Contractor Licensing in New Mexico: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, New Mexico requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division. Initial costs run $401 to $586.
New Mexico requires statewide contractor licensing for all construction trades through the Construction Industries Division (CID) under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). Every contractor must employ a Qualifying Party (QP) who holds the appropriate trade license. All trades require both a Business and Law exam and a trade-specific exam. Licenses are issued in specific classifications and renewed every 3 years.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with 6 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full New Mexico reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
New Mexico Licensing Overview
New Mexico requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $401 to $586, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. New Mexico also participates in reciprocity agreements with 6 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
New Mexico Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $36 | $250 | $300 | $10,000 | $586 |
| Electrician | $36 | $250 | $300 | $10,000 | $586 |
| Plumber | $36 | $65 | $300 | $10,000 | $401 |
| HVAC Technician | $36 | $65 | $300 | $10,000 | $401 |
| Roofing Contractor | $36 | $65 | $300 | $10,000 | $401 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in New Mexico
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in New Mexico. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About New Mexico Contractor Licensing
- Workers compensation coverage is required for all licensed entities in New Mexico
- New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with 6 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- EPA 608 certification also required for refrigerant handling
You're licensed in New Mexico — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division issues the GB-98 - General Building; the business that invoices New Mexico customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
New Mexico requires a $10,000 surety bond. Contractor bond of $10,000 required before license issuance. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
New Mexico does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers compensation coverage is required for all licensed entities in New Mexico. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Mexico require a contractor license?
Yes, New Mexico requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in New Mexico?
Initial licensing costs range from $401 to $586 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does New Mexico have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with 6 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in New Mexico?
Workers compensation coverage is required for all licensed entities in New Mexico
Official New Mexico Licensing Resources
- Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor