Private Investigator / Idaho
2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho Private Investigator License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Conducts investigations for private clients and attorneys.

What the Idaho data shows for Private Investigators

Becoming a licensed private investigator in Idaho means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 845 training hours, a passing score on State Private Investigator Exam, and 3 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Idaho regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Training or Experience".

The initial price tag is $97, and renewal costs $91 every 2 years. Idaho doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
52/100
Private Investigator · Idaho

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
845 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$97
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$46/yr
$91 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required F
3 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Training or Experience
845 hours
Exam Requirement
State Private Investigator Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$97
Renewal Fee
$91
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
3 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Private Investigator All Idaho licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Idaho licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Private Investigator in Idaho? ▼
Idaho requires 845 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Private Investigator Exam), and an initial fee of $97. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Private Investigator in Idaho? ▼
Certification as a private investigator in Idaho means clearing the state's checklist: 845 hours of education plus 3 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Idaho licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Idaho from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for private investigators: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Idaho licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Idaho require a background check for Private Investigator licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the private investigator licensing process in Idaho. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

What to do with this private investigator license

Private Investigator in Idaho, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a private investigator-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Idaho's private investigator requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Private Investigator in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state private investigator license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Idaho's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Idaho overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Idaho licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.