04
Age	21
Character	Good moral character; 5 or more references, each known to you 5+ years, none related, sworn before an officer
Fingerprints	Two sets; one goes to the KBI for state and national checks
Photos	Two recent photographs
Denial grounds	Felony conviction; listed crimes within 10 years; prior license problems; working unlicensed; false statements
Citizenship	The statute requires U.S. citizenship; AG Opinion 2004-7 says that requirement violates Equal Protection

What’s different here: the 5-year reference period can be shortened for an honorable discharge from U.S. military service within the prior 6 years.

Kansas PI license FAQ

How many references do I need?

Five.

Can a felony be waived?

A felony conviction is a ground for denial.

Verified against: K.S.A. 75-7b02, 75-7b04, 75-7b07, 75-7b11, 75-7b15 and 75-7b17. Last verified October 23, 2026.

Who regulates private investigators in Kansas

The Kansas Attorney General’s office licenses private detectives and private detective agencies under the Kansas Private Detective Licensing Act. The Private Detective Licensing Unit handles applications, fingerprint-based record checks and exams. Contact the unit at (785) 296-4240 for questions.

Kansas PI license types

License or credential	Who it is for
Private detective license (individual)	Individuals who meet the age, background and exam requirements
Private detective agency license	Businesses; each owner, officer or associate doing detective work also applies individually
Firearm permit	Licensees who carry a firearm on duty (separate training and permit)

How to get licensed in Kansas: step by step

1. Confirm you meet the age, citizenship, education and criminal history requirements.
2. Gather five references from people who have known you at least five years.
3. Complete the individual application with fingerprint-based record check authorization.
4. Pass the Attorney General’s written exam.
5. For an agency, file the notarized agency application with the $250 fee, business documents and the $100,000 bond, insurance or deposit.
6. Apply for a firearm permit if you will carry on duty.

Carrying a firearm as a Kansas investigator

Kansas investigators who carry a firearm on duty need a separate firearm permit. The statute requires recent law enforcement training, or firearm-handling and use-of-force training from an Attorney General-certified trainer within six months (K.S.A. 75-7b17). Confirm current requirements with the Attorney General’s office.

What a private investigator in Kansas can and can’t do

A PI license is a business license, not police authority. In Kansas, as everywhere in the U.S., private investigators generally cannot:

• Impersonate law enforcement or claim official authority.
• Trespass on private property to watch or photograph someone.
• Obtain bank, phone or other protected records by pretexting, which federal law prohibits.
• Hack accounts, read someone else’s email or install spyware.
• Place a tracking device on a vehicle where state law forbids it.
• Detain or arrest anyone beyond the citizen’s arrest rights every person has.

On recording, Kansas is not on the list of all-party consent states in a 2024 legal summary by the law firm Kilpatrick, which generally means one party to a conversation can record it. That does not allow recording conversations you are not part of, and other privacy laws still apply.

Kansas ineligibility and exemptions

The Private Detective Licensing Act makes law enforcement officers ineligible (K.S.A. 75-7b02) and lists exemptions in 75-7b03. Read them before assuming you are covered.

Kansas term, renewal and continuing education (75-7b07)

Licenses issued since July 1, 2004 expire two years from issuance and renew every two years. Renewal requires proof of at least eight hours of continuing education approved by the Attorney General, updated information, and a new photograph if the one on file is more than two years old. A license cannot be assigned to someone else.

Kansas financial security and records (75-7b11, 75-7b15)

An agency applicant needs a surety bond of at least $100,000, a certificate of at least $100,000 in general liability coverage, or a cash deposit of at least $100,000 with the state treasurer. It is conditioned on faithful and honest conduct, and a person harmed by the applicant’s unlawful acts can sue on the bond or deposit. Applicants who work for a licensee are exempt. Agencies must keep a complete record of business transactions for at least three years, and failing to obey an Attorney General subpoena is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

Kansas firearm permit details (75-7b17)

To get a permit you must show a need to carry a firearm to protect your own life or property or a client’s. You also need recent law enforcement training, or firearm-handling and use-of-force training from an Attorney General-certified trainer within six months, with proof sent to the Attorney General. The permit expires when your license expires. You must report any discharge other than test firing, training or target practice to the Attorney General within 24 hours, with a written report. The optional permit badge must say licensed private detective, must be surrendered within five days after you stop working or are suspended, and a loss must be reported within 72 hours.

Building a career as a Kansas investigator

Knowing the rules in Kansas is only the first step. Our guide to becoming a private investigator covers what comes after: building qualifying experience, choosing a niche, a realistic first year, writing reports clients trust, and the most common reasons license applications get delayed. For earnings, see our private investigator salary guide.

Starter gear. A practical starting point for surveillance work is a long-zoom camera such as the Nikon Coolpix P1000 and a pair of binoculars like the Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42. Our private investigator equipment list covers the rest of a starter kit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to be a private investigator in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas requires private detectives and agencies to be licensed by the Attorney General’s office.

How long does it take to become a PI in Kansas?

Because there is no fixed experience requirement, the main steps are the background check, references and exam, so licensing can be relatively quick.

What financial security does a Kansas PI agency need?

A $100,000 corporate surety bond, $100,000 in general liability insurance, or a $100,000 cash deposit with the state treasurer.

How long is a Kansas PI license valid?

Two years. Renewal requires at least eight hours of Attorney General-approved continuing education (K.S.A. 75-7b07).

How fast must a Kansas licensee report discharging a firearm?

Within 24 hours, with a written report, unless the discharge was test firing, training or target practice (K.S.A. 75-7b17).