How to become a private investigator in New Mexico
New Mexico private investigators are licensed by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in New Mexico, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from New Mexico law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a private investigator in New Mexico?
- Meet the qualifications in Section 61-27B-7 NMSA 1978
- Pass a biometric federal criminal history check
- Pass the department's jurisprudence exam
- Firearm certification is optional and needs firearms training plus a psychological evaluation
- A private investigation company must carry at least $1,000,000 general liability insurance
New Mexico private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Private investigators must be licensed by the Regulation and Licensing Department under the Private Investigations Act. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board |
| License name | Private Investigator License |
| Experience | At least 6,000 hours of investigative work within the 5 years before applying, certified by employers on the department's form. |
| Exam | An online jurisprudence exam taken in the application portal. |
| License term | 3 years; at least 2 hours of approved continuing education per year to renew |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Initial license (3-year term) and renewal | $300 |
| Late renewal fee | $100 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a private investigator in New Mexico
- Build 6,000 hours of qualifying investigative experience
- Have employers sign the Certificate in Support of Experience
- Get fingerprinted with the DPS vendor
- Apply online in the RLD licensing portal and pass the jurisprudence exam
- Pay the application and license fees
- Renew every 3 years with continuing education
Apply on the official New Mexico site
How do you check a private investigator's license in New Mexico?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.