NEW MEXICO SECURITY GUARD AGENCY LICENSE

The license. Private Patrol Company license (the business/agency license). The individual qualifying credentials are the Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license, Level Three Security Guard registration (owner-qualifier only), or the Private Patrol Operations Manager (PPOM) license. [12]

Who needs it. A legal business entity (located in or outside NM) that provides private patrol operator services performed in New Mexico and employs licensed private patrol operators or security guards. The statutory definition includes independent AND proprietary commercial organizations (an organization providing security guard services solely for itself). Every employee of a licensed private patrol company must be licensed or registered. Exemptions (16.48.1.11 NMAC) include: an individual employed exclusively and regularly by one employer providing security only on that employer's premises; temporary security at a private event not open to the public; temporary security at school/nonprofit athletic or youth events; government officers/employees on official duty and certain contract guards working exclusively on federal property. [12]

Local licensing. Licensing is STATE-level (RLD). The Act (Laws 2007 ch. 115 s. 29, compiled as 61-27B-29 by inference) and 16.48.1.15 NMAC preserve city/county police-power ordinances imposed on licensees/registrants and street patrol special officers if consistent with the Act. Ordinary local business registration may apply.

Your guards. Every employee of a licensed private patrol company performing guard work must be licensed or registered (clerical/support staff excepted). Guards register with RLD at Level One (unarmed; 8-hour training), Level Two (20-hour training plus weapon training for non-lethal weapons), or Level Three (armed; 16-hour training, firearms qualification, psychological evaluation); each level requires the jurisprudence exam and fingerprinting. A guard may not stand post until the registration is issued. Company must issue each guard a photo ID badge and notify RLD within 30 days of a guard's termination. [12]

Role

Qualifier for the company: an owner who is licensed as a Private Patrol Operator OR registered as a Level Three Security Guard operates/manages the company; an owner who holds neither must employ a licensed Private Patrol Operations Manager and turn over operation, direction, control and management to that manager. (61-27B-11(A)(3) phrases it as 'an owner or a licensed private patrol operations manager who manages the daily operations'; rule 16.48.2.14(A)(7) asks for 'an owner who is licensed as a private patrol officer [sic], or a licensed private patrol operations manager'.) [12]

Experience

PPO license: at least three years' experience of actual work as a security guard or equivalent, one year of which in a supervisory capacity, acquired within the five years preceding application, substantiated by written employer certification (burden on applicant). Rule 16.48.2.13(B)(1) operationalizes this as 'not less than 4,000 hours' of actual work as a guard, watchman, or patrolman or equivalent, one year supervisory (RLD Certificate in Support of Experience form says the same). PPOM license: no separate experience requirement - must already hold a current PPO license or Level Three Security Guard registration in good standing and be employed by (or under contract to) the private patrol company to be managed. [12]

Age & background

PPO: at least 21 years of age; of good moral character; not convicted of a felony, an offense involving dishonesty, an offense involving an intentional violent act or the illegal use or possession of a deadly weapon; not found to have violated professional ethical standards. For the company: individual applicant, or the owners/officers/directors of an entity, must meet the same good-moral-character and conviction standards. Biometric (fingerprint) federal criminal history check required for PPO applicants and for each owner, director and officer of a private patrol company (PPOM applicants are not separately fingerprinted because they already hold a PPO license or L3 registration). [12]

• PPO applicant must pass a jurisprudence examination administered by the department. [2]
• PPO experience proof per rule: not less than 4,000 hours as a guard, watchman, or patrolman or equivalent, one year supervisory (rule's operationalization of the statute's three-year requirement). [2]
• PPO must be firearm certified if the position will require being armed (16.48.4 NMAC firearms training plus psychological evaluation under 16.48.2.21). [12]
• PPOM applicant must hold a current PPO license or Level Three Security Guard registration in good standing, pass an examination required by rule, and be employed by the private patrol company being managed (Certificate of Employment or Contract signed by an owner, director or officer). [12]
• If the PPOM leaves, the owner/officer/director must, within thirty days, notify the department, surrender the manager's license and apply naming a new PPOM; the new manager cannot act until licensed. Failure subjects the company license to suspension or revocation. [12]
• Company must maintain a physical location in New Mexico where records are kept for department inspection, and a New Mexico registered agent if located outside New Mexico. [12]
• A PPO may not investigate acts except those incidental to a theft, embezzlement, loss, misappropriation or concealment of property it was hired to protect. [12]
• PPO continuing education: 2 hours per year; minimum 6 hours per three-year renewal period. [6]

Exam

Jurisprudence Exam (Private Investigations Act / 16.48 NMAC); RLD application guides label the step 'Jurisprudence Exam' [29]

Who sits it

The individual qualifier: Private Patrol Operator applicants (16.48.2.13(A)(3)) and Private Patrol Operations Manager applicants (16.48.2.15(A)(5)). The private patrol company application itself (16.48.2.14) lists no exam. An owner qualifying via Level Three Security Guard registration will have passed the L3 jurisprudence exam (16.48.2.19(A)(3)). [2]

Administered by

None - administered by the department (RLD) itself, launched inside the RLD online licensing portal application; no third-party testing vendor identified. [2]

Delivery

Online, inside the RLD licensing portal application (https://nmrldlpi.my.site.com/bcd/s/): applicant clicks 'Launch New', the exam opens in a new browser tab, and the result ('Pass') is shown in the application; the application cannot proceed until passed. [29]

Retakes

Unlimited/multiple attempts allowed within the online application until a passing grade is achieved; no waiting period or retake fee stated. [29]

Insurance

General liability certificate of insurance of not less than $1,000,000 (16.48.2.8 as amended 1/13/2026; 16.48.2.14(C)), maintained for the license term plus 30 days and refiled for each renewal period. Statute (61-27B-11(B); 61-27B-24(B)) leaves the amount to the department ('in an amount required by the department') and requires the department to SUSPEND a private patrol company license whose insurance lapses; reinstatement requires an application, fees and a new certificate. [11]

Surety bond

None required for a private patrol company. The $10,000 surety bond in 61-27B-24(A) applies only to private investigation companies; subsection B requires the owner/CEO of a private patrol company to maintain general liability insurance instead. The renewal rule asks for 'surety bond, if required'. [12]

Branch offices

A 'branch office' is a private patrol company office physically located in New Mexico and managed, controlled or directed by a private patrol operations manager. The Act directs the department to adopt rules on establishing and operating a branch office (61-27B-5(D)(5)); the rules require copies of each employee's license/registration to be kept at the main NM office and at the branch where the employee works (16.48.1.14(B)). No separate branch-office license, application or fee was found in 16.48 NMAC or the RLD fee schedule. [12]

• Private patrol company: initial license (three-year term) and renewal fee $300 (16.48.5.8(D)(7), as amended eff. 1/13/2026). No separate company application fee in 16.48.5.8(B). 61-27B-20 has no private patrol company license fee category. [11]
• Private patrol operator: application fee $100 (16.48.5.8(B)(3)). [11]
• Private patrol operator: initial license (three-year term)/renewal fee $300 (16.48.5.8(D)(3)). [11]
• Private patrol operations manager: application fee $100 (16.48.5.8(B)(4)). [24]
• Private patrol operations manager: initial license (three-year term)/renewal fee $200 (16.48.5.8(D)(4)). [11]
• Statutory caps (61-27B-20 as amended by Laws 2020, ch. 6, eff. July 1, 2020): PPO application <= $100; PPO license/renewal <= $300; PPOM license/renewal <= $200; change in license <= $200; late fee <= $100; special event permit <= $100; private patrol company special event license <= $50. [16]
• Private patrol employees registration (three-year term) and renewal $100. [11]
• Change in license $200; late fee on license/registration renewals $100; special event permit $100; private patrol company special event license $50. [11]
• Security guard card $10. [11]
• Returned check or e-check $35 and administration fee $10 (both new eff. 1/13/2026). The adopted Register text lists only 'administration fee $10'. [11]
• RLD's posted fee schedule PDF (Oct. 2026) adds to 16.48.5.8(A) that administrative fees are $10 per year for each three-year term ($30). This sentence is NOT in the adopted rule text in the NM Register; the Register text controls. [24]
• Background (fingerprint) fees: amount set by the NM Department of Public Safety. [11]
• All fees non-refundable. [11]
• Military service members and veterans pay no licensing fee for the first three years (16.48.8.8(E)); military applications require no payment in the portal. [11]

1. Qualifier first: the owner (or the manager) obtains a PPO license (or L3 guard registration) and, if a non-licensed owner, a PPOM license tied to the company. PPO applicants complete the online application incl. jurisprudence exam, upload the Certificate in Support of Experience, submit fingerprints, pay fees. [25]
2. All initial applications are filed through the RLD online licensing portal (Salesforce site nmrldlpi.my.site.com). [25]
3. Private Patrol Company application in the portal: company name/DBA, company type, NM physical address, mailing address, owners/directors/officers, qualifying party license number lookup, registered agent if headquarters outside NM, background questions, document uploads, attestation, payment. [27]
4. Note: the PPC application guide states the company's physical address must be in New Mexico, although the statute allows a company located outside NM with a NM registered agent and NM records location. [27]
5. Required company contents per rule: business contact info, business name/DBA, entity type (corporations/LLCs/partnerships must register with the NM Secretary of State), qualifying owner/PPOM, NM records location, NM registered agent if out of state, general liability certificate, release of information (Attachment A) and fingerprint background check for each owner/director/officer, uniform description and photographs, fee. [2]
6. Attachment A (Release of Information) is required for each owner, director and officer. [25]
7. Fingerprints: background check instructions are sent after the application is completed; applicant registers with DPS's vendor (IdentoGo) using ORI NM920250Z / service code 2BH2BY; results go to RLD electronically. Fingerprint check expires after 90 days; incomplete initial applications expire 12 months after receipt. [21]
8. Processing: one to three weeks from receipt to issuance; background issues can delay; no temporary licenses or extensions. [22]
9. Fictitious/assumed name must be authorized by the department before use; license must be posted conspicuously at the NM principal place of business. [12]
10. Change of ownership or management must be filed on a department application with fees within 30 days; failure is grounds for termination of the company license. [1]

Renewal

Three-year terms: initial licenses/registrations run three years (16.48.2.27) and, beginning Jan. 1, 2024, all expiring licenses/registrations renew for three-year terms (16.48.7.8 as amended 1/13/2026). Renew online by the expiration date with required forms, CE proof (PPO: 6 hours per renewal), general liability insurance if required, and fees. 30-day grace period with $100 late fee; after that a new initial application under 16.48.2 NMAC is required (16.48.7.9). Courtesy renewal e-mails at least 30 days before expiration (16.48.7.10). Statute default is annual renewal unless rule sets a longer term (61-27B-21). [11]

Disqualifiers & waivers

Disqualifying criminal convictions (16.48.9.14, implementing 61-1-36 NMSA): for a private patrol company (individual or all owners/officers/directors/members) and for PPO/PPOM - a felony offense, including an offense involving dishonesty, an intentional violent act, or illegal use or possession of a deadly weapon. The department shall not deny/suspend/revoke solely on a conviction not on that list, and may not use arrests without conviction, sealed/dismissed/expunged/pardoned convictions, or juvenile adjudications. Other statutory denial grounds (61-27B-26) include false statements on applications, violations of the Act/rules, impersonating law enforcement, unjustified force, chronic intoxication/drug addiction, adjudged mental incompetence, unlicensed practice, and labor/tax/employee-benefit law violations. Hearing may be requested within 20 days of denial (61-27B-27). No formal waiver/pre-application determination process found. [9]

• 2026-01-13PI Advisory Board rule amendments: 16.48.5.8 fee schedule adds returned check/e-check fee $35 and administration fee $10 (all other PPC/PPO/PPOM fees unchanged); 16.48.7.8 and 16.48.8.8 drop the 2x2 photograph requirement from renewal and military applications; 16.48.2.18/.19 make L1 (for L2) and L2 (for L3) prior registration AND prior-level training both required; 16.48.2.20 adds a biometric background check for security guard instructors; 16.48.1.7 definitions updated (adds 'psychologist', 'test data', etc.). Also 16.48.1.7 adds a definition of 'registered agent' for out-of-state companies. New Mexico Register Vol. XXXVII, Issue 1 (Jan. 13, 2026), pp. 73-78 [11]
• 2025-11-14 (hearing date; not itself a change)Rule hearing noticed for Nov. 14, 2025 on 16.48.1,.2,.5,.7,.8 NMAC (led to the 1/13/2026 amendments). NM Register Vol. XXXVI, Issue 18 [34]
• n/a (no change)No 2025 or 2026 legislation amending the Private Investigations Act was found. The 2025 board/commission sunset bill (SB 113, Laws 2025, ch. 66) did not touch 61-27B-36; the PI Advisory Board sunset remains July 1, 2029 (Act repealed July 1, 2030 unless extended) per Laws 2023, ch. 15. Laws 2025, ch. 66 (SB 113); NMSA 1978 s. 61-27B-36 as amended by Laws 2023, ch. 15 [18]
• n/aNo PI Advisory Board rulemaking notices or adopted rules appear in the 2026 New Mexico Register after Issue 1 (Issues 2-21, through Nov. 3, 2026, text-searched); nothing found that is enacted but effective later in 2027. 2026 NM Register cumulative index (Issues 1-15) and Issues 16-21 [10]

• NMSA 1978, Sections 61-27B-1 to 61-27B-36 (Private Investigations Act), enacted by Laws 2007, ch. 115 — Private Investigations Act [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-2 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 2) — Definitions (private patrol company, private patrol operator, private patrol operations manager, security guard, branch office) [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-3 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 3) — License required [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-10 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 10) — Private patrol operator--requirements for licensure [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-11 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 11) — Private patrol company--requirements for licensure [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-12 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 12) — Private patrol operations manager--requirement for licensure--notification of department in event of termination of employment [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-20 (as amended by Laws 2020, ch. 6, s. 55) — Fees (statutory caps) [16]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-21 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 21) — License and registration renewal [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-23 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 23) [section number inferred from bill section number; compiled numbering otherwise tracks Laws 2007 ch. 115 section numbers] — General operations provisions of companies--management--liability for employees' conduct--records [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-24 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 24) — Bond required (PI companies) / general liability insurance (private patrol companies) [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-26 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 26) [section number inferred from bill section number; compiled numbering otherwise tracks Laws 2007 ch. 115 section numbers] — Denial, suspension or revocation of license or registration [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-27 (as amended by Laws 2017, ch. 52, s. 9) — Hearing--penalties (civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation; up to $2,000 for unlicensed practice) [14]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-29 (Laws 2007, ch. 115, s. 29) [section number inferred from bill section number; compiled numbering otherwise tracks Laws 2007 ch. 115 section numbers] — Local regulations [12]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-34 (as amended by Laws 2019, ch. 209, s. 6) — Background investigations [15]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-5 (as amended by Laws 2022, ch. 39, s. 94) — Administration of act--rules [17]
• NMSA 1978, Section 61-27B-36 (as amended by Laws 2023, ch. 15, s. 4) — Termination of agency life--delayed repeal (board terminates July 1, 2029; Act repealed July 1, 2030) [18]
• 16.48.1 NMAC (as amended through 1/13/2026) — General Provisions [1]
• 16.48.2 NMAC (as amended through 1/13/2026), esp. 16.48.2.8, 16.48.2.13, 16.48.2.14, 16.48.2.15, 16.48.2.27 — Requirements for Licensure and Registration [2]
• 16.48.3 NMAC — Standards of Practice [3]
• 16.48.4 NMAC — Mandatory Firearms Training [4]
• 16.48.5 NMAC (16.48.5.8 as amended 1/13/2026) — Fees [5]
• 16.48.6 NMAC — Continuing Education [6]
• 16.48.7 NMAC (16.48.7.8 as amended 1/13/2026) — License and Registration Renewal, Inactive Status and Reinstatement [7]
• 16.48.8 NMAC (16.48.8.8 as amended 1/13/2026) — License for Military Service Members, Spouses and Veterans [8]
• 16.48.9 NMAC (incl. 16.48.9.14 disqualifying criminal convictions) — Disciplinary Proceedings [9]
• New Mexico Register Vol. XXXVII, Issue 1 (Jan. 13, 2026), pp. 73-78 — Amendments to 16.48.1, 16.48.2, 16.48.5, 16.48.7, 16.48.8 NMAC effective 1/13/2026 [11]

1. 16.48.1 NMAC General Provisions - SRCA compiled text (history notes through 7/18/2023); NOTE: 16.48.1.7 amended effective 1/13/2026, see v-nmreg-xxxvii-01-pi · retrieved 2026-11-09
2. 16.48.2 NMAC Requirements for Licensure and Registration - SRCA compiled text (history notes through 7/18/2023); NOTE: 16.48.2.8,.18,.19,.20 amended effective 1/13/2026, see v-nmreg-xxxvii-01-pi · retrieved 2026-11-09
3. 16.48.3 NMAC Standards of Practice - SRCA compiled text · retrieved 2026-11-09
4. 16.48.4 NMAC Mandatory Firearms Training - SRCA compiled text · retrieved 2026-11-09
5. 16.48.5 NMAC Fees - SRCA compiled text (history notes through 7/18/2023); NOTE: 16.48.5.8 amended effective 1/13/2026, see v-nmreg-xxxvii-01-pi · retrieved 2026-11-09
6. 16.48.6 NMAC Continuing Education - SRCA compiled text · retrieved 2026-11-09
7. 16.48.7 NMAC License and Registration Renewal, Inactive Status and Reinstatement - SRCA compiled text (history notes through 7/18/2023); NOTE: 16.48.7.8 amended effective 1/13/2026, see v-nmreg-xxxvii-01-pi · retrieved 2026-11-09
8. 16.48.8 NMAC License for Military Service Members, Spouses and Veterans - SRCA compiled text (history notes through 7/18/2023); NOTE: 16.48.8.8 amended effective 1/13/2026, see v-nmreg-xxxvii-01-pi · retrieved 2026-11-09
9. 16.48.9 NMAC Disciplinary Proceedings - SRCA compiled text · retrieved 2026-11-09
10. New Mexico Register 2026 Cumulative Index, Issues 1-15 (linked from https://www.srca.nm.gov/nmac-home/new-mexico-register/all-volumes/volume-xxxvii-2026-2/) - EXCERPT: header and Private Investigations Advisory Board entries · retrieved 2026-11-09
11. New Mexico Register Vol. XXXVII, Issue 1 (January 13, 2026), pp. 73-78 - RLD Private Investigations Advisory Board adopted amendments to 16.48.1.7, 16.48.2.8/.18/.19/.20, 16.48.5.8, 16.48.7.8, 16.48.8.8 NMAC, effective 1/13/2026 (pdftotext, reflowed; [bracketed] = deleted material) · retrieved 2026-11-09
12. Laws 2007, Chapter 115 (SB 621 as enacted, SPAC substitute) - Private Investigations Act (sections enacted as 61-27A-x; compiled by NM Compilation Commission as NMSA 1978 Ch. 61 Art. 27B, Sections 61-27B-1 to -36). Line numbers/page headers removed. · retrieved 2026-11-09
13. Laws 2011, Chapter 48 (HB 462) - Extending sunset of Private Investigations Advisory Board (61-27B-36); signed Apr. 4, 2011 (status per nmlegis.gov bill page) · retrieved 2026-11-09
14. Laws 2017, Chapter 52 (HB 295, HBIC substitute) - EXCERPT: title and sections amending 61-27B-6, 61-27B-27 (hearing--penalties) and 61-27B-36; signed Apr. 6, 2017 · retrieved 2026-11-09
15. Laws 2019, Chapter 209 (HB 98) - EXCERPT: title and section amending 61-27B-34 (background investigations: fingerprints only upon initial licensure); signed Apr. 3, 2019 · retrieved 2026-11-09
16. Laws 2020, Chapter 6 (HB 30) - EXCERPT: title, Section 55 amending 61-27B-20 (fees), and effective-date section (July 1, 2020); signed Feb. 26, 2020 · retrieved 2026-11-09
17. Laws 2022, Chapter 39 (HB 191) - EXCERPT: title, Section 94 amending 61-27B-5 (administration--rules; Uniform Licensing Act / State Rules Act); signed Mar. 3, 2022 · retrieved 2026-11-09
18. Laws 2023, Chapter 15 (HB 201) - EXCERPT: title and Section 4 amending 61-27B-36 (PI Advisory Board terminates July 1, 2029; Act repealed July 1, 2030); signed Mar. 16, 2023 · retrieved 2026-11-09
19. Laws 2025, Chapter 66 (SB 113, Board & Commission Sunset Dates; signed Apr. 7, 2025) - full text; does NOT amend the Private Investigations Act (amends 61-13-17, 61-17A-25, 61-24B-17, 69-25A-36) · retrieved 2026-11-09
20. NM RLD Attachment A - PI and PPO Company Owner, Director and Officer Release of Information · retrieved 2026-11-09
21. NM RLD Private Investigations: Background Report Instructions · retrieved 2026-11-09
22. NM RLD Private Investigations: FAQs · retrieved 2026-11-09
23. NM RLD Private Investigations: Fees (page links fee schedule PDF /wp-content/uploads/2026/10/PI-Fees.pdf) · retrieved 2026-11-09
24. NM RLD Private Investigations Fee Schedule PDF (16.48.5.8 NMAC as amended 1/13/2026) · retrieved 2026-11-09
25. NM RLD Private Investigations: Licensing, Registration, and Renewal (page content) · retrieved 2026-11-09
26. NM RLD Private Investigations: Overview and Contact Information · retrieved 2026-11-09
27. NM RLD Private Investigation Advisory Board - Private Patrol Company Application User Guide (screenshots omitted by pdftotext) · retrieved 2026-11-09
28. NM RLD Private Patrol Operator License - Certificate in Support of Experience (form) · retrieved 2026-11-09
29. NM RLD Private Investigation Advisory Board - Private Patrol Operator Application User Guide (screenshots omitted by pdftotext) · retrieved 2026-11-09
30. NM RLD Private Patrol Operations Manager License - Certificate of Employment or Contract (form) · retrieved 2026-11-09
31. NM RLD Private Investigation Advisory Board - Private Patrol Operations Manager Application User Guide · retrieved 2026-11-09
32. NM RLD Private Investigations: Statutes, Rules, and Rule Hearings · retrieved 2026-11-09
33. NM RLD Private Investigations: Instructors, Training Requirements, and Continuing Education · retrieved 2026-11-09
34. New Mexico Register Vol. XXXVI, Issue 18 (Sept. 23, 2025) - PI Advisory Board notice of rule hearing (Nov. 14, 2025) · retrieved 2026-11-09

Compiled from the primary government sources above, retrieved on the dates shown. This page is a research summary, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the issuing authority before you file.