How To Get a Private Investigator License Colorado

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State Licensing Authority

This article explains how to get a private investigator’s license in Colorado. It includes an overview of the state licensing authority and their contact information. In addition, it covers the general licensing requirements and reciprocity agreements with other states. Also, it includes recommended private investigator associations and suggested training resources.

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies governs private investigator licensing in the Colorado Office of Private Investigator Licensure. Licensure for Private Investigators is mandatory in Colorado, effective June 1, 2015.

The Office’s activities include licensing, investigation of complaints, determination of discipline, and enforcement of discipline for those who violate the Colorado Statutes and the Office of Private Investigator Licensure Rules.

Contact Information

Office of Private Investigator Licensure
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-7800
Fax: 303-894-2310
Email: dora_privateinvestigators@state.co.us
Website

Requirements to Get a Private Investigator License in Colorado

While the requirements to get a private investigator license in Colorado may change, here is a list of the general requirements. Please visit the website above for the most up-to-date list of requirements for the state.

Colorado requires a “Level 1” and “Level 2” private investigator. A Level 1 must

  • Be at least twenty-one years of age
  • Be lawfully present in the United States; and
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules affecting the ethics and activities of private investigators in this state by passing a jurisprudence examination developed and approved by the director.
  • Have fingerprints taken for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.

A Level 2 Private Investigator applicant must satisfy the license requirements of Level I. In addition, a Level II PI must have verifiable, applicable experience as a private investigator or equivalent experience with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, military police, the federal Bureau of Investigation, or other equivalent experience.

The director determines the amount and type of experience, including education, approved certificate programs, or other experience. Also, you must have fingerprints taken for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check. And you must pay license, renewal, and reinstatement fees.

Reciprocity

Colorado does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. The law explicitly disallows anyone to practice as a private investigator in Colorado without a license.

The Private Investigator’s Licensing Handbook: How to Get a Private Investigator License in any State
Considering a career as a private investigator? Dive into this book to explore services offered, learn about the work environment, career prospects, and salaries. Discover state-specific licensing requirements, training resources, and industry associations. Already a PI? Use it to learn about licensing in other states. Also, agencies can guide new hires through the licensing process. This edition includes enhanced training recommendations, suggestions for starting a new business chapter, and updated state info. It’s your essential starting point on the path to becoming a private investigator.

Colorado Private Investigator Associations

Colorado Society of Private Investigators – This association was formed by prominent Denver private eyes to elevate the private investigation profession. Visit the website for information on membership, association by-laws, meetings, schedules, private eye resources, and more.

Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) – Established in 1978, the PPIAC is dedicated to developing and maintaining professionalism for private investigators in Colorado. The Private Detective Association provides training opportunities and resources for private investigators statewide. The PPIAC also serves as a voice for P.I. in the state legislature.

Find a Job

If you’re ready to seek employment, view our directory of private eyes and investigation agencies in Colorado

Training and Education Resources

You must get the appropriate training and education to get a private investigator license in Colorado. There isn’t an official study guide for becoming a private investigator in Colorado. In addition to your knowledge and experience in private investigations, familiarize yourself with the information in these documents.

  • The Private Investigator Practices Act
  • Private Investigator Rules and Regulations
  • Mandatory Licensure FAQs

View our list of general Private Investigator Training Resources. Improve your chances of getting licensed by completing a degree or certification program, training course, or home study course. Learn what options are available to get the investigation knowledge necessary to get licensed.

Questions and Comments

If you have any questions about how to get a private investigator’s license in Colorado, please post a comment below.

4 COMMENTS

  1. How can an individual verify if a person is truly a private investigator in Colorado? There is a young woman on Instagram who is constantly, (daily), asking for “donations” and collecting money on her personal cash app, Venmo, PayPal, etc. from her “fans” and “followers” because she claims to be “saving children” and “putting her life at risk.” She might be, but refuses to show her certified licenses & only asks followers to share the amber alerts. She gets very offended & defensive if you ask about her education/experience & bans you from her page. Any guidance on how to go about verifying that this is not some scammer playing on people’s emotions about children? I truly hope my knee jerk feeling is wrong. Much appreciated.
    Her name is CJ.Dunning
    That is also her IG page

    • It’s hard to say whether or not she has a legitimate reason to ask for donations. That story may or may not be true. However, there are plenty of other charitable organizations that would greatly appreciate your donation.

      Regarding her license, you can look up the status of a private investigator license in Colorado here – https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx. It would be helpful to have something more than a name, preferably a license number. In many states, private investigators have to include their license number in advertising, websites, etc.

      You can also file a complaint on the site, if you feel it is warranted.

    • In many states, you can’t get a private investigator’s license if you’ve been convicted of a felony. Colorado’s rules and regulations regarding licensing are a little bit confusing on the topic. They list being convicted of a felony as a reason for losing your PI license, but don’t specifically state that you can’t get licensed. Visit the state licensing site for more information.

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