Go to Page Section:
- How to Become a Private Investigator in New Mexico
- Qualifications and Disqualifications
- New Mexico Private Investigator License Application
- Renewal and Continuing Education
- Private Investigator Schools in New Mexico
- 1 University of New Mexico
- 2 Penn Foster
- 3 NITA: National Investigative Training Academy
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in New Mexico
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Curiosity is part of human nature.
Local gossip, daily events, or the details of true crime seem to be part of our everyday lives.
For individuals with an interest in law and criminal enforcement, but who do not want a traditional career as a lawyer or police officer, private investigations may be an option.
A private investigator’s license allows you to start your agency or work for a larger investigative firm.
There are many options for acquiring investigative skills to work in this fast-growing field.
There are numerous places to work.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, an independent business may be an option.
Independent private investigators are often hired to find stolen property and missing persons.
Law firms hire investigators for background information or to fact-check high-profile cases.
New Mexico state agencies and insurance companies use staff investigators to check into fraud.
So, if you are someone who needs to solve the puzzle or know the complete truth, then maybe being a private investigator in New Mexico is an excellent career choice.
How to Become a Private Investigator in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the steps to becoming a private investigator are straightforward and open to men and women.
However, the steps needed to qualify for a license will take time and require dedication.
First, there are some basic requirements that everyone interested in the profession must meet to become a Private Investigator in New Mexico.
State requirements are part of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department and are overseen by the Private Investigations Advisory Board.
Here is a short checklist for candidates interested in a New Mexico Private Investigator License.
A person should be:
- At least 21 years old.
- A citizen of the United States of America.
- Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
- Available to be fingerprinted
- Able to pass a criminal background check.
Qualifications and Disqualifications
There are a few things to note about your background that may or may not disqualify you from obtaining a private investigator license in New Mexico.
A dishonorable discharge from any of the armed services will not disqualify you from being a private investigator unless there are additional circumstances to be considered.
New Mexico does not require a credit check to apply for a private investigator license.
New Mexico does not require a mental health examination.
Felony convictions, including convictions involving violence or the illegal use and possession of a firearm, are automatic disqualifications, stopping you from receiving a private investigator’s designation.
There are no specific education requirements in New Mexico for this license, however, proof of knowledge and experience in related fields is necessary to begin the application process.
These include:
- New Mexico requires a minimum of 6,000 hours of documented work experience in the last five years.
- Skills and training should include investigating crimes and threats, people, stolen property, and the proper collection of evidence.
- Proof of successful completion of the state’s Mandatory Firearms Training course (if you plan to carry a gun).
- Ability to obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
- Pass the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam – a 25-question test on the theory of state law.
New Mexico Private Investigator License Application
Once you have passed the Jurisprudence Exam, the next step is to apply to the New Mexico Investigations Board.
According to the New Mexico licensing website, the approval process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Submit the complete application through the online portal with:
- Documented experience
- Photos
- Identification
- Proof of a surety bond
- Pay an application fee – $100 / $300
- Submit Fingerprint Cards to the Department of Safety (New Mexico) – $44
Renewal and Continuing Education
Once you receive your private investigator license, there are a few things to do to keep it in good standing.
Renew a license every three (3) years.
The renewal fee is $300.
Continuing education courses, two hours per year (6 hours total), are also necessary.
Professional insurance is strongly suggested, and any protective surety bonds must also be renewed and remain in good standing.
Private Investigator Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico does not have a degree requirement to be a private investigator.
However, it does expect proficiency in specific skills such as firearm training, criminal procedures, and basic knowledge of New Mexico laws.
Many vocational schools, colleges, and universities throughout New Mexico offer strong criminal justice and investigative courses, as well as associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Programs in criminal justice, forensic science, law enforcement, military science, and legal procedure may help private investigators to excel and advance in their careers.
Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
- Accredited both regionally and nationally
- Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
1 University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is the largest college in the state.
Based in Albuquerque, it offers a wide range of degree programs that can form the basis for private investigation training.
In addition, UNM has developed a Liberal Arts and Integrative Studies (LAIS) BA program that includes an interdisciplinary focus on New Mexico law enforcement.
Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In addition to basic coursework, classes in the 60-hour law enforcement specialty include:
- Conflict management
- Criminal Justice Basics
- Computer Sciences
- Military & Native American Studies
The cost of a 4-year degree at the University of New Mexico is based on residency, ranging from $11,000 to $35,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 1155 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
- Phone: +1 505-277-0111
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Penn Foster
Penn Foster is a nationally accredited online education company that offers a comprehensive self-directed private instructor course.
The average completion length is five months.
The curriculum covers eight courses and 23 competency exams.
There is also an optional work experience course, similar to an internship.
Class examples include:
- Legal Principles and Requirements
- Background Investigations
- Fingerprinting
- Undercover investigations
- PI Court Procedures
The overall cost is $1,199.
Online payment plans and discounts are available.
However, Pell Grants and scholarships are not applicable.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 570-961-4033
- Website: Visit School Website
3 NITA: National Investigative Training Academy
This institution is a completely online and self-directed program that offers career development and continuing education classes.
Offerings include surveillance basics, communications and field notes, forensics, missing persons, and social media investigation.
Costs range from $49 to $149 per course that lasts two to six hours.
Financial aid, grants, or discounts are not available.
Contact Information
- Address: 250 International Pkwy Suite 134, Lake Mary, FL 32746, United States
- Phone: +1 800-730-6482
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of New Mexico |
| #2 | Penn Foster |
| #3 | NITA: National Investigative Training Academy |
Private Investigator Salary in New Mexico
The field of private investigation is expected to grow over the next ten years by 5 percent.
In New Mexico, the average PI salary is $49,402, while the national average salary is $52,100.
For individuals working in the state’s larger cities, such as Santa Fe or Albuquerque, salaries and benefits are higher — $68,800.
Compensation packages can also depend on whether an investigator has a degree or specialty training in missing persons or crime scene investigations.
Military or law enforcement experience can also contribute to higher salaries.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$39.8K |
|
$55.8K |
|
$78.3K |
Average Salary in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $52,255 |
| Las Cruces | $52,460 |
| Rio Rancho | $53,061 |
| Santa Fe | $56,132 |
| Roswell | $52,244 |
| Farmington | $52,764 |
| Hobbs | $52,103 |
| Clovis | $50,385 |
| South Valley | $60,755 |
| Carlsbad | $55,357 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 50 | $45,940 | $22.09 | $60,940 | $35,230 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the necessary experience to apply for a private investigator license in New Mexico?
The best way to acquire the 6,000 hours of necessary experience is by working for law enforcement, the military, or at one of New Mexico’s large private investigator firms.
What percentage of private investigators in New Mexico are women?
There are no available statistics on New Mexico, but nationally, women account for 47% of all licensed and registered private investigators.
Can I get a private investigator license in New Mexico with a police record?
Getting a PI license in New Mexico with a criminal record depends on the type of infraction.
Misdemeanors will not disqualify an applicant, but a felony conviction for a violent act or with a firearm will prevent approval.
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