Colorado Private Investigators Licensing Requirements
The requirements to get a PI’s license in Colorado State may change. Below are a current list of the general requirements. Please visit the states website for the most up-to-date list of requirements.
A Level I Private Investigator License shall meet the following requirements:
• Age: Must be at least 21 years of age
• Residency: Must be lawfully present in the U.S.
• Knowledge of Laws: Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the laws & rules affecting 
the activities and ethics of PI’s in this State by passing a jurisprudence examination which is approved and developed by the director.
• Fingerprints Check: Have taken fingerprints for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
• Check Criminal Background: Both federal and state background checks and fingerprinting are required for licensure.
• Check Financial History: There are no credits or financial checks required.
• Check Military Discharge: Colorado doesn’t have any military provisions.
• Required Insurance: A Private Investigator surety bond is needed with coverage of $10,000.
A Level II Private Investigator License shall meet the following requirements:
• Age: Must be at least 21 years of age
• Residency: Must be lawfully present in the U.S.
• Residency: Must be lawfully present in the U.S.
• Knowledge of Laws: Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the laws & rules affecting the activities and ethics of PI’s in this State by passing a jurisprudence examination which is approved and developed by the director.
• Fingerprints Check: Have taken fingerprints for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
• Check Criminal Background: Both federal and state background checks and fingerprinting are required for licensure.
• Check Military Discharge: Colorado doesn’t have any military provisions the on applicant.
• Financial History Check: There are no credits or financial checks required.
• Required Insurance: A Private Investigator surety bond is needed with coverage of $10,000.
• Disqualifications Automatically: There are no listed disqualifications automatically for Colorado PI’s.
• Educational Degree: A 2 year, 4 year, or graduate, A master’s or Juris Doctorate degree can fulfill 1,000, 2000, 3,000, 4000 hours of experience requirements, respectively.
• Work Experience: 4,000 hours of investigative work experience, including that gained in conducting investigations with a state, local, or federal law enforcement agency, or a combination of education and experience, are needed.
• Fees: Exam Cost $25. Fingerprinting carries a fee of $39.50. The fee $330 for application.
CLICK HERE to verify a Colorado Private Investigators license now!
Licensing Authority in Colorado:
PI’s licensing in Colorado is governed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies CDRA, Office of PI’s Licensure. Licensure for PI’s is mandatory in Colorado since June 2015.
Office of Private Investigator PI Licensure
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-7800
Fax: 303-894-2310
Email: dora_privateinvestigators@state.co.us
Website: www.colorado.gov
Reciprocity Agreements:
Colorado does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states in The U.S. The law explicitly disallows anyone to practice as a PI in Colorado without a license.
Directory of Investigators and agencies.
Once you have your license, visit our directory of private investigators and PI’s agencies to find a job near you. You can contact all agencies and ask if they have any vacant positions or are taking on apprentices.
Associations:
Colorado Private Investigators Associations or “CPIA”. Visit their website for membership requirements and bylaws. Give your community a voice!
Find a Private Investigator near you!
Our directory has useful resources for finding Expert P.I’s Agencies, and Verified Private Investigators. Moreover, if you are seeking how to verify a private investigators license in Colorado or simply need a Private Investigator near you, then this directory will prove to be valuable resource.