How to Get Your Private Investigator License in Tennessee

Step-by-Step Guide for Tennessee Private Investigator License

Basic Qualifications

 

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Have no felony convictions

• Not have convictions involving moral turpitude

• Not have been declared incompetent by a court

• Meet the character and background standards required by the state

Applicants must pass the state examination and complete fingerprint-based background screening.

---

Step 1: Gather Required Docs Before Creating core.tn account

You should have:

• Fingerprint receipt

• Passport-style photo

• Proof of passing the state exam

• Letter from your agency (if applying under a company)

• Any required certified court disposition documents

All court cases must include certified dispositions.

---

Step 2: Study for the Exam

Before scheduling your test, study:

• • The Idiot’s Guide to Private Investigating, Third Edition

• • Tennessee Code: Title 62, Chapter 26 — this covers the laws and rules for private investigators in the state

If you’d like extra help preparing, StillWatch Academy offers an optional online review course. This is strictly voluntary and designed to help you brush up on what to expect on the exam. Learn more at:
https://stillwatchacademy.com

---

Step 3: Know the State Fees

Visit the Tennessee Private Investigator Licensing Page for the most up-to-date fee schedule:
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pi/license/get.html

---

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the PI Exam

• • The exam is proctored and scheduled through PSI Exams

• • You’ll receive a receipt or confirmation of passing — keep it for your application

---

Step 5: After You Pass the Exam, Gather These Items

1. 1. Fingerprinting – Schedule through IdentoGO (use the code for TN Private Investigator)

1. 1. Passport-style Photo – Plain background, professional headshot

1. 1. Letter from your hiring agency – Required if you’re working under an existing company license

---

Step 6: Apply for Your License

Once you have everything in hand:

• • Go to https://core.tn.gov

• • Create an account and begin the Private Investigator application

• • Upload:
    
    • • Fingerprint receipt
    • • Passport photo
    • • Test confirmation/receipt
    • • Letter from agency (if applicable)
    • • Valid ID

• • Pay the application fee

• • Click Submit

---

Step 7: What Happens Next?

• • The state typically processes applications within 10 business days

• • If you’re working for an agency:
    
    • • Your paper license is mailed to the company and kept on file
    • • Your plastic license is mailed to you