Licensing
How North Dakota Licenses Private Investigators
North Dakota regulates investigators under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-30, Investigative and Security Services, along with Title 93 of the Administrative Code. Licensing is handled by the North Dakota Private Investigative and Security Board. Individuals who provide private investigative services for pay need a board license, and the board also lists agency numbers for licensed investigation businesses.
For a client, the board's published list is a starting point. It shows each licensee's name, P.I. number, agency number where one applies and business address, but not license status or expiration. The board notes the list is updated periodically, so call the board office to confirm a license is current before you sign.
Courts
How North Dakota Courts Are Organized
North Dakota's general-jurisdiction trial courts are the district courts, organized into eight judicial districts, with a district court in each of the state's 53 counties. They hear felonies, misdemeanors, civil cases, divorce, custody, probate and juvenile matters. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, including many traffic cases. North Dakota has no separate county or family courts, so most matters go to district court.
Communities
North Dakota Communities With a Private Investigator Page
Every North Dakota community over 3,000 residents, by population (U.S. Census Bureau, April 1, 2020 estimates base and July 1, 2024 estimates (Vintage 2024)).
| Community | County | Population (2024 est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Cass County | 136,285 |
| Bismarck | Burleigh County | 77,772 |
| Grand Forks | Grand Forks County | 59,845 |
| Minot | Ward County | 47,440 |
| West Fargo | Cass County | 41,027 |
| Williston | Williams County | 28,821 |
| Dickinson | Stark County | 25,695 |
| Mandan | Morton County | 24,788 |
| Jamestown | Stutsman County | 15,789 |
| Wahpeton | Richland County | 8,115 |
| Devils Lake | Ramsey County | 7,314 |
| Valley City | Barnes County | 6,580 |
| Horace | Cass County | 6,286 |
| Watford City | McKenzie County | 6,207 |
| Lincoln | Burleigh County | 4,502 |
| Hay Creek Township | Burleigh County | 4,390 |
| Grafton | Walsh County | 4,027 |
| Apple Creek Township | Burleigh County | 3,531 |
| Beulah | Mercer County | 3,047 |
Read the full North Dakota investigator guide
Neighboring states: Minnesota · Montana · South Dakota
How this service works
Investigator Consulting in North Dakota
Delator Group is a private investigation firm licensed in Tennessee and headquartered in Nashville. In North Dakota, Delator Group is not licensed as a private investigator or private investigative agency and does not perform, supervise or direct investigations. We review requests and refer them to independent investigators who hold the license North Dakota requires. Those investigators contract with clients directly, set their own fees and are responsible for the work. Delator Group may receive compensation from participating investigators for referrals.
FAQ
Questions About Finding an Investigator in North Dakota
Which North Dakota communities have their own page?
Every incorporated North Dakota city, town or village with more than 3,000 residents, plus every township or town government of that size, has its own page here, 19 in all. Smaller places are covered by the nearest page and the statewide guide.
Is Delator Group licensed in North Dakota?
No. In North Dakota, Delator Group provides investigator consulting and referral only. Investigations are performed by independently licensed North Dakota investigators who contract with you directly.
Who licenses private investigators in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Private Investigative and Security Board, under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-30. Anyone who provides private investigative services for a fee needs a board license, and investigation businesses are listed with agency numbers through the board.
How do I check an investigator's North Dakota license?
Find the investigator's name and P.I. number on the board's published list of licensed investigators and agencies, then call the board to confirm current status.
Is North Dakota a one-party or two-party consent state?
North Dakota is generally a one-party consent state. NDCC 12.1-15-02(3)(c) provides a defense when the person recording was a party to the conversation or had a party's prior consent, and the purpose was not criminal or otherwise unlawful. Recording without any participant's consent can be a felony. An attorney can confirm the details.