NOTE: The following information is a guide to the licensing requirements of the individual states. Wherever possible, there is a link to the actual state's law. HOWEVER, in many jurisdictions there are city and/or county regulations that may apply. In most areas that do not require licensing, it is at least necessary to obtain a business license. Double check all information, as it is subject to change.

DO NOT ADVERTISE OR OFFER YOUR SERVICES FOR SALE UNLESS YOU HAVE OBTAINED A LICENSE, IF ONE IS REQUIRED IN YOUR STATE. MOST JURISDICTIONS HAVE STIFF PENALTIES FOR DOING SO, AND MANY PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS ARE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR UNLICENSED COMPETITORS. IT IS ILLEGAL IN MOST STATES TO PRACTICE OR SOLICIT BUSINESS OVER THE INTERNET WITHOUT THE APPLICABLE LICENSE.

Links to P.I. Associations or P.O. Box #'s for each state:

http://www.oregonpi.com/licensing.html

Laws, Licensing Requirements, state by state:

http://www.pimagazine.com/private_investigator_license_requirements.html