Private Investigator Licensing in Texas
Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in Texas. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Texas Security Company Licenses
Texas Class B Security Contractor Company License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: |
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| Notes: | Once the application is initiated, each stakeholder will receive an email requiring them to fill out their stakeholder application. |
| Background Check Requirements: | ACCESS PREMIUM DATA |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $412 company license fee + $57 per shareholder |
| Due: | Annually by last day of the month of initial registration |
Texas Private Investigation Agency License
| Agency: | Texas Department of Public Safety |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $361 for investigation only license or $556 for investigations and other services. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $361 for investigation only license or $556 for investigations and other services. |
| Due: | Annually by the last day of the month of issuance. |
Individual Licenses
Texas Individual Security Licenses
Texas Electronic Access Control Device Installer
| Agency: | Texas Department of Public Safety - Regulatory Services Division - Private Security Program |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: |
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| Notes: | This must be linked to an existing business license. |
| Background Check Requirements: | ACCESS PREMIUM DATA |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $37 |
| Due: | Biennially by date of issuance |
Texas Private Investigator License
| Agency: | Texas Department of Public Safety |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $57 for owners, officers, or partners of a firm and $37 for other investigators. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $57 for owners, officers, or partners of a firm and $37 for other investigators. |
| Due: | Biennially by the date issued. |
Learn about security licensing in other states:
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.
