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How to become a security guard in New Mexico

New Mexico security guards are licensed by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed security guard 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 security guard in New Mexico?

New Mexico security guard license requirements

State licenseYes. Security guards must be registered by the Regulation and Licensing Department under the Private Investigations Act; unarmed guards are Level One.
Licensed byNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board
License nameSecurity Guard Level One Registration
Education or trainingMinimum 8-hour Level One curriculum taught by an in-person department-approved instructor, completed within 12 months before applying. Online training does not qualify.
ExamAn online jurisprudence exam taken in the application portal; multiple attempts allowed.
License term3 years; at least 2 hours of approved continuing education per year to renew

How much does it cost?

Security guard level one registration (3-year term) and renewal$50
Security guard card$10
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 security guard in New Mexico

  1. Complete the 8-hour Level One course with an approved in-person instructor
  2. Get fingerprinted with the DPS vendor using the board's ORI number
  3. Apply online in the RLD licensing portal
  4. Pass the jurisprudence exam in the portal
  5. Upload the training certificate and pay the fee
  6. Wait for your ID card before working

Apply on the official New Mexico site

How do you check a security guard's license in New Mexico?

Questions people ask

Do you need a license to be a security guard in New Mexico?

Yes. New Mexico requires a Security Guard Level One Registration from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Private Investigations Advisory Board.

How much does a security guard license cost in New Mexico?

The fees the state lists include security guard level one registration (3-year term) and renewal $50, security guard card $10, late renewal fee $100. Schools, courses, exam prep and insurance cost extra and vary by provider.

How long does a security guard license last in New Mexico?

3 years; at least 2 hours of approved continuing education per year to renew

How to become a security guard in other states

Sources: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/private-investigations-security-guard/licensing-registration-and-renewal/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/private-investigations-security-guard/instructors-training-requirements-and-continuing-education/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/private-investigations-security-guard/faqs/ · https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Security-Guard-Level-One-Application-Manual.pdf · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.048.0002.html · https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.048.0005.html. Expert Helper is not a government agency; rules change, so confirm with the state before you apply.