50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
A covert man taking photographs from the inside of a car

Private Investigator Licensing in Illinois

A private investigator listening to a clients issue

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

Company Licenses

Illinois Security Company Licenses

Illinois Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Division of Professional Regulation - Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Detective Agency Registration

Agency Fee:

$500

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$450

Due:

Triennially by August 31.

Individual Licenses

Illinois Individual Security Licenses

Illinois Private Investigator License

Agency:Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Division of Professional Regulation - Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Detective Application

Agency Fee:

$500

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

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.

© 2012 - 2021 Harbor Compliance. All rights reserved. Harbor Compliance does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Use of our services does not create an attorney-client relationship. Harbor Compliance is not acting as your attorney and does not review information you provide to us for legal accuracy or sufficiency. Access to our website is subject to our Terms of Use and Service Agreement.