Thinking about hiring a private investigator? Maybe you suspect your spouse is cheating, need help with a child custody case, or want to find a missing person.
Not all PIs are created equal though. Some are legit professionals who’ll get you real results. Others might take your money and give you nothing in return.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to hire a private investigator. We’ll talk about costs, legal stuff, what they can actually do, and how to avoid getting scammed.
| Key Hiring Factors | Details | Cost Range |
| Hourly Rate | Standard investigative work | $50-$200/hour |
| Flat Fee Services | Background checks, process serving | $75-$500 |
| Retainer Fee | Upfront payment for complex cases | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Licensing Required | Most states mandate licensing | Varies by state |
| Typical Case Duration | Depends on complexity | 1 week-3 months |
What Is a Private Investigator and When Should You Hire One?
A private investigator is basically a professional fact-finder. They dig up information that regular people can’t easily get. Think of them as detectives who work for you instead of the police.
Private investigators are sometimes called a P.I., detective, gumshoe, investigator, and sometimes even a spy. Generally, the terms refer to someone who uncovers facts and information, finds missing persons, and gathers evidence.
Most private investigators in your area handle these types of cases
Infidelity investigations – This is probably the most common reason people hire a private investigator. If you suspect your partner is cheating, a PI can follow them and gather evidence.
Missing persons – Whether it’s a runaway teenager or an old friend you lost touch with, PIs have tools to locate people that you don’t.
Background checks – Before hiring someone important or dating someone new, a thorough background check can reveal criminal history, financial problems, or other red flags.
Insurance fraud – Companies hire PIs to investigate suspicious insurance claims. Workers comp fraud is a big one.
Legal support – Lawyers often hire investigative professionals to gather evidence for court cases.
Child custody cases – When parents are fighting for custody, a PI can document the other parent’s behavior and living situation.
You shouldn’t just jump into hiring a private investigator for any little thing though. These services cost money, and some situations are better handled in other ways.
How to Determine If You Actually Need a Private Investigator?
Before you start looking for a private investigator near me, ask yourself if you really need one.
If you’re trying to find basic public information about someone, you might not need a PI. Social media checking can tell you a lot. Public records searches are another option. But if you need surveillance, want to access databases you can’t get into, or need evidence that’ll hold up in court – that’s when you need a professional. Cost-benefit analysis matters. A PI might cost you $2,000 for a cheating spouse investigation. If you’re planning to divorce anyway and need evidence, that might be worth it.
If you’re just curious and not planning to do anything with the information? Maybe save your money.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Hiring a Private Investigator?
45 states (plus the District of Columbia) require private investigators to be licensed before providing private investigation services to the public. Only five states don’t require licensing: Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska (though some cities in these states do have local requirements).
State licensing requirements vary, but most states require:
- Minimum age (usually 21, sometimes 25)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Clean criminal background
- Passed state exam
- Completed training hours
Generally, minimum requirements for state licensure include: Being at least 21 (some states have age requirements as old as 25) Possessing a high school diploma or the equivalent · Having a U.S. citizenship or residency
What PIs can and cannot legally do is crucial to understand. They’re not cops. They can’t arrest people, force entry into private property, or access protected information like bank records without permission.
Private investigators are legally permitted to conduct surveillance to gather information. This includes observing and documenting the activities of individuals in public places.
But they can’t:
- Trespass on private property
- Wiretap phones without legal authority
- Impersonate law enforcement
- Access private records without permission
- Harass or threaten people
Privacy laws are getting stricter. What a PI could do 10 years ago might be illegal now. That’s why you need someone who knows current laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Investigator?
Private investigator cost varies a lot. Recent data shows hiring a private investigator costs $75 to $125 per hour on average or $600 to $1,000 per day.
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate for surveillance or investigating a cheating spouse. According to a study by Angie’s List, the average cost to hiring a p.i in the United States is $50 per hour.
According to a study by Thumbtack in 2017, the average cost to hire a private investigator was $70 per hour.
Hourly rates depend on several factors:
- Location (big cities cost more)
- Experience level
- Type of investigation
- Risk level involved
However, you could probably access a professional private investigator’s services with more than five years of experience in the field for an hourly fee of about $100-$150.
Flat fees are common for simple stuff like:
- Basic background checks: $75-$500
- Process serving: $50-$200
- Missing person locates: $500-$2,000
Most PIs want money upfront. For example, both Krollpfeiffer & Co. and Pennington Elite Investigations require a $1,500 retainer before beginning investigative services.
| Investigation Type | Typical Cost Range | Duration | What’s Included |
| Infidelity/Cheating Spouse | $1,000-$5,000 | 1-3 weeks | Surveillance, photo/video evidence, detailed report |
| Background Check | $75-$500 | 1-3 days | Criminal records, employment history, references |
| Missing Person | $500-$2,500 | 1-4 weeks | Database searches, interviews, field investigation |
| Child Custody Investigation | $1,500-$5,000 | 2-8 weeks | Home visits, surveillance, witness interviews |
| Insurance Fraud | $2,000-$10,000 | 2-12 weeks | Surveillance, medical records review, expert testimony |
Additional expenses you might face:
- Mileage (usually $0.45-$0.55 per mile)
- Travel costs for out-of-area investigations
- Database search fees
- Equipment rental
- Court testimony fees
How to Find a Licensed Private Investigator Near You?
Finding a good PI isn’t like finding a plumber. You can’t just pick the first one that shows up on Google. Here are some tips for hiring a private investigator:
Step 1: Research State Licensing Requirements
Figure out what licenses are required in your state. Licenses for PIs are regulated through a mix of professional boards, state police departments, and other state agencies. Each state has different requirements and different agencies that handle licensing.
Step 2: Check Professional Association Directories
Look for PIs who belong to professional organizations like:
- National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
- National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
- United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
These associations have standards their members have to meet.
Step 3: Verify Credentials and Insurance
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see:
- Current license (and verify it with the state)
- Proof of insurance and bonding
- Professional certifications
Step 4: Read Reviews and Get References
Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and ask for references from past clients. Any legitimate PI should be able to provide general references (though they can’t share specific case details due to confidentiality).
What Questions Should You Ask When Interviewing Private Investigators?
Don’t just hire the first PI you talk to. Interview a few and ask tough questions.
Licensing and credentials:
- Are you licensed in this state?
- Can I see your license?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- What professional associations do you belong to?
Experience and specialization:
- How long have you been doing this?
- Do you specialize in cases like mine?
- How many similar cases have you handled?
- What’s your success rate?
Methods and approach:
- How would you handle my specific case?
- What techniques will you use?
- How do you ensure everything stays legal?
- What if you can’t find what I’m looking for?
Communication and reporting:
- How often will you update me?
- What will the final report include?
- Can you testify in court if needed?
- How do you maintain confidentiality?
Financial details:
- What are your rates?
- What’s included in that rate?
- Are there additional costs I should expect?
- Do you require a retainer?
A good PI will answer all these questions clearly and professionally. If they dodge questions or seem evasive, find someone else.
How to Hire a Private Investigator for a Cheating Spouse Investigation
How to consider hiring a private investigator for cheating spouse cases is probably the most common search people do. Infidelity investigations are emotional and tricky. So, choosing a private investigator is really very important here.
Evidence collection methods for cheating spouse cases usually include:
- Surveillance (following the subject)
- Photography and video documentation
- GPS tracking (where legally allowed)
- Social media monitoring
- Background checks on the suspected affair partner
We recommend a PI around $125 per hour, with an average case cost of $2,500 for most infidelity investigations.
Legal admissibility is crucial if you’re planning to use the evidence in divorce proceedings. Not all evidence is admissible in court, and different states have different rules about what PIs can and can’t do.
Emotional considerations are huge. Finding out your spouse is cheating is devastating even when you suspect it. A good PI will be sensitive to this and help you prepare for whatever they might find.
Some PIs specialize in infidelity cases and understand the emotional side better than others. They know how to gather evidence while being discreet and professional.
What Are the Risks and Disadvantages of Hiring a Private Investigator?
There are risks of hiring a private investigator. It’s not all like the movies.
Legal risks include:
- Hiring an unlicensed investigator who breaks the law
- Evidence being thrown out of court because it was obtained illegally
- Potential lawsuits if the PI violates someone’s privacy rights
Financial considerations:
- High costs with no guarantee of results
- Additional expenses that pile up
- Scam artists who take your money and disappear
Privacy concerns:
- Your personal information could be misused
- Details of your case might not stay confidential
- Potential for blackmail or extortion
When NOT to hire a private investigator:
- You’re just curious but don’t plan to act on the information
- You can’t afford it without going into debt
- The situation could be resolved through communication
- Legal action isn’t a possibility even if you find evidence
Some risks include legal consequences if the PI acts unethically or illegally, privacy violations, financial losses due to incompetence or scams, and receiving false information.
How to Hire a Private Investigator for Child Custody Cases
Hiring a private investigator for child custody cases is serious business. The welfare of kids is involved, so everything has to be done right.
How PIs help in custody disputes:
- Document the other parent’s living conditions
- Investigate substance abuse or dangerous behavior
- Verify employment and financial stability
- Check for criminal activity or associations
- Monitor compliance with existing custody orders
Documentation requirements for custody cases are strict. Everything needs to be properly documented with dates, times, and witnesses. Photos and videos need to be taken legally and ethically.
Legal boundaries are super important. The PI can’t do anything that would be considered harassment or stalking. They can’t trespass to get evidence or use illegal surveillance methods.
Court admissibility standards vary by state, but generally the evidence needs to be:
- Obtained legally
- Relevant to the child’s welfare
- Properly documented
- Presented by qualified witnesses
A PI who specializes in child custody cases will understand these requirements and know how to gather evidence that will actually help your case.
What Red Flags Should You Watch for When Hiring a Private Investigator?
Avoiding scam artists, incompetent PIs and finding best private investigator is crucial. Watch for these warning signs:
No valid license – This is the biggest red flag. Every legitimate private investigator should be licensed. It’s not optional. It’s the law in most places. No license = no protection for you.
Unrealistic promises – Claims of a one hundred percent success rate. Promises to retrieve deleted messages, emails, or phone records. Assurances that they can get results within an unrealistic time frame.
Pricing red flags:
- Prices way below market rates
- Demands for full payment upfront
- Vague pricing with hidden fees
- No written contracts or estimates
Communication issues:
- Won’t answer direct questions
- Evasive about methods or qualifications
- Poor grammar or unprofessional communication
- Pressure tactics or hard sells
Missing professional footprint:
- No reviews or testimonials
- No professional website or social media
- Can’t provide references
- No business address or phone number
If a private investigator is using illegal methods, you could end up facing legal consequences as well.
Other warning signs:
- Claims they can access protected information like bank records
- Refuses to explain their investigative approach
- No insurance or bonding
- Bad reviews mentioning illegal activities
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, find someone else.
Can You Sue Someone for Hiring a Private Investigator Against You?
Can you sue someone for hiring a private investigator against you? You can sometimes sue someone for hiring a private investigator against you, but only if the PI used illegal methods like trespassing, unauthorized recordings, or harassment.
You must prove the investigation violated your privacy rights or caused genuine harm illegally.
Wrapping Up
Finding the right private investigator takes research and careful consideration. Don’t rush the decision – your time, money, and possibly your safety depend on choosing someone competent and ethical. Take the time to verify credentials, ask tough questions, and trust your instincts.
People Also Ask
Is it worth hiring a private investigator for adultery cases?
It depends on your goals. If you need evidence for divorce proceedings or just need to know for sure, it can be worth it. But if you’re planning to forgive and work things out regardless of what you find, save your money.
How much evidence can a private investigator gather legally?
PIs can gather a lot through public surveillance, database searches, and interviews. But they can’t access private records, trespass, or use illegal surveillance methods. The evidence they can gather legally is often enough for most cases.
What’s the difference between a private investigator and a detective?
Detectives usually work for police departments and have law enforcement powers. Private investigators work for clients and don’t have arrest powers or access to law enforcement databases.
Can private investigators access phone records and bank statements?
Not without legal authorization. PIs can’t hack phones or access private financial records. They can only access public information and databases they have legal subscriptions to.
How to hire a private investigator without your spouse knowing?
Use a separate email and phone number for communications. Meet the PI away from home. Pay with cash or from a separate account. Choose a PI who understands discretion and confidentiality.
What happens if a private investigator finds nothing?
You still pay for their time and effort. A good PI will explain what they looked for and why they couldn’t find evidence. Sometimes “nothing” is actually useful information.
Are private investigator reports admissible in court?
Usually yes, if the evidence was gathered legally and the PI follows proper procedures. But different courts have different rules, so discuss this with your attorney.
How to file a complaint against a private investigator?
Contact your state licensing board first. You can also file complaints with professional associations, the Better Business Bureau, or law enforcement if laws were broken.
Citation Links
Licensing Requirements:
- https://privateinvestigatoredu.org/license-requirements/ – State licensing requirements, 45 states plus DC require licensing
- https://www.harborcompliance.com/private-investigator-license – Individual licensing requirements, age requirements, renewal periods
Cost and Pricing Data:
- https://www.einvestigator.com/private-investigator-cost/ – Angie’s List $50/hour average, Thumbtack $70/hour study
- https://www.thumbtack.com/p/private-investigators-cost – $105/hour average, $99-$150 range
- https://talo.com/costs/private-investigator-cost – $75-$125/hour range, $600-$1,000 daily rates
- https://findyourinvestigator.com/how-much-does-a-private-investigator-cost/ – $125/hour recommendation, $2,500 average case cost
- https://www.thumbtack.com/p/private-investigators-cost – $1,500 retainer examples (Krollpfeiffer & Co., Pennington Elite Investigations)
Legal Activities and Restrictions:
- https://upstateprivateinvestigators.com/private-investigators-methods/ – Legal surveillance activities, public places observation
- https://www.einvestigator.com/how-to-become-a-licensed-private-investigator/ – PI definition and general activities
Professional Associations:
- https://www.harborcompliance.com/private-investigator-license – NALI, NCISS, USAPI professional organizations
Red Flags and Scam Information:
- https://www.dcreport.org/2025/05/21/red-flags-to-watch-out-for-when-hiring-a-private-investigator/ – Licensing requirements, realistic promises
- https://www.sweetsofties.com/2025/03/blog-post_800.html – 100% success rate claims, deleted records promises, unrealistic timeframes
- https://www.martinpi.com/risks-of-hiring-a-private-investigator/ – Legal consequences, privacy violations, financial losses
Salary Information:
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Private-Investigator-Salary–in-New-York – $29.31/hour average in New York, salary ranges
Regulatory Information:
- https://diligentiagroup.com/education/do-private-investigators-need-to-be-licensed/ – States without licensing requirements (Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, Wyoming)
- https://www.harborcompliance.com/private-investigator-firm-license – State licensing agencies and regulatory framework
