50-State Security Licensing Compliance Guide
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Private Investigator Licensing in New Mexico

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Private investigation licenses are typically issued for individuals and organizations conducting investigative services. This guide contains information about private investigator licensing in New Mexico. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

New Mexico Security Company Licenses

New Mexico Private Investigation Agency License

Agency:New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board
Bond Requirements:

$10,000

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigation Company Application

Agency Fee:

$300 application fee + $44 fingerprint fee.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Investigation Company Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Biennially

New Mexico Private Patrol Company License

Agency:New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

Pursuant to 61-27B-11 NMSA 1978, a Private Patrol Company must maintain a physical location in New Mexico where records are maintained and made available for department inspection.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

Pursuant to 61-27B-11 NMSA 1978, a private patrol company must have an owner or licensed private patrol operations manager who is licensed as a private patrol operator and will maintain the daily operations of the private patrol company

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Patrol Company Application

Agency Fee:

$300 license fee + $100 branch office fee for out-of-state companies.

Notes:

Qualified individual (PPO) must be a permanent resident of New Mexico.

Background Check Requirements: ACCESS PREMIUM DATA

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$100 renewal fee + $100 branch office fee for out-of-state companies.

Due:

Biennially

Individual Licenses

New Mexico Individual Security Licenses

New Mexico Private Investigator License

Agency:New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Private Investigator Application

Agency Fee:

$400

Registration Renewal

Form:

Private Investigator Renewal

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Biennially

New Mexico Security Guard License

Agency:New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board
Law:

Pursuant to NMSA 1978, Sections 61-27B-5(D)(3), the Regulation and Licensing Department is responsible for adopting and “establishing minimum training and education standards for licensure and registration” of level one, two and three security guards in the state of New Mexico.   The RLD has established training requirements for security guard training for level one, two and three applicants in 16.48.2.17, 16.48.2.18 and 16.48.2.19 NMAC, respectively.  Each of these rules requires that all training to qualify for a registration as level one, two or three security guard, requires “training shall be taught by an in-person instructor.” The RLD has defined “in-person” as “in one’s bodily presence.”  RLD is applying a dictionary definition to the term “in-person.” Pursuant to 16.48.2.17, 16.48.2.18 and 16.48.2.19 NMAC, online training does not qualify an applicant for registration for security guard level one, two, or three.

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Requirement Notes:

Each Level 3 Security Guard applicant must receive a positive evaluation by a licensed psychologist to determine the individual’s mental suitability to carry a firearm. The Regulation and Licensing Department must receive the report directly from the psychologist.

Initial Registration

Form:

Security Guard Initial Application (All Levels)

Agency Fee:
  • Determined by level 
    • Level One $75
    • Level Two $75
    • Level Three $150 
Before you Apply:
  • All applicants must use the following fingerprint process to request a FBI and State criminal history background check• New applicants will need to register at https://www.aps.gemalto.com/nm/index_NM.htm prior to going to an
    electronic fingerprinting location. ORI Lookup - NM920250Z
    • Applicants may complete their fingerprinting at any 3M Cogent fingerprint location in the state of NM (map of
    locations are on Cogent web site). Appointments are not required.
    • When the applicant arrives at the electronic fingerprinting location, they will need to provide the electronic
    fingerprinting technician with a registration number they received after registering online.
    • The fee is $44.00, which can be paid at the time of registration by credit card or at the fingerprinting site by
    cashier’s check or money order.
    • Background check results will be sent directly to the Regulation and Licensing Department electronically.
    Out-of-state applicants unable to complete the Livescan in New Mexico, may register online and mail inked
    fingerprint cards and the required $44 fee to:Thales, APS Department #165 2964 Bradley Street Pasadena, CA 91107
  • A security guard must be registered with the regulations and licensing department prior to being placed on a guard post and must be under
    the direct supervision of a licensed private patroloperator or a private patrol operations manager.
Required Attachments:
  • Application fee payable to the Regulation and Licensing Department. All fees are non-refundable
  • Two recent 2” x 2” “Passport Type” photos attached to the front page of the application.
  • Certification of completing the required department approved training by an approved trainer.
  • RLD Release of Information form signed.
  • Department issued jurisprudence examination for Security Guards.
  • Level 2 and 3 must also submit electronic non-lethal device and/or firearm certification if applicable.
  • Cogent receipt with Registration number for background report (report good for 90 days).

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • Determined by level
    • Level One $75
    • Level Two $75
    • Level Three $150 
Due:

Triennially by December 31

Required Attachments:
  • Application fee payable to the Regulation and Licensing Department. All fees are non-refundable
  • Two recent 2” x 2” “Passport Type” photos attached to the front page of the application.
  • Certification of completing the required department approved training by an approved trainer.
  • RLD Release of Information form signed.
  • Department issued jurisprudence examination for Security Guards.
  • Level 2 and 3 must also submit electronic non-lethal device and/or firearm certification if applicable.
  • Cogent receipt with Registration number for background report (report good for 90 days).

Learn about security licensing in other states:

Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators.

Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator.

Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency.

Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state.

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Industry association that sponsors education and certification efforts for members.

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS)
Private investigation and security advocacy group.

United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI)
Industry association focused on education and certification.