Steps to Become a Licensed Private Investigator in Alaska

Alaska is such a unique and beautiful state and one of the few states that don’t require a state-issued private investigator license to work as a private investigator within the state.  Though it is relatively simple to become a private investigator within the state, Alaska can have many challenges associated with it as it relates to working as a private investigator within the state.

Two cities however do have licensing requirements to work legally as a private investigator within the city limits which are Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Anchorage and Fairbanks have the two largest populations with Juneau not far behind Fairbanks.

• Anchorage’s population is approximately 280,000.
• Fairbank’s population is approximately 32,000.
• Juneau’s population is approximately 31,000.

Alaska is so incredibly big yet not incredibly populated, it only makes sense that a couple of cities would focus on licensing requirements rather than the whole state as most of the work would likely be within city limits. 

The population in Alaska is approximately 730,000 in a state that is measures 665,400 mi².  Compare that to the state of Texas which is 268,597 mi².  

How Much do Alaskan Private Investigators Earn?

The annual median wage for a private investigator in the state of Alaska is $62,130.

The average hourly wage for a private investigator in Alaska is $29.97 an hour.

There are only 80 reported private investigators within the state.  There actually may be fewer private investigators working consistently within the state as many nationwide private investigation companies are known to fly in investigators to work for short periods of time.

If you would like to learn more about private investigator salaries across the United States click here.

How to Become a Licensed Private Investigator in Anchorage

Before you get started filling out applications it is important that you first meet the minimum requirements.  The minimum requirements are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must not be addicted to narcotics, drugs, or other intoxicants
• Must not have been convicted of a felony within the last two years.  Must not have a misdemeanor involved assault or a dangerous weapon within one year.
• Must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or assault with a dangerous weapon within the last 10 years.
• Must not have been convicted of trafficking narcotics, dangerous drugs, or women.

Anchorage Private Investigator Licensing Process

If you meet the minimum qualifications, complete the following licensing application steps:

Alaska State Business License

A private investigator must have a business license through the state of Alaska.  The application for the Alaska state business can be found here.  You will need this to be completed prior to completing the private detective agency application as you will need the business license number, date issued, and expiration date.

The cost of a business license in the state of Alaska is $50. 

Choosing Your Alaska Private Investigation Business Name

There are two resources for you to explore while completing the Alaska state business license. The first is a resource provided by Alaska which can be found here. 

The second resource is within this website:

• How to Choose a Private Investigation Business Name
• How to Choose a Private Investigation Website Domain Name

Private Detective Agency Application

After completing the application the applicant will need to attach your resume detailing your work history as well as a background check.

The Alaska background check form can be found here.  The cost of the background check is $20 for a single copy and $5 for every additional copy.  This must be faxed directly from the Department of Public Safety to the Municipal Clerk’s Office.  You must also provide two forms of identification one of which is government-issued along with payment via cash or check.

Submit the entire application to the Department of Public Safety​ located at 5700 E Tudor Rd. 2nd Floor), Anchorage, AK 99507.

Review Process

After everything has been submitted and the fees have been paid, the application will be reviewed by the Anchorage Chief of Police to certify the applicants including employees of a detective agency.  

If approved the private investigator will be notified that are licensed within the city.

Additional Considerations 

While Anchorage does not indicate that a private investigation business needs a bond or insurance. It is incredibly important to secure either one.  To cover your bases, it is suggested that you secure a minimum of $1,000,000 in errors and omission insurance.

How to Become a Licensed Private Investigator in Fairbanks

In order to become a private investigator in Fairbanks, Alaska, the applicant must complete the following:

Meet the minimum requirements as stated here

• Secure an Alaska state business license
• Secure a Fairbanks business license

The minimum Requirements to Become a Private Investigator in Fairbanks, Alaska is the following:

An applicant must not have a felony conviction within the last 8 years or a misdemeanor conviction within the last 4 years. This includes:

• Prostitution
• Any offense under AS Title 11, Chapter 71 Controlled Substances
• Any felony or misdemeanor related to threat or force upon a person
• Burglary, felony larceny, fraud or embezzlement
• Any sexual offense
• Two separate felony convictions of any type within 8 years

The applicant must:

• Not be addicted to drugs
• Must be of good moral character
• Must not be a sex offender, kidnapper, or subject to registration requirements of AS Title 12, Chapter 63.

Fairbanks Business License

To become a licensed private investigator in the city of Fairbanks Alaska, much like Anchorage you must obtain a business license from the state as well as from the City of Fairbanks.  There is no education or documented experience required to be a private investigator in Fairbanks.

You may not work within the city limits as a private investigator unless licensed by the city of Fairbanks.

For the Fairbanks Business Application and frequently asked questions about securing a city business license, click here. The cost of the business license is $40.

Alaska State Business License

As previously mentioned, Fairbanks requires that an applicant secure an Alaska state business license.  

The application for the Alaska state business can be found here.  You will need this to be completed prior to completing the private detective agency application.  The cost of a business license in the state of Alaska is $50. 

Fairbanks Private Investigator License Application

The applicant must complete the application and submit the following with the application:

• $75 Non-refundable application fee
• $400 Biennial License Fee
• Current State Driver’s License, ID or Passport
• City of  Fairbanks Business License
• State of Alaska Business License
• Headshot photo (1500×1500 pixels) if digitally submitted. Generally speaking, a passport photo is appropriate.
• $10,000 Bond or other approved financial security (contact them to determine if error and omissions insurance will be sufficient)

The fees paid will also be applied to the background check that will be conducted after your application is submitted.

Submit the application and the aforementioned information to the City of Fairbanks located at 800 Cushman Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701.  They can be contacted at 907-459-6702 or via email at cityclerk@fairbanks.us. 

Additional Licensing Suggestions

Most investigators secure additional licensing in states that surround the primary state they work in. The following states near Alaska may be worth getting licensed in:

Washington State Private Investigator Licensing

Oregon Private Investigator Licensing

Idaho Private Investigator Licensing

Additional Important Articles Related to Become a Private Investigator

How to Start a Private Investigation Business

The Cost of Starting a Private Investigation Business

How to Gain Private Investigation Experience

Alaska Investigators Association