Missouri’s private investigator license is issued by the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and able to secure $250,000 in liability insurance. The process includes a criminal background investigation, a written application, and a 75-question licensing examination.
Missouri’s private investigators are the pros on speed dial when attorneys need to build evidence for personal injury and civil liability cases, when insurers need to crack open fraud claims, and when companies need solid background investigations on prospective hires. Surveillance work, missing persons, process serving, and asset searches: Missouri PIs handle a wide range of cases that keep the legal system and private sector moving.
The Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners, through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, licenses and regulates professional investigators in the state. Missouri has required a PI license since 2007. The four steps below walk you through everything from minimum qualifications to maintaining your license once you’re working.
 | Meet Minimum Requirements in Missouri |
 | Apply for a Private Investigator License in Missouri |
 | Pass Missouri’s Written Examination |
 | Get to Work and Maintain Your Missouri License |
Step 1. Meet Minimum Requirements in Missouri
Before you apply, confirm you meet the Board’s minimum qualifications for individual licensure:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must be a citizen of the United States.
- You must be capable of securing $250,000 in liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- You must have a physical business location in Missouri that the Board can contact you at.
All applicants undergo a criminal background investigation. A felony conviction will disqualify you from licensure, as will convictions for crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit. Former military members who received a dishonorable discharge should confirm their eligibility with the Board before applying. If you have a criminal record and aren’t sure whether it affects your eligibility, Missouri’s Fresh Start Act (RSMo 324.012) gives applicants the right to petition the Board for a pre-licensure determination before submitting a full application. Contact the Board directly at pr.mo.gov/pi.asp to initiate that process.
Missouri also issues a separate Agency Investigator Employee license for individuals working under the direct supervision of a licensed PI agency. If you plan to start your career by joining an established firm rather than practicing independently, contact the Board about this alternative path and its specific requirements. ⚠️ Verify current Agency Investigator Employee license requirements directly with the Board before applying.
A college degree isn’t required to become a licensed PI in Missouri, but many candidates pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field before applying. Formal education builds a foundation in investigative law, evidence handling, and report writing. You’ll draw on the skills you developed in your first case.
Step 2. Apply for a Private Investigator License in Missouri
Missouri transitioned to its MOPRO online licensing platform in January 2025. New applicants should register and submit their application through the Board’s official website. ⚠️ Verify the current application process and form availability directly with the Board. The MOPRO transition may affect how materials are submitted.
Regardless of submission method, your application package must include the following:
- $500 application fee (check or money order payable to the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners)
- Two passport-style photographs
- Proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance of no less than $250,000
- A complete set of fingerprints. You may have your fingerprints electronically collected by registering with the Missouri Automated Criminal History site and scheduling an appointment through Cogent 3M at machs.mo.gov
Once the Board receives your application and supporting documentation, you’ll get an email confirming when your file has been queued for review.
Step 3. Pass Missouri’s Written Examination
After the Board reviews your application and confirms you meet the minimum qualifications, you’ll receive instructions on scheduling the written examination. The exam is not scheduled in advance. The Board does not send an examination application or study guide until after your application has been approved.
The written examination consists of 75 questions in two areas:
- Current rules and regulations governing private investigation in Missouri: 55 questions
- General private investigator practices: 20 questions
You have two hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70 percent to pass. The exam is administered by the Division of Professional Registration at 3605 Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City. The examination fee is $80 and is submitted with your exam application.
Step 4. Get to Work and Maintain Your Missouri License
Once you pass the exam, the Board issues your Missouri PI license, and you’re authorized to practice. From there, a few professional moves are worth making early.
The Missouri Association of Private Investigators (MAPI) is the state’s primary professional association for licensed PIs. Membership connects you with experienced investigators, training resources, and a network that can be valuable as you build your client base. Many Missouri PIs also pursue ASIS International’s Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) designation, a nationally recognized credential that carries weight with attorneys, insurers, and corporate clients.
To keep your license active, you must complete at least 16 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. All renewals are processed online through the Board’s MOPRO portal at pr.mo.gov/pi.asp.
Private Investigator Salary in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators in Missouri earned a median annual salary of $43,780 as of May 2024, with a mean annual salary of $49,750. The state employed an estimated 450 PIs. Missouri’s job outlook for the profession is solid: BLS data projects employment to grow from 770 positions in 2022 to approximately 820 by 2032, a 6.5 percent increase, with about 80 annual job openings statewide.
Private Investigator Salaries in Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis
Salaries vary across Missouri’s three major metro markets. The table below shows May 2024 BLS figures for median annual earnings, the 75th percentile, and the top 10% threshold for each area.
| Metro Area | Median Annual Salary | 75th Percentile | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $46,390 | $59,340 | $64,990 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $44,510 | $60,370 | $73,950 |
| Springfield, MO | $40,900 | $49,830 | $60,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to get a private investigator license in Missouri?
To become a licensed PI in Missouri, you must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and capable of securing $250,000 in liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You must also have a physical business location in the state. All applicants undergo a criminal background investigation. Once your application is approved by the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners, you must pass a 75-question written examination before your license is issued.
Do I need prior experience to become a PI in Missouri?
The Board’s published minimum qualifications for individual licensure do not list a prior experience requirement. The written examination is what the Board uses to verify your knowledge of Missouri PI law and practice. That said, if you plan to join a licensed agency rather than practice independently, the Agency Investigator Employee license has its own requirements. Confirm current requirements directly with the Board at pr.mo.gov/pi.asp before you apply.
What does the Missouri PI licensing exam cover?
The written examination has 75 questions, split between two areas: 55 on current Missouri rules and regulations governing private investigation and 20 on general PI practices. You have two hours to complete it and need at least a 70 percent score to pass. The Board does not provide the exam application or a study guide until after your license application has been approved.
How much do private investigators earn in Missouri?
According to BLS data from May 2024, the median annual salary for private investigators in Missouri is $43,780. In the St. Louis metro area, the median is $44,510, with top earners reaching $73,950. Kansas City comes in at a median of $46,390. Springfield is lower at $40,900, though experienced investigators there can earn up to $60,530.
How often do Missouri PI licenses need to be renewed?
Missouri PI licenses must be renewed every two years. As a condition of renewal, you must complete at least 16 hours of Board-approved continuing education during each two-year cycle. Renewals are processed online through the Board’s MOPRO portal.
Key Takeaways
- Licensing required since 2007 — The Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners, through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, issues all individual PI licenses.
- Core qualifications — You must be 21 or older, a U.S. citizen, able to secure $250,000 in liability insurance, and have a physical business address in Missouri.
- Background check is mandatory — Felony convictions and crimes involving dishonesty or fraud are disqualifying. Applicants with a criminal record can petition the Board under the Fresh Start Act before applying.
- 75-question written exam, 70% to pass — The $80 exam covers Missouri PI regulations and general investigative practices. The Board schedules it only after your application is approved.
- 16 hours of CE every two years — Continuing education is required to keep your license active. All renewals are completed online through the MOPRO portal.
Ready to take the first step? Browse criminal justice and PI-related programs in Missouri to build the skills and background that will strengthen your application.
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.