To become a licensed private investigator in Utah, you must be at least 21, pass a background check, document 2,000 hours of investigative experience, post a $10,000 surety bond, and submit an application to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. No formal education is required, but a criminal justice degree can strengthen your application and career prospects.
Utah’s private investigators work to reveal the truth one case at a time — whether collecting evidence on an insurance fraud claim, helping a wrongfully convicted person clear their name, or confirming a client’s suspicions about a spouse. The work runs the gamut: sifting through social media accounts for digital breadcrumbs, digging through public records, and good old-fashioned stakeouts with a camera ready to catch someone in the act.
 | Meet Basic Utah Licensure Prerequisites |
 | Meet Education and Experience Requirements in Utah |
 | Submit Utah Application and Necessary Documentation |
 | Now that you’re a Licensed Private Investigator in Utah |
The Utah Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) handles PI licensing statewide, covering everyone from Salt Lake City to Provo to St. George. The licensing process is straightforward once you know what to expect. This guide walks you through every step.
Step 1. Meet Basic Licensure Prerequisites for Private Investigators in Utah
Before you start the licensing process, confirm you meet Utah’s basic eligibility requirements. According to the BCI, you must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have the required investigative experience (see Step 2)
- Have the financial ability to post a surety bond
Every applicant goes through a full background investigation. Certain convictions may affect your eligibility, and the Private Investigator Hearing and Licensure Board reviews every application individually to make the final determination.
Step 2. Meet Education and Experience Requirements for Private Investigators in Utah
Experience
A registrant license requires at least 2,000 hours of documented investigative experience, roughly a year of full-time investigative work. You’ll verify those hours using the Verification of Investigative Experience Form, which must be submitted with your application.
The Apprentice Pathway
If you’re new to the field and haven’t yet built 2,000 hours, the apprentice license is your entry point. Apprentice applicants can be as young as 18 and must work for a licensed private investigation agency in Utah. You apply using the same application form (see Step 3) and select the apprentice option. Under this license, you work under direct supervision while logging your hours. Once you reach 2,000 hours, you’re eligible to apply for a full registrant license.
It’s a legitimate path into the field and how many Utah PIs get their start, particularly those coming from outside law enforcement or military backgrounds.
Education
No formal education is required to obtain a PI license in Utah. That said, a degree in criminal justice or a related field can work in your favor, both when building your application and when competing for positions at larger investigative firms or corporate security departments. See our guide to private investigator education paths for a breakdown of what different programs cover. Relevant degree programs include:
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Step 3. Submit an Application and Supporting Documentation for Licensure as a Private Investigator in Utah
Submit your completed application to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. You’ll find current forms on the BCI Private Investigator Forms page. Complete the application in full, sign it, and include all required supporting materials. Always verify current fees at bci.utah.gov/private-investigator-licensing/cost/ before submitting, as government fees change periodically.
Required Application Materials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $147 for a registrant or apprentice license (verify current fee at bci.utah.gov) |
| Passport photo | Recent color photo taken within the last 90 days |
| ID copy | A photocopy of your driver’s license or state identification card |
| Fingerprint card | One completed fingerprint card, available at the BCI office or through your local police department or sheriff’s office |
| Surety bond | Copy of a $10,000 surety bond referencing Utah Code Section 53-9-110. The bond must remain in force throughout the license period |
| Experience verification | Verification of Investigative Experience Form documenting 2,000 hours (registrant applicants only) |
Processing Timeline
Registrant and agency applications go through a full background investigation and are then reviewed by the Private Investigator Hearing and Licensure Board, which meets once per quarter. Your actual timeline depends on when the next board meeting falls after your complete file is received. Apprentice applications are faster: if there’s no disqualifying criminal history, the BCI issues the license within five business days of receiving a complete application.
Mail or deliver your complete application packet to: Bureau of Criminal Identification, 4315 South 2700 West, Suite 1300, Taylorsville, Utah 84129.
Step 4. Now That You’re a Licensed Private Investigator in Utah
With your Utah PI license in hand, you’re authorized to take on cases statewide. For a broader look at where licensed PIs work and what specialties are available, see our private investigator careers overview. A few things to keep in mind as you get started.
License Renewal
Utah PI licenses renew annually. Submit the renewal application with a $65 fee (registrant or apprentice) and proof of your active $10,000 surety bond. Utah does not require continuing education (CE) for PI license renewal. No courses or exams are required, just timely renewal and a current bond.
Opening a Private Investigation Agency in Utah
Once you’re established, you may want to go independent and open your own agency. Utah requires at least 5,000 documented hours of investigative experience to qualify for an agency license. When you’re ready, submit your application with the following:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $247, covers one agency and the owner or primary investigator (verify current fee at bci.utah.gov) |
| Passport photo | Color photo taken within the last 90 days |
| ID copy | Photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID |
| Fingerprint card | Completed fingerprint card |
| Liability insurance | Proof of liability insurance of at least $500,000, per Utah Code Ann. 53-9-109(2) and (3) |
| Workers’ compensation | Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable |
| Experience verification | Verification of Investigative Experience forms documenting at least 5,000 hours |
Mail everything to: Bureau of Criminal Identification, 4315 South 2700 West, Suite 1300, Taylorsville, Utah 84129. Agency renewals are $115 per year.
Private Investigator Salary and Job Outlook in Utah
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators in Utah earned a median annual salary of $51,130 as of May 2024, with a mean annual wage of $57,700. The top 10% in the state brought in $85,120 or more, reflecting what experienced, well-established investigators can command once they’ve built a solid client base and reputation. For a national comparison, see our full private investigator salary guide.
The job outlook for Utah PIs is strong. State employment projections show 25% growth for private investigators between 2022 and 2032, well above the national average, with roughly 60 job openings per year. That growth rate points to a field where demand for licensed professionals is outpacing supply.
Private Investigator Salaries in Ogden, Provo, Salt Lake City, and St. George
BLS data breaks down the May 2024 median to the top 10% earnings for Utah’s major metro areas as follows:
| Metro Area | Median Annual Salary | Top 10% Annual Salary | Employed PIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden, UT | $57,980 | $89,010 | 50 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $48,600 | $81,210 | 40 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $55,970 | $85,120 | 210 |
| St. George, UT | $41,080 | $79,480 | 40 |
Salt Lake City and Ogden lead on median pay, with SLC carrying the largest concentration of working PIs in the state by a wide margin. St. George sits lower on the salary scale, as expected for a smaller market, but the top-10% ceiling there still clears $79,000, leaving real room to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a PI license in Utah?
It depends on the license type. Apprentice applications are processed quickly: the BCI issues the license within five business days of receiving a complete application, provided there’s no disqualifying criminal history. Registrant and agency applications go through a full background investigation and are reviewed by the Private Investigator Hearing and Licensure Board, which meets quarterly. Plan your timeline around the next board meeting after your complete file is received.
Can I work as a PI in Utah without a license?
No. Utah law requires a license issued by the Bureau of Criminal Identification before you can legally provide investigative services for compensation. The one exception is the apprentice license, which allows you to work under the direct supervision of a licensed PI while you build the experience hours needed for a full registrant license.
What is the apprentice pathway, and how does it work?
The apprentice license lets people enter the field at 18 without prior investigative experience. You must be employed by a licensed Utah PI agency. Qualified applications are processed within five business days. Once you’ve documented 2,000 hours working under supervision, you’re eligible to upgrade to a registrant license.
Does Utah require continuing education to renew a PI license?
No. Utah does not require continuing education for PI license renewal. Annual renewal requires a $65 fee and proof of your active $10,000 surety bond. No courses, no exams. Just timely filing and a current bond.
Does Utah have PI license reciprocity with other states?
Utah generally requires investigators to hold a Utah license to work cases in the state. If you hold a license in another state and plan to work in Utah, contact the BCI directly to ask about any current reciprocity or recognition policies that may apply to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Age requirements differ by license type. Registrant applicants must be 21. Apprentice applicants can apply at 18.
- 2,000 hours is the registrant threshold. Documented investigative experience is the core requirement. The apprentice pathway lets you earn those hours on the job under supervision.
- No degree required. Utah doesn’t mandate formal education, but a criminal justice background strengthens your application and opens more doors.
- Verify fees before submitting. The current application fee is $147 for a registrant or apprentice license. Fees are subject to change, so confirm at bci.utah.gov.
- Timeline varies by license type. Apprentice licenses are issued within five business days. Registrant and agency applications go through a quarterly board review.
- Strong job growth. Utah projects 25% employment growth for PIs through 2032, one of the strongest state outlooks in the country.
Ready to start building your investigative career? Browse criminal justice programs in Utah and find the education that fits your path.
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.