The Securities Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department regulates the license activities for private investigators. There is a Private Investigations Advisory Board within the Securities Division that actually licenses new applicants.
Here’s how to get a New Mexico Private Investigator License.
How to get a New Mexico Private Investigator License
To ensure your application is accepted by the Board and not returned for incomplete or missing information, follow the Applications Guide.
Step #1: Complete license application
View the New Mexico Private Investigator License application.
The above application link is for a PI License. If you wish to get a license as a manager, employee, or as a private patrol operator or security guard, view the other license forms.
Step #2: Submit other requirements with application
- $400 application fee payable to the Private Investigations Advisory Board
- Two recent 2×2 passport type photos
- Certification of Experience forms – must have at least 6,000 hours of experience in the last 5 years
- Proof of age (driver’s license, State issued ID, etc)
- RLD Release of Information Form
- Department issued jurisprudence examination for PI/POLYGRAPH
- Receipt with registration number for background report
Information for how to file for the background check can be found on Page 7 of the license application.
All forms can be found on the PI Forms and Applications page.
Step #3: Purchase surety bond
Under New Mexico statutes, private investigators must hold a surety bond with their license.
A New Mexico Private Investigator Bond is a type of surety bond that promises you will follow rules and regulations of the industry. If you fail to do so, someone can make a claim on your bond.
The bond amount is set at $10,000.
You will not need to pay the full bond amount to get bonded. Depending on your credit score, you will pay anywhere from $100 – $1,500 for your bond.
The best way to see what you’d pay for your bond is to get a free quote:
Step #4: Submit
Submit all paperwork and original bond to the following address.
New Mexico Private Investigations Board
PO Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504 – Mailing Address
It will take anywhere from 1-3 weeks (from the date the Board receives your license) to be issued a license.
To obtain a license or determine the status of an application or renewal please contact the board office at (505) 476-4622 or by email.
Still have questions?
View the PI Frequently Asked Questions page.
For more information on licensing, contact the New Mexico Private Investigations Board.
New Mexico Private Investigations Board
2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 – Physical Address
PO Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504 – Mailing Address
(505) 476-4650
(505) 476-4615 Fax
License Expiration and Renewal
Private investigator licenses expire on the last day of your birth month.
To renew your license, you must submit a renewal application, show proof of contiuned education, and submit a new jurisprudence examination and background check. There is also a renewal licensing fee.
You can renew your license online: Renew My License Online.
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