How To Get A New Mexico Contractors License

new mexico contractor license

In an effort to protect consumers from being victimized by unscrupulous individuals, New Mexico requires all contractors to have a New Mexico Contractors License before they begin working in the state. This includes general construction, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Licenses are issued by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

Short on time? Check out our Contractor License FAQ page.

How to get a New Mexico Contractors License

Step #1: Determine what kind of NM Contractor License you need

There are approximately 100 different classifications of licenses.

For a complete list of NM Contractor License classifications, view section 14.6.6.9 ‘General Construction Classifications’ of the New Mexico Administrative Code.

If you are unsure of your work classification, complete a Classification Determination Request Form. A written determination will be sent back to you via mail or fax.

Step #2: Become a qualifying party

To become a qualifying party, you must meet the below experience requirements AND take a pre-approved scheduled exam.

NM Contractor Licenses are only issued to individuals/companies that employ or are owned by one or more Qualifying Parties.

2 years experience: Residential Building (GB-2) and Building Specialties (GS-1 through GS-34), Asphalt Bitumen and Concrete Construction (GA-1 through GA-5), Fixed Works (GF-1 through GF-9), Residential Wiring (ER-1) and Electrical Specialties (ES-1 through ES-10), Mechanical Specialties (MS-3 and MS-6)

4 years experience: General Building (GB-98), Asphalt and Bitumen and Concrete Construction (GA-98), Fixed Works (GF-98), Electrical – Residential and Commercial (EE-98), Electrical Distribution Systems (EL-1), Mechanical (MM-98), Plumbing (MM-1), Natural Gas Fitting (MM-2), HVAC (MM-3), Process Piping (MM-4), Fire Sprinklers (MS-12), Dry Chemical Fire Protection (MS-14)

Learn more about how to become a Qualifying Party and how to obtain a Qualifying Party Certificate.

For exam services or licensing, click here to go to PSI’s website.

Step #3: Complete NM Contractor License Application

Download the New Mexico Contractor License Application.

Step #4: Purchase a $10,000 New Mexico Contractor License Bond

A New Mexico Contractor Bond is a type of surety bond that protects your clients should you fail to complete a project or perform shoddy work. Learn how the bond works.

Getting a New Mexico Contractor License Bond can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. At Surety Solutions, we let you view quotes for your bond so you can compare prices before you buy. Use our online application for free no-obligation quotes below:

You might only need to pay $100 for your bond!

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Step #5: Get Tax ID Number

Contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department at 505-827-0700

Step #6: Register with the Secretary of State at 505-827-3600 (only if you are a Corp, LP, LLP, or LLC)

Step #7: Pay Fees

Pay $30 non-refundable application fee + $6 certification fee + the applicable license fee below:

$300: GB02, GB98, GA98, GF98, EE98, MM98
$150: all other classifications

Step #8: Mail Paperwork

Mail your application and original bond to the following address (Include self-addressed return envelope)

PSI
2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Step #9: Wait on decision

If you are denied, your application materials will be mailed back to you in the return envelope.
If you are approved, your New Mexico Contractors License will be issued and you will receive it by USPS mail.

For more information, view the Contractor License FAQ page.

New Mexico Contractor License Renewal

Your New Mexico Contractor License is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. To renew your New Mexico Contractors License, complete a New Mexico Renewal Form.

Do You Need an NM Contractor License Bond?

To get your NM Contractor License Bond for the lowest rate on the market, click the button below for free no-obligation quotes.