Reciprocity

Tennessee Private Investigation & Polygraph Examiners

Tennessee offers two types of agreements for private investigators licensed in certain states. If you are licensed in good standing in one of the participating states, you are permitted to engage in short-term work that originates in your home state. This recognition or reciprocity agreement does not permit you to solicit business in Tennessee.

1. Limited License Recognition allows short-term investigative work in Tennessee without obtaining a full Tennessee license. You must be licensed and in good standing. Those whose license(s) have been suspended or revoked are not eligible for ten (10) years from the effective date of suspension or revocation. Unless otherwise noted, you must be affiliated with a properly licensed investigative agency.

- States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Virginia

2. Reciprocal Licensing allows qualified license holders from certain states to apply for a Tennessee license with reduced requirements.

- States: Arkansas and Kentucky

  • Up to thirty (30) days per case per year in Tennessee.
  • Must have no felony convictions and be in good standing.
  • No agency affiliation required.

For those currently licensed through examination as a private investigator or private investigation company, there is an exemption from examination and fingerprint requirements.

Required documents include a properly filed application, applicable fees, and a letter of good standing from your home state attesting that you have been licensed and in good standing for the immediate past two (2) consecutive years.

  • Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.
  • Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.

Limited License Recognition: Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.

Reciprocal Licensing: Exam and fingerprint exemption for those currently licensed in Kentucky. In addition to your application and fees, you must submit the following:

Statement that you have read and agree to comply with all provisions of the rules and regulations governing private investigators and private investigation companies in Tennessee.

Notice that you agree to cooperate with any investigation initiated by the program.

Irrevocable consent to service of process for any complaint or disciplinary action filed against you.

Statement attesting that your license(s) have not been suspended or revoked within ten (10) years preceding the application date.

  • Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.
  • Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.
  • Up to fifteen (15) days per case per year in Tennessee.