Kentucky Private Detective Licensing Requirements
Private investigator licensing in the state of Kentucky is handled by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators.
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators serves to promote, preserve, and protect public safety and welfare through effective regulation of the practice of private investigations.
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators accomplishes this mission through the examination, testing, and licensing of prospective professional investigators. Also, the board is responsible for the regulation and discipline of all licensed private detectives; and through appropriate communication of information and laws pertaining to the practice of private investigations in Kentucky.
Licensing Authority Contact Information
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators
911 Leawood Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Telephone: 502-782- 8809
Fax: 502-696- 4961
Email: Sandy.Deaton@Ky.Gov
Minimum Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements to get a license in the state. Please visit the state website for the most up-to-date, as these requirements may change.
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Be of good moral character
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident alien
- If you have any felony convictions, ten years must have passed since the completion of your sentence
- No convictions for crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude within the past five years
- If you are a military veteran you must not have been dishonorably discharged
- Be of sound mental capacity
- No misdemeanor or higher convictions within the past three years for crimes involving controlled substances
- May not have been enrolled in a facility or program for substance abuse in the past three years
- May not chronically or habitually use alcohol or drugs
Again, these 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.
Kentucky Associations
Kentucky Professional Investigators Association (KPIA) – Kentucky’s officially recognized organization of professional investigators. The KPIA association and website provide a variety of helpful resources for existing and aspiring private eyes.
Investigation Agencies in Kentucky
Connect with investigation agencies in Kentucky to find a sponsor to help you gain investigation experience to meet the state licensing requirements. Use the same list when you start looking for a job.
Training Information
Training Resources – Improve your chances of getting licensed by completing a degree program, training program, or home study course. Learn what options are available to get the investigative knowledge necessary to get a license.
Questions and Additional Information
If you have any questions about how to get a private investigator’s license in Kentucky, please post a comment below. If you’re interested in learning about the licensing requirements for other states, check out the Private Investigator’s Licensing Handbook.
hi i think i want to try my hand at private investigations i am 53 yrs of age and with nothing to do i believe i can help those with out any answers to their problems i am a people person i can get along with 99 % of all people
Do you need to work in a firm before you can obtain a license in Kentucky? My friend and I were looking into starting our own PI firm using his military training and nothing is clear about it.
Based on the information on the website for the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators, it is not clear. The application form for a private investigator license asks for the name of the investigation company that you work for. However, it does not specifically state that it is a requirement. I would recommend that you contact the Board for more information. Their telephone number is 502-892-4257 and their email address is.pi@ky.gov.