Private Investigation
Tennessee Private InvestigationPurpose
The Private Investigation program was established in 1990 to regulate individuals and companies providing private investigation services in the State of Tennessee. Effective July 1, 2021, the program is housed within the Commissioner-run Detection Services Licensing Program. The current requirements for the licensure of private investigators and private investigation companies can be found in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 26.
Mission
The mission of the Private Investigation program is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through the regulation of individuals and companies providing private investigation services.
Deregulation of Polygraph Examiners
As of July 1, 2026, the State of Tennessee will no longer regulate polygraph examiners. Pursuant to Senate Bill 2224 and House Bill 2530 enacted into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 21, 2026, the Polygraph Examiners Act, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 27 is repealed, effective July 1, 2026.