Licensees can now submit mailing address changes and request duplicate licenses online. Step-by-step instructions on the web pages will guide you through the process. Mailing address changes submitted online will be reflected in the licensing system 24 hours after they are submitted. Click here to begin.
Click here for new regulations
“These regulations are intended to promote public safety by assuring that any armed guard is a thoroughly trained professional,” said Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Kelly O’Donnell.
The new rules will set training standards for three levels of registration for security guards:
- Level One: Entry level security guards who primarily patrol premises not requiring the guard to carry arms
- Level Two: Intermediate level security guards who may be armed with pepper spray and other non-lethal weapons
- Level Three: Advance level security guards who may be armed with a firearm if they have successfully completed a department approved firearms course
The new regulations will establish higher training standards for security guards registered on or after September 24, 2008, who were not previously registered with the Private Investigations Advisory Board. The proposed rules would include the following department approved training:
- 8 hours Level One training
- 16 hours Level Two training and additional specific weapon certification
- 16 hours Level Three training and National Rifle Association Law Enforcement Certification or New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Certification
RLD will consider comments from the public before final regulations are adopted. The public may submit comments in writing or in person at the public hearing. Written comments should be submitted by mail to:
Private Investigations Advisory Board
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-5101
To be advised by e-mail of the date, time and location of public hearings on the new regulations, contact: PiPolygraphbd@state.nm.us. Final regulations will be adopted after these public hearings are concluded.
Through Regulation and Licensing, the state licenses all Private Patrol Operators operating in New Mexico, including security services, security guards and armored car companies.

