50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in Michigan

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Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in Michigan. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

Michigan Security Company Licenses

Michigan Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Licensing Division
Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially from the date issued.

Michigan Security Alarm Contractor Agency License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Insurance Requirements:

In lieu of a surety bond, a licensee may have general liability insurance in amounts not less than $100,000 injury and death to 1 person and $200,000 injury and death to more than 1 person arising out of the operation of the licensed activity. 

Bond Requirements:

$25,000

Notes:

You must have a physical address in Michigan to obtain a Security Alarm Contractor Agency License. 

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$500

Required Attachments:
  • 5 reference statements
  • 2 passport-qualifying photos of the qualifying officer
  • Surety bond or certification of insurance
  • Michigan Certification of Good Standing
  • Entity Members Forms
  • Approval of County Sheriff or Chief of Police AND County Prosecuting Attorney where principal office is located 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Biennially by the last day of the month of initial issuance 

Required Attachments:
  • Surety bond or Certificate of Insurance
  • Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
  • Outstanding Employee Rosters

Individual Licenses

Michigan Individual Security Licenses

Michigan Private Investigator License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Licensing Division
Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially from the date issued.

Notes:

Renewal forms are provided by the board.

Learn about security licensing in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.

Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.

Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.

Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.

United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.

Revised February 15, 2026