Plumber License Requirements in New Mexico
| Licensing Authority | Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID) |
| License Type | MM-98 - Journeyman Residential and Commercial Mechanical/Plumbing |
| Experience Required | 4 years (8,000 hours) of plumbing experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business and Law Exam + MM-98 Plumbing Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 3 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $36 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $300 |
| Est. Initial Total | $401 |
Renewal: $100 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Business and Law Exam
MM-98 Plumbing Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→You're licensed in New Mexico as a plumber — 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 MM-98 - Journeyman Residential and Commercial Mechanical/Plumbing; 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. 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 is required for all contractors. 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 plumber 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years at $100. Continuing education: 16 hours every 3 years.
Other licenses in New Mexico
- General Contractor license in New Mexico
Statewide license required · $586 in initial government fees · CID
- Electrician license in New Mexico
Statewide license required · $586 in initial government fees · CID
- HVAC Technician license in New Mexico
Statewide license required · $401 in initial government fees · CID
- Roofing Contractor license in New Mexico
Statewide license required · $401 in initial government fees · CID
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico requires a statewide plumber license through the Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division.
How much does a plumber license cost in New Mexico?
The estimated initial cost is $401, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in New Mexico?
4 years (8,000 hours) of plumbing experience
What exams are required for a plumber license in New Mexico?
You must pass the Business and Law Exam and MM-98 Plumbing Trade Exam exams. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in New Mexico?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in New Mexico?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in New Mexico?
Yes, 16 hours per every 3 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in New Mexico— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CID