How to become a private investigator in New Mexico?

In order to become a private investigator in New Mexico you have to fulfill the requirements of that state. New Mexico has many requirements for providing the license to become a private investigator. You have to fill the application form requesting the license from the Bureau of Private Investigators and New Mexico Polygraph Advisory Board. The application form is available at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/PrivateInvestigations/forms.html. The basic thing is you must be at least 21 years of age and should attach the proof of age along with your application.

The application form must be complete, signed and provide all the correct information regarding applicant's name, address, phone number, birth date, Social Security number, sex, height, weight, eye color and hair color. You have to attach two current colored passport size photos to the application form.

You will have to complete two fingerprint cards, in addition to the documents listed above. Fingerprints must be on Regulation and Licensing Department/Private Investigations Advisory Board coded fingerprint cards. To obtain those cards, please contact RLD at (505) 476-4650 and they will be mailed to you, or, you may go to the office located at the Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Complete the card with signature, date of birth, place of birth, height, weight, social security number and license type. Fingerprints must be taken under the supervision of and certified by a New Mexico state police officer, a county sheriff, a municipal chief of police or by comparable officers in the applicant’s state of residence if the applicant is not a resident of New Mexico or a RLD approved private agency or individual. You will have to pay $44 fingerprints fee in favor of “NM Department of Public Safety”.

You must have at least three years of experience in investigative work in past five years. A thorough background check is conducted by the F.B.I to check your criminal history.

You have to truthfully answer the questions as whether you have ever used a name other than the name in which you are applying and certain other questions of this criterion.

Also, you need to pass written examination conducted by the administration. An examination fee for the first attempt is $50. In case, you did not qualify the exam, you have to pay $75 as second attempt fees and subsequent exams. Licenses need to be renewed by June 30th of every odd-numbered year for a fee of $100.

Complete all the above formalities and send your application form along with application fees $100.You will have to follow the rules and regulations of New Mexico. Please click here to know about it.

Contact Information:
Private Investigations Advisory Board,
550 Cerrillos Rd.,
Santa Fe,
NM 87505
Fax Number: (505) 476-4615
Email Address: PIPolygraphBd@state.nm.us