50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in Montana

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

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Company Licenses

Montana Security Company Licenses

Montana Contract Security Company License

Agency:Montana Board of Private Security
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Contract companies and proprietary organizations must maintain a minimum of $500,000.00 occurrence form of commercial general liability which includes personal injury and for Electronic Security Companies, errors and omissions coverage.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Propriety Security Organization Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contract Security Company Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by March 1.

Montana Private Investigation Agency License

Not required



Private Investigation Agency licensure is not required on the State level in Montana.

Montana does not currently license private investigator firms, but individual licenses are required.

More information: Montana Board of Private Security

Montana Propriety Security Organization License

Agency:Montana Board of Private Security
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Contract companies and proprietary organizations must maintain a minimum of $500,000.00 occurrence form of commercial general liability which includes personal injury and for Electronic Security Companies, errors and omissions coverage.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Propriety Security Organization Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

Form:

Propriety Security Organization Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by March 1.

Individual Licenses

Montana Individual Security Licenses

Montana Private Investigator License

Agency:Montana Board of Private Security

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Private Investigator

Agency Fee:

$250 application fee + $20 exam fee + $50 armed endorsement (optional)

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$175

Due:

Annually by March 1.

Montana Resident Manager License

Agency:Montana Board of Private Security
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Resident Manager Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$175 application fee + $20 exam fee.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Resident Manager Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Annually by March 1.

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.

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