To become a licensed private investigator in Kansas, you must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old, pass the Private Detective Licensing Act Exam, carry a $100,000 surety bond or liability insurance policy, and submit a complete application to the Kansas Attorney General’s office. No prior investigative experience is required.
Kansas private investigators handle the work that courts, law firms, insurance companies, and private citizens need done but can’t do themselves. Law offices bring them in to gather evidence for civil and criminal cases. Insurers rely on them to document fraudulent claims. Private clients hire them to vet business partners, locate missing persons, or investigate infidelity. The range of the work is wide, and the impact is real.
The work draws people from law enforcement, the military, legal support, and insurance — careers where gathering facts and documenting evidence are already second nature. Kansas PIs work a broad range of private investigator careers: civil litigation support, insurance fraud investigation, missing persons, background checks, and corporate due diligence. The license opens the door to all of it.
Kansas private investigators are licensed by the Office of the Attorney General’s Private Detective Licensing Division. BLS occupational estimates reported approximately 270 private investigators employed in Kansas as of May 2024, with roughly 10 job openings projected annually through 2032. Here’s how to get your license.
Step 1. Initial Qualifications in Kansas
Before you fill anything out, confirm that you meet these minimum requirements. Kansas does not require prior investigative experience to apply. The exam and background investigation are how the state vets candidates.
- At least 21 years old and meeting Kansas legal eligibility requirements for licensure (contact the Attorney General for current citizenship or lawful-presence rules)
- High school diploma or GED
- No disqualifying felony convictions (certain convictions may trigger additional review by the Attorney General)
- No disqualifying misdemeanor convictions, particularly those involving moral turpitude or dishonesty
- Mentally competent to perform the duties of a private investigator
- Good moral character. Substance dependency affecting professional competency may affect eligibility.
Grounds for denial: The Attorney General may deny applications based on criminal history, failure to pass the background investigation, insufficient documentation, or other statutory disqualifiers. If you have a criminal record or questions about eligibility, contact the Licensing Unit directly before investing time in the application process.
A degree or certificate in a related field isn’t required, but it can strengthen your application and expand your career options. Private investigator training programs in the following areas are available online and across the state:
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Psychology
Step 2. Preparing for Your Application for Licensure in Kansas
The application is the same whether you plan to work for an established agency or operate independently. If you intend to own or manage an agency, you’ll also need to complete a separate agency application. Before you submit, you’ll need to prepare the following:
Private Detective Licensing Act Exam
The written exam is included with the initial application and covers three areas:
- The Private Detective Act
- Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.) 16-1-7 and 16-2-1(a) through 16-6-3
- Criminal use of weapons (K.S.A. 21-6302 (d)(3))
Proof of Financial Responsibility
You must show $100,000 in coverage through one of the following:
- Corporate surety bond
- General liability insurance covering bodily injury or property damage caused by negligence, errors, or omissions
- Cash deposit with the State Treasurer
Optional Firearms Permit
Carrying a firearm while working requires a separate Firearms Permit. To qualify:
- Complete a 16-hour training course covering lawful use of force and firearm handling (or provide proof of completion of a full-time law enforcement training course)
- Accurately fire 35 out of 50 rounds into the center of mass of a target at distances ranging from 3 to 75 feet
- Pay a $50 permit fee
Step 3. Submit Your Application to the Kansas Attorney General
Mail your complete application packet to the Attorney General’s Private Detective Licensing Unit in Topeka. Include every item listed below. Incomplete submissions will delay processing.
- Completed initial application form
- Completed Private Detective Licensing Act Exam
- Fingerprint cards and consent for a background investigation
- Proof of surety bond, liability insurance, or cash deposit
- Proof of education (high school diploma or GED)
- DD-214 (for military service personnel)
- Five personal references from U.S. citizens who have known you for at least five years
- Application fee: $250 to work for an agency or as an independent PI
- Application fee: $100 if you are an owner, partner, or associate of a PI agency
Licensing Unit contact: Kansas Attorney General’s Private Detective Licensing Unit, 120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor, Topeka, KS 66612. Phone: (785) 296-4240. Email: [email protected].
Step 4. Maintaining Your Practice in Kansas
Kansas PI licenses renew every two years. If you carry a firearm, your firearms permit follows the same two-year renewal cycle and requires a new qualification course. To renew, submit the following to the Attorney General:
- $175 fee and a completed PI renewal application
- $50 fee and a completed firearms permit renewal application (if carrying a weapon)
The Kansas Association of Licensed Investigators (KALI) is the state’s professional association for working PIs. Membership puts you in contact with peers, provides networking opportunities, and keeps you current on state regulatory changes and training options. For anyone building a PI career in Kansas, it’s worth joining early. If you’re also considering working across state lines, see our PI license requirements by state guide for reciprocity and multi-state options.
Private Investigator Salary Information for Kansas*
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators in Kansas earned a median annual salary of $45,020 as of May 2024. Those earning in the top 10% reached $64,990 annually. BLS occupational estimates reported approximately 270 PIs employed across the state.
Private Investigator Salaries in Kansas City, Wichita, and Rural Kansas
BLS data breaks Kansas PI earnings down by metro area. The table below shows May 2024 median and top-10% annual figures for the state’s three reporting regions.
| Area | PIs Employed | Median Annual Salary | Top 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS metro | 180 | $46,390 | $64,990 |
| Wichita | 70 | $41,450 | $81,510 |
| Rural Kansas | 60 | $42,100 | $58,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior investigative experience to get a Kansas PI license?
No. Kansas does not require prior investigative or law enforcement experience to apply for a private investigator license. You’ll need to pass the written exam, clear a background investigation, and meet the other eligibility requirements, but work history in the field is not a condition of licensure.
What is the Private Detective Licensing Act Exam?
It’s a written test included in the initial license application. The exam covers the Kansas Private Detective Act, Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R. 16-1-7 through 16-6-3), and the state’s laws on the criminal use of weapons. You study the statutes and regulations beforehand. The Attorney General’s office provides links to the relevant documents on its licensing page.
Can I carry a firearm while working as a Kansas PI?
Yes, but only with an approved Firearms Permit obtained separately from your PI license. You’ll need to complete a 16-hour use-of-force and firearm-handling course, pass a live-fire qualification (35 of 50 rounds on target at 3 to 75 feet), and pay a $50 permit fee. The permit renews on the same two-year cycle as your license.
How often do I need to renew my Kansas PI license?
Every two years. Renewal requires a completed renewal application and a $175 fee submitted to the Attorney General. If you hold a firearms permit, add the $50 firearms renewal fee and proof of a new qualification course.
How much do private investigators earn in Kansas?
The statewide median is $45,020 per year, according to May 2024 BLS data. The Kansas City metro area comes in slightly above that at $46,390. Wichita’s median is $41,450, but the city’s 90th-percentile annual wage estimate of approximately $81,510 is the highest in the state’s reported regions, suggesting strong earning potential for experienced investigators in that market.
Key Takeaways
- No experience required: Kansas doesn’t mandate prior investigative or law enforcement work to qualify for a license.
- The AG’s office runs licensing: Applications go to the Kansas Attorney General’s Private Detective Licensing Unit in Topeka, not the KBI.
- Exam is part of the application: The Private Detective Licensing Act Exam is included with the initial application and covers state statutes, administrative regulations, and weapons law.
- $100,000 coverage is required: You’ll need a surety bond, liability insurance, or a cash deposit with the State Treasurer before you can apply.
- Licenses renew every two years: Budget $175 for renewal. Add $50 if you carry a firearm.
- Kansas City pays above the state median: May 2024 BLS data puts the KC metro median at $46,390, with Wichita’s 90th-percentile estimate at approximately $81,510.
Ready to take the next step? Browse accredited criminal justice and investigative programs available in Kansas and online.
May 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Private Detectives and Investigators reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.