How to get a Security Guard Level One registration in New Mexico

New Mexico licenses security guards statewide through the Private Investigations Advisory Board.¹ For the Security Guard Level One registration you need a passing score on the Jurisprudence examination (online, inside the application)² and a criminal background check¹. The board lists $50 for the initial license³. You renew every 3 years⁴ and complete at least 6 hours of continuing education⁵.

Last checked November 7, 2026 · 19 official sources

Who issues it

Private Investigations Advisory Board

Training and experience

An approved education program; see the requirements

Exam

Jurisprudence examination (online, inside the application)²

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $50³

Renewal

Every 3 years⁴, at least 6 hours of continuing education⁵

From another state

License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses⁴⁶ Details

On this page

New Mexico security guard licenses
Applies to every license level
Who needs a Security Guard Level One registration
How to apply
Renewal and continuing education
Security Guard Level Three registration
Security Guard Level Two registration
Private Patrol Operations Manager license
Private Patrol Company license
Private Patrol Operator license
Check a license or report a problem
Laws and rules
Rule changes since January 2024
Common questions
Security guard licenses in other states

New Mexico security guard licenses

New Mexico issues 6 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

License	What it covers	Training or experience	Exam	Application or license fee
Security Guard Level One registration	Unarmed registered guard working for a licensed private patrol company under a licensed private patrol operator, level three guard or private patrol operations manager.¹	–	Yes⁴	$50³
Security Guard Level Three registration	Armed (firearm) registered guard; may also supervise level one and two guards and qualify as a private patrol operations manager.¹	Training 16 clock hours⁷	Yes⁴	$75³
Security Guard Level Two registration	Registered guard who may carry the specific non-firearm weapon(s) trained for (e.g. electronic non-lethal device) while working for a licensed private patrol company.⁷	–	Yes⁴	$50³
Private Patrol Operations Manager license	Directs, controls or manages a private patrol company for its owner.¹	–	Yes⁴	$100³
Private Patrol Company license	Business entity that provides private patrol services in New Mexico and employs licensed private patrol operators or security guards.¹	–	–	$300³
Private Patrol Operator license	Individual licensed to provide watchman, guard or patrol services to protect property and persons, and to supervise security guards.¹	Experience 4,000 hours⁴	Yes⁴	$100³

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the New Mexico security guard licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 6)

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Administrative fees	$30⁸	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Each three-year term. Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026
Returned check or e-check	$35⁷	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

Apply online: nmrldlpi.my.site.com⁹
Temporary or provisional license: No temporary licenses or extensions; you may not stand post while the application is pending.¹⁰
Processing time: One to three weeks from receipt to issue and mailing; background issues may delay it.¹⁰

Renewal

How often: Every 3 years⁴
When it expires: Initial and renewal terms are three years; renew online through the RLD portal on or before the expiration date (renewal notices are emailed at least 30 days before).⁷
Approved courses: College courses, in-house training by a licensed private patrol company, the NM Law Enforcement Academy, or another department-approved program; the board keeps no provider list. Firearms requalification does not count.⁵
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $100⁷ (renewals submitted after the expiration date, within the 30-day grace period)
Renew online: nmrldlpi.my.site.com⁹

From another state

Route: License by endorsement
What the board says: Registration by reciprocity: held a license/registration in another state for at least one year, no discipline in the last year, and education/experience similar to or better than New Mexico's; no work until the NM registration is issued.⁴
Conditions: May not work in New Mexico until the reciprocity registration is issued.⁴

Route: Military service members and spouses
What the board says: Service members, spouses, dependent children and veterans licensed in another jurisdiction: issued within 30 days of a complete application; no licensing fee for the first three years for service members and veterans.⁶

2. Every license level except Private Patrol Company license

Requirements

Exam: Jurisprudence examination (online, inside the application)²¹¹¹²¹³
Given by: Regulation and Licensing Department (in the NM-PLUS online application)²¹¹¹²¹³
When you can take it: Taken during the online application, after the basic and licensure-information steps.²¹¹¹²¹³
Retakes: Multiple attempts allowed until you pass.²¹¹¹²¹³

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

Renewal

Exemptions: The training taken for the initial registration satisfies CE for the first registration period.⁵

3. Every license level except Security Guard Level Three registration

Renewal

If it expires: 30-day grace period with the late fee; after that the renewal is refused and you must apply again as new.¹⁴
Inactive status up to five years on written request before expiry; reinstatement needs initial fees and 2 CE hours per inactive year.¹⁴
Random CE audits; keep course records.⁷

4. Every license level except Private Patrol Operations Manager license and Private Patrol Company license

Requirements

Background check: Background check required¹
Fingerprints required⁴
No conviction for a felony, an offense involving dishonesty, an intentional violent act or illegal use or possession of a deadly weapon; no finding of violating professional ethical standards; good moral character.¹
Social Security number: Social security number required on the application.⁴

How to apply

Create an account on the RLD online licensing portal and start the security guard application (a pre-screening asks about out-of-state licenses and military status).⁹ nmrldlpi.my.site.com⁹
Pass the jurisprudence exam inside the application, answer the background questions and upload the required documents (training certificate, court records for any charges).²¹¹¹²¹³
Pay by card or e-check (military applications are free) and submit.²¹¹¹²¹³
Follow the fingerprint instructions RLD emails you and get fingerprinted through the DPS vendor (IdentoGO, ORI NM920250Z).¹⁵
Do not work until the registration is issued; carry the card on duty.¹⁰

Renewal

Continuing education: At least 6 hours each renewal period⁵

5. Security Guard Level One registration, Security Guard Level Three registration and Security Guard Level Two registration

Requirements

Education or training: Department-approved level one security guard training (minimum 8-hour curriculum) taught in person by an approved instructor, completed within 12 months before applying.⁴
Who may teach it: Taught in person by a department-approved instructor using the department curriculum (approved instructor lists on the RLD training page).⁴
Alternative: Statute also allows training by a NM public educational institution, a licensed private patrol company in-house program, or another department-approved institution.¹
Also required: Must be employed by a licensed private patrol company under a licensed private patrol operator, level three guard or private patrol operations manager.¹

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Duplicate or replacement license	$10⁷	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

6. Security Guard Level One registration and Security Guard Level Two registration

Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years old¹

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$50³	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Three-year registration term. Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

Renewal

Renewal fee: $50³ (Three-year registration term)

7. Security Guard Level Three registration and Security Guard Level Two registration

Requirements

High school diploma or GED: Required¹

8. Security Guard Level Three registration and Private Patrol Operator license

Requirements

Minimum age: 21 years old¹

9. Private Patrol Operations Manager license and Private Patrol Operator license

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Application fee	$100³	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

10. Private Patrol Company license and Private Patrol Operator license

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$300³	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

Renewal

Renewal fee: $300⁷

Who needs a Security Guard Level One registration

Unarmed registered guard working for a licensed private patrol company under a licensed private patrol operator, level three guard or private patrol operations manager.¹

Work that does not need this license:

In-house guards employed by one employer and patrolling only that employer's premises are exempt.¹
Temporary security at a private event not open to the public is exempt.¹
Temporary security at school or nonprofit athletic/youth events is exempt.¹

How to apply

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Complete the 8-hour level one course with a department-approved instructor (within 12 months before you apply) and get the certificate.⁴

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your New Mexico Security Guard Level One registration. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Expiration date

Security Guard Level Three registration

Armed (firearm) registered guard; may also supervise level one and two guards and qualify as a private patrol operations manager.¹

Requirements

Education or training: At least 16 clock hours⁷
Department-approved level three training (minimum 16 hours, including firearms and deadly-force law) within 12 months before applying, plus weapon training and firearms qualification.⁷
Who may teach it: Taught in person by a department-approved instructor using the department curriculum (approved instructor lists on the RLD training page).⁴
Exam: Given by: Department-recognized firearms instructor¹⁶
Retakes: A second attempt is allowed immediately after a failed first attempt.¹⁷

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$75³	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Three-year registration term. Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

How to apply

Hold a level two registration, then complete the 16-hour level three course, firearms qualification (80%) with a recognized instructor and a psychological evaluation sent to RLD by the psychologist.⁷

Renewal

Renewal fee: $75³ (Three-year registration term)
If it expires: 30-day grace period with the late fee; after that the renewal is refused and you must apply again as new.¹⁴
Inactive status up to five years on written request before expiry; reinstatement needs initial fees and 2 CE hours per inactive year.¹⁴
Random CE audits; keep course records.⁷
Level three renewals need a DPS state background check submitted at least 30 days before expiry and current firearms qualification.⁷

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 5, group 7 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.

Security Guard Level Two registration

Registered guard who may carry the specific non-firearm weapon(s) trained for (e.g. electronic non-lethal device) while working for a licensed private patrol company.⁷

How to apply

Hold a level one registration, then complete the 20-hour level two course and the weapon training for each weapon you will carry, with department-approved instructors.⁷

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Private Patrol Operations Manager license

Directs, controls or manages a private patrol company for its owner.¹

Requirements

Experience: Must hold a NM private patrol operator license or level three security guard registration in good standing, and be employed/contracted to manage the company.⁴
License you must hold first: Private Patrol Operator license or Security Guard Level Three registration¹
Background check: No background check stated as required¹⁵
Also required: Certificate of employment or contract signed by an owner, director or officer of the licensed private patrol company.⁴

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$200³	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

How to apply

Hold a NM private patrol operator license or level three registration, get the Certificate of Employment or Contract signed by the company, and apply online (jurisprudence exam included).⁹ nmrldlpi.my.site.com⁹

Renewal

Renewal fee: $200⁷

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Private Patrol Company license

Business entity that provides private patrol services in New Mexico and employs licensed private patrol operators or security guards.¹

Requirements

Background check: Background check required¹⁵
Fingerprints required⁴
Insurance: General liability insurance of $1,000,000; license suspended if it lapses.⁴
Business requirements: An owner licensed as a private patrol operator, or a licensed private patrol operations manager, must manage daily operations.¹
Business requirements: Physical NM location for records; NM registered agent if located out of state; corporations/LLCs/partnerships registered with the Secretary of State; uniform description and photos.¹
Business requirements: Must notify RLD within 30 days when a guard leaves.¹
Business requirements: Must give each guard a photo ID badge (photo updated at least every two years) worn with the RLD card.¹⁸

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Private patrol company special event license	$50⁷	Private Investigations Advisory Board	Not refundable. Effective January 13, 2026

How to apply

Register the business entity with the NM Secretary of State if a corporation/LLC/partnership, obtain $1,000,000 general liability insurance, and name the owner-operator or licensed operations manager.⁴
Apply online with Attachment A (release of information) for each owner, director and officer; each one is fingerprinted.⁹ nmrldlpi.my.site.com⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

Private Patrol Operator license

Individual licensed to provide watchman, guard or patrol services to protect property and persons, and to supervise security guards.¹

Requirements

Experience: At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁴
Three years of security guard or equivalent work (at least 4,000 hours), one year supervisory, within the five years before applying; certified by employers.⁴
Supervision: One of the three years must be supervisory.¹
Also required: Firearm certification and psychological evaluation only if the operator will be armed.¹

How to apply

Document three years (4,000+ hours, one year supervisory) of guard work in the last five years on the Certificate in Support of Experience form signed by employers.⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 8, group 9 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a security guard in New Mexico, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in New Mexico is on the New Mexico license lookup page.

File a complaint: nmrldlpi.my.site.com¹⁹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

January 13, 2026: 16.48.2, 16.48.5, 16.48.7 and 16.48.8 NMAC amended: level two/three applicants need both the lower registration and the lower-level training certificate; fee schedule adds returned-check and administration fees; renewals no longer need photographs and gain CE audit rules.⁷

Common questions

Can I transfer my security guard license to New Mexico?

The Private Investigations Advisory Board publishes this route for the Security Guard Level One registration: license by endorsement⁴. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Security Guard Level One registration in New Mexico?

Every 3 years⁴. Continuing education: at least 6 hours⁵. The renewal fee is $50³.

Security guard licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

NMSA 1978 Chapter 61, Article 27B Private InvestigationsNew Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource, NMSA 1978)Checked November 7, 2026
Security Guard Level One Application GuidePrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Private Investigations: FeesPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
16.48.2 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
16.48.6 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
16.48.8 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
New Mexico Register Vol. XXXVII Issue 1 (Jan 13, 2026): Private Investigations Advisory Board amendmentsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (New Mexico Register)Dated January 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
PI-Fees.pdf (fee schedule)Private Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Private Investigations: Licensing, Registration, and RenewalPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Private Investigations: FAQsPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Security Guard Level Three Application GuidePrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Security Guard Level Two Application GuidePrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
Private Patrol Operator Application GuidePrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
16.48.7 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
Private Investigations: Background Report InstructionsPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
16.48.4 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
Firearms Qualification PacketPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
16.48.1 NMACNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
Private Investigations: Overview and Contact InformationPrivate Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026