What is the term for a private investigator who earns money without needing a license?

In the following five states, you can work as a PI without a license or statewide regulations:

1.) Alaska

2.) Idaho

3.) Mississippi

4.) South Dakota

5.) Wyoming

Many of us who are regulated and licensed PIs find this to be the “wild, wild West.” However, in these five states, you will find some credible, experienced, and honest people to assist you. Just be careful and do your homework.

Now, for the other 45 states where licensing is required, you ask what the term is for those who earn money as a PI without a license:

1.) Illegal investigator

2.) Rogue PI

3.) Unlicensed investigator

Some people hide under the mantle of:

1.) Information broker

2.) Research consultant

3.) Legal investigator (A legit term when someone works solely for ONE attorney)

Real life from seasoned PIs (humorous):

1.) Black-market Sherlock

2.) Freelance snoop

3.) Future defendant

With the hundreds of PIs available throughout the U.S., there is no need to subject yourself to the agony an unlicensed person will cause. When the wheels fall off the case, you have a better chance of being sued than the unlicensed person you retained.