Kansas Licensing Requirements
If you’re interested in becoming a private investigator in the state of Kansas, the following information will be quite helpful in getting started. Private investigator licensing in the state of Kansas is handled by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office Private Detective Licensing Unit. Their contact information is as follows:
Private Detective Licensing Unit
120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612-1597
(785) 296-4240
Fax: (785) 368-6468
To become a licensed private investigator in the state, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must be a citizen of the United States
- You must be a good moral character.
- You must have graduated from high school or have a General Education Diploma (GED) certificate.
- You must not have any felony convictions. No misdemeanor convictions within the past ten years.
- Must verify that you are not incompetent, incapacitated, or impaired by reason of mental condition, deficiency, or disease.
- Must not be addicted to, dependent on, or abusive of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- All Private Detectives must have a $100,000 corporate surety bond, or general liability insurance providing $100,000 of coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by negligence and errors or omissions, or deposit $100,000 with the State Treasurer.
- Must pass an open book examination on the Private Detective Licensing Act.
- Must pass a background investigation
Requirements may change, so please visit the website for the most up-to-date instructions related to the licensing application process. Other special licensing requirements such as education requirements, experience requirements, examinations, and insurance may be required. Check the state licensing website for specific details or check out the Private Investigator’s Licensing Handbook.
Join a Kansas Private Investigator Association
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or you’re just starting a career, an industry association is a great way to learn more about the profession, get access to training and development opportunities, and network with others who do similar work. The best place to start in the state is the Kansas Association of Private Investigators.
Also known as KAPI, The Kansas Association of Private Investigators is a non-profit corporation that was formed to establish and perpetuate high ethical and professional standards and excellence of professional service in the private investigative industry in accordance with the association’s Code of Ethics.
Another greater resource is the Kansas Association of Licensed Investigators, which is a comprehensive organization of detectives and investigative agencies serving the citizens and other organizations for all of their investigative needs.
List of Investigation Agencies in Kansas
View a list of existing private investigation agencies in Kansas. Our directory may also help you find an agency to sponsor your training and certification efforts, and help you comply with state licensing requirements.
Additional Information
Training Resources – Improve your chances of getting licensed by completing a professional degree program, training course, or home study course. Learn what options are available to get the investigative knowledge necessary to get licensed and begin your career.
If you have any questions about how to get a private investigator’s license in Kansas, please post a comment below.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation no longer handles licensing for Private Investigators. This is now through the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Please update your website with the following information.
Private Detective Licensing Unit
120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612-1597
(785) 296-4240
Fax: (785) 368-6468