North Carolina requires a state-level private investigator license. The licensing authority is State Dept of Public Safety / Licensing Board. The median salary is $54,418 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
North Carolina requires a private investigator to hold a state license. Conduct investigations for individuals, attorneys, and businesses including surveillance, background checks, and fraud cases. Licensing is administered by the State Dept of Public Safety / Licensing Board.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Experience in investigation, law enforcement, or related field (1-3 years) |
| Experience Details | Experience in investigation, law enforcement, or related field (1-3 years) |
North Carolina requires passing the North Carolina Private Investigator License Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $75.
| Exam Name | North Carolina Private Investigator License Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Private Investigator License Exam |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Getting licensed as a private investigator in North Carolina takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $75 and renewal fees of $75 every 2 years. Continuing education of 8 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $75 |
| License Renewal | $75 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours |
Private Investigators in North Carolina earn a median salary of $54,418, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in North Carolina |
| National average | $59,150 |
Yes — North Carolina requires a state-level private investigator license. Conduct investigations for individuals, attorneys, and businesses including surveillance, background checks, and fraud cases.
The required exam is the North Carolina Private Investigator License Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $75.
The median annual salary for private investigators in North Carolina is $54,418. The national median is $59,150.
North Carolina requires 8 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.