Background Report Instructions

Private Investigations: Background Report Instructions

Background Check for Initial License/Registration Application

Pursuant to the Private Investigations Act [§ 61-27B-34, NMSA 1978], the following applicants for initial licensure or registration must submit to a biometric federal criminal history background check:

• Private Investigator
• Private Investigations Employee
• Private Investigation Company (each owner, director, and/or officer)
• Private Patrol Operator
• Private Patrol Company (each owner, director, and/or officer)
• Polygraph Examiner
• Security Guard Level One, Two, and Three

A Private Investigations Manager and Private Patrol Operations Manager are not required to submit to a biometric federal criminal history background check because they must first hold the respective Private Investigator or Private Patrol Operator license or a Level Three Security Guard registration.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses an electronic Live Scan system of licensee fingerprinting unless you are an applicant who resides outside the State of New Mexico.

• Applicants listed above must register at www.aps.gemalto.com/nm/index_NM prior to going to an electronic fingerprint location — ORI Lookup is NM920250Z
• Applicants may complete their fingerprinting at any 3M Cogent fingerprint location in the state of NM (map of locations are on Cogent website)
• Appointments are not required
• The fee is $44.00, which can be paid at the time of registration by credit card or at the fingerprinting site by cashier’s check or money order
• Background check results will be sent directly to the Regulation and Licensing Department electronically
• Additional information is available on the DPS website: dps.nm.gov/law-enforcement-records-bureau/fingerprinting-and-background-checks/

Out-of-state applicants unable to complete the Livescan in New Mexico may register online and mail inked fingerprint cards and the required $44 fee to:

     Thales, APS Department

     #165 2964 Bradley Street

     Pasadena, CA 91107

Cards may be acquired from any local or state law enforcement jurisdiction.

Background Check for License/Registration Renewal

Pursuant to the Private Investigations Act [§ 61-27B-34, NMSA 1978], and rules adopted by the Regulation and Licensing Department [16.48.2 NMAC], the following applicants for renewal must submit to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) state criminal history background check:

• Private Investigator (only if licensee will carry a firearm)
• Private Investigations Employee (only if licensee will carry a firearm)
• Private Patrol Operator (only if licensee will carry a firearm)
• Security Guard Level Three

DPS – Authorization for Release of Information