How to Become a Private Investigator in Missouri? (Licensing Explained)

Your PI career in Missouri starts here! This guide details the steps to becoming a licensed private investigator, from qualifications and experience to the application process and state exam. Uncover the ins and outs of this exciting field, including salary potential and tips for success.

Becoming a private investigator (PI) in Missouri can be a rewarding and exciting career choice for those with a keen eye for detail and a passion for investigative work. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to becoming a licensed PI in Missouri, from understanding the basic requirements and acquiring the necessary experience to navigating the application process and passing the state licensing exam.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Private Investigator in Missouri?

To become a private investigator in Missouri, you need to meet several requirements set by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, specifically managed under the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners. Here are the basic qualifications you’ll need to meet in order to become a licensed PI in Missouri.

Basic Requirements

• Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: You must have a high school diploma or an equivalent (GED).
• Relevant Experience: You need at least two years of work experience in the private investigation field. This can include experience as a law enforcement officer, investigator for a licensed private investigator, or other relevant professional experience.
• Surety Bond: Obtain a $250,000 surety bond as required by the state.

What Disqualifies You from Becoming a PI in Missouri?

Several factors can disqualify you from becoming a private investigator in Missouri. These disqualifications are mainly related to your legal and criminal background, as well as your professional and personal conduct. Here are the key disqualifiers.

Criminal Background

1. Felony Convictions: Any felony conviction will disqualify you from obtaining a private investigator license.
2. Crimes of Moral Turpitude: Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, which generally include offenses that involve dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or immoral conduct, will disqualify you.
3. Serious Misdemeanors: Certain serious misdemeanor convictions, especially those related to theft, violence, drug offenses, or other crimes that suggest a lack of good moral character, can also be disqualifying.

Professional Conduct

1. Revocation of Previous Licenses: If you have had a private investigator license or any professional license revoked in Missouri or any other state, this could disqualify you.
2. Professional Misconduct: Evidence of professional misconduct or unethical behavior in previous employment or professional roles may also disqualify you.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

1. Failure to Disclose: Failing to disclose required information on the application, like past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions, can result in disqualification.
2. Fraudulent Applications: Providing false information or documentation in your application process will lead to disqualification.

Other Disqualifiers

1. Inability to Obtain a Surety Bond: If you cannot secure the required surety bond, you may be disqualified from obtaining a license.
2. Lack of Required Experience: Not meeting the minimum experience requirements (two years in a relevant field) can disqualify you.
3. Failure to Pass the Exam: Not passing the Missouri Private Investigator licensing exam will prevent you from becoming licensed.

Health and Mental Fitness

1. Mental Incompetency: If there is evidence of mental incompetency that affects your ability to perform the duties of a private investigator, you may be disqualified.

Citizenship and Residency

1. Non-U.S. Citizen Without Legal Residency: If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have legal residency status, you cannot obtain a PI license in Missouri.

How to Gain Relevant Private Investigative Experience

Gaining the necessary experience to become a private investigator in Missouri involves a combination of education, relevant work experience, and practical training. Here are the steps and methods you can use to acquire the experience needed to meet Missouri's requirements.

Education

• Post-Secondary Education: While not mandatory, pursuing a degree or coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field can be beneficial. These programs often cover investigative techniques, criminal law, and ethics, providing a strong foundation for a career in private investigation. These programs are usually more than satisfactory for meeting the minimum experience requirements.

Relevant Work Experience

• Law Enforcement: Serving as a police officer, detective, or in another law enforcement role provides valuable investigative experience. Skills gained in these positions, like interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and conducting surveillance, are directly transferable to private investigation work.
• Military Service: Working in military police or intelligence roles can also provide relevant investigative experience.
• Security Services: Positions in security, like a security guard or loss prevention specialist, can offer practical experience in monitoring, reporting, and handling security incidents.
• Investigative Roles: Jobs with investigative duties, like insurance fraud investigator, legal investigator, or claims adjuster, count towards the required experience. These roles involve many of the same skills and tasks as private investigation.

Training Programs and Internships

• Internships: Seek internships or trainee positions with established private investigation agencies. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced investigators.
• Training Programs: Enroll in professional training programs or courses specifically designed for aspiring private investigators. These programs often cover essential skills like surveillance techniques, report writing, and legal aspects of private investigation.

How to Become a Private Investigator in Missouri

To become a licensed private investigator in Missouri, you need to follow a series of steps set forth by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Here’s a quick breakdown of the required steps.

1. Complete the PI Application

Complete and submit the application form provided by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Include your full name as it will appear on your license, as well as your official business mailing address and physical business address.

2. Submit a SSN Disclosure Form

In order for the board to conduct a thorough background check, you’ll need to complete and submit a Social Security Number Disclosure Form.

3. Submit a Passport Style Photo

Provide a recent photo of yourself. Photo should be approximately a 2” by 2” color headshot picture on a plain white background.

4. Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check

You must register online with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) prior to having your fingerprints collected. Once registered, you’ll need to follow their instructions for collecting your fingerprints. The MDPR should receive results within 1‐2 weeks after you have your fingerprints collected by MACHS.

5. Obtain a Surety Bond

Private investigators in Missouri must carry a minimum of $250,000 liability insurance. You’ll need to obtain and submit proof of your surety bond with your application. The Certificate of Insurance must list the MO Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners as a certificate holder.

6. Pay the Application Fee

You’ll also need to pay the non-refundable $500 application fee upon submission of the application and your documents.

7. Pass the Licensing Exam

After reviewing your application, the board will let you know whether you need to take the PI exam based on your relevant experience. You must pass the Missouri Private Investigator licensing exam, which tests your knowledge of state laws, investigation techniques, and professional ethics. You’ll need to pay a non-refundable $80 exam fee.

The Missouri state PI exam covers a lot of information so it’s important to be prepared! Check out the Missouri Investigator State Exam Prep from NITA so you can take the exam with confidence.

How Much Can You Make as a PI in Missouri?

Private investigators in Missouri can expect to make a decent living, with significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employment type. Starting salaries may be modest, but with experience and a good reputation, earnings can increase substantially.

As of 2024, entry-level private investigators in Missouri can expect to earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. The median salary for a mid-level PI in Missouri is $50,637 which is on par with the national average. Highly experienced private investigators, particularly those with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas, can potentially make up to $70,000 or more annually.

Decoding the Licensing Process

Becoming a private investigator in Missouri is a journey that requires dedication, the right education, and valuable hands-on experience. By meeting the state's requirements, obtaining relevant work experience, and passing the licensing exam, you can unlock the door to a rewarding and dynamic career. Whether you're drawn to uncovering hidden truths, solving complex cases, or providing essential services to those in need, the path to becoming a PI in Missouri is filled with opportunities for growth and professional fulfillment.

When you’re ready to enhance your career as a private investigator, choose NITA! We have an extensive selection of state-approved continuing education courses to sharpen your skills and keep you in good standing as a PI in Missouri.

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