Private Detective Licenses

Private Detective License
(Sections 13-156 through 13-170, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

Individuals wanting to apply for a private detective/investigator license may obtain an application from the Business License Office, 701 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65205..

The completed application shall be accompanied by an application fee of $10.00. The license fee for a private detective license if $25.00. The fee for a detective agency license employing not more than five (5) persons is $100.00; $200.00 if employing more than five (5) persons. All licenses shall be for a term of one year. If the application is made during the period beginning on March 1 and ending May 31, only one-half of the license fee shall be charged and collected. If the application is made during the period beginning June 1 and ending September 30, only one-fourth of the license fee shall be charged and collected.

A criminal records check from the applicant’s resident state will be obtained by the Business License Office upon completion of a “Disclosure and Authorization Form” by the applicant.  The fee for a Missouri records check is $13.50.  Please contact the Business License Office for fee information for out of state records checks.

No license shall be issued unless the applicant files a surety bond with the City which has been executed by such applicant with two (2) or more sureties, or by a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Missouri in the sum of $2,500 or such other financial security as may be approved by the City Counselor.

The licensee shall carry a certificate of the license on his person at all times when performing services as a private detective.