How to Hire a Private Detective in Louisiana

Louisiana licensing at a glance

Louisiana licenses private detectives and agencies through the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners (La. R.S. 37:3500 et seq.). The board also directs licensees to Louisiana's tracking-device statute, R.S. 14:323.

Step by step: hiring in Louisiana

1. Define your question. What do you need to know, and what decision depends on it?
2. Verify licensing. Look the detective up on the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners website rather than relying on a license number shown in an ad. Confirm the license is active and check the agency license as well as the individual's where both exist.
3. Agree on scope and cost in writing. Know what will be done, for how long, and what you'll receive.
4. Share what you know. Names, addresses, photos, vehicles and schedules save billable hours.
5. Insist on lawful methods. Louisiana generally allows a participant to record a conversation (one-party consent). Detectives shouldn't hack accounts, pretext for records, trespass or track phones.

What affects the cost of an investigation in Louisiana

Louisiana spans 64 parishes. Surveillance in a dense area like New Orleans may call for two detectives to keep a subject in view, while work in rural counties can involve more travel time. Records research that requires courthouse visits in several counties takes longer than searches available online.

Most surveillance is billed hourly plus expenses such as mileage; defined research tasks are often flat-fee. Our cost guide explains pricing in detail.

Questions to ask a Louisiana detective

• Are you licensed for work in Louisiana, and who will actually do the work?
• How often do you handle matters like mine in Louisiana?
• How do you handle recording and tracking under Louisiana law?
• Which county courts or records will you need, and how long will that take?
• What will the report include, and could you testify if needed?

More questions are in our list of 15 questions to ask before hiring.

Where we coordinate work in Louisiana

Mooney & Boland coordinates investigations throughout Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette and Lake Charles. See private detective services in Louisiana for coverage and services.

Local pages for Louisiana communities:

Common questions

Sources

• Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners (official regulator)
• Justia: Recording Phone Calls and Conversations, 50-State Survey

Reviewed November 2026.