Discover more about private investigators capability, employment and regulations in Montana.

Jurisdictional, Licensing, and Regulation Concerns

Montana

The requirements for becoming a Private Investigator in Montana are generally straightforward.
Reference Website: http://b.bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/board_page.asp

Contact Information:
Website: http://b.bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/board_page.asp
Email: dlibsdpsp@mt.gov
Board of Private Security Patrol Officers and Investigators, 301 S Park, Room 430 PO Box 200513, Helena, Montana, United States, 59620-0513
Phone: (406) 841-2300
Fax: (406) 841-2309

Associations:
MAPI - Montana Association of Private Investigators and Secuirty Operators

Citation Statute:
Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3 is the Uniform Regulatory Act passed by the Legislature in 1995. All professional and occupational licensing is covered in these statutes.

Website: http://b.bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/board_page.asp

Qualifications Requirement:
Submit the following documents to the Board office in order to complete your license application.
All documents must be copied to a standard page size of 8 ½” x 11”. All documents not in
English must be accompanied by certified translations.

• Completed application and attached photograph.
• Copy of driver’s license or birth certificate for proof of age.
• Copy of birth certificate, United States passport or Immigration green card for proof of
citizenship or permanent legal residency.
• Copy of high school diploma or equivalency.
• Proof of 3 years (5,400 hours) of Experience/Education. (A combination of experience,
education and training may be used to meet the experience requirement, but education and
training may not exceed ½ the experience required.)
1. 3 years of full-time experience engaged in the private investigative business;
2. Employed as a private investigator or having held a certificate of authority to conduct a private investigate business; or
3. Having been an investigator, detective, special agent, or peace officer of a city, county, or state government or the United State government. Self-employment
must be verified by tax returns. (1 ½ years experience as a licensed insurance
investigator may be applied toward the 3 years of experience required for a
private investigator.)
4. Proof of education and training submitted with the application to meet the 3 years experience requirement may include transcripts; diplomas; seminar certificates; course completion certificates; or other supporting documentation.
5. 6 months of the experience requirement may be met by successful completion and verification of the basic course at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.
6. A combination of experience, education and training may not exceed ½ the
experience required.
• Current Certificate of Insurance with the Montana Board of Private Security listed as the
certificate holder and indicating a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence of commercial
general liability which includes personal injury. If licensed with armed status, private
investigators shall be covered by liability for firearms coverage.
• Applicant must have three references pursuant to ARM 24.182.501(5).
• Copy of a current firearms certification, if you are requesting Armed Endorsement.
• Completed Verification of Licensure form, if you hold or ever held a professional/occupational
licenses in another state or jurisdiction.
• Copy of your DD 214, if you have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Reciprocity: Montana does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states.



Testing: $20 Examination Fee

Fees: Application fee $250.00
Examination Fee $20.00
Optional Armed Endorsement: $50

Renewal Information: Annual Renewal
Renewal Fee: $175.00 renewal fee

Forms:
http://b.bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/pdf/app2.pdf

Montana Private Investigator Licensing

Montana State requires licensing for Private Investigators, Security Guards and Agencies.

State Licensing Authority: BOARD OF PRIVATE SECURITY PATROL OFFICERS & INVESTIGATORS
Website: https://mt.gov/dli/bsd/license/bsd_boards/psp_board/licenses/psp/lic_summary.asp#pi
Email: dlibsdpsp@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 841-2348

Only licensed investigators can conduct investigations in Montana.  Licenses are only good in Montana, there is no State Reciprocity.