New Mexico Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
New Mexico requires state-issued contractor licenses for nearly all construction-related work. The Construction Industries Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department administers classifications that cover building, mechanical (including plumbing and HVAC), electrical, roofing, and numerous specialty trades. Exams are delivered by PSI, and licensing is uniform across the state.
This guide spotlights several common licenses and authorities for New Mexico to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. You will find clear summaries of experience requirements, exam expectations, fees, and bonding for each license type, along with direct links to official resources and exam prep materials.
Whether you plan to operate statewide or focus on work in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, or Roswell, the same CID standards apply. Local building permits and inspections may still be required for specific projects, but your contractor credential is issued at the state level through CID.
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Overview of New Mexico Contractor Licensing
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Construction Industries Division (CID) is the statewide authority regulating construction contractor licenses. CID issues licenses across electrical, mechanical (including plumbing, HVAC, and gas), general building, and a broad spectrum of specialty trades. Core licensing requirements include qualifying party experience, passing examinations with PSI, and maintaining a $10,000 license bond.
New Mexico law requires appropriate licensing to engage in contracting, as set out in Section 60-13-12 of the New Mexico Statutes. Because licensing is administered at the state level, the same credentials apply in every city and county. Contractors should still coordinate permits and inspections with local building departments for specific projects.
PSI administers both the Business & Law exam and trade exams for New Mexico. Applicants typically establish their qualifying party credentials, schedule exams through PSI, and submit complete application packets as directed by CID and PSI. Processing time is usually a few weeks after submission when documentation is complete.
Electrician Licenses in New Mexico
New Mexico regulates electrical work with 3 license types. All electrical contractor applicants must designate a qualifying party, meet the experience threshold, pass the trade exam and the Business & Law exam through PSI, and maintain a $10,000 surety license bond.
Electrical Contractor (EE-98)
Classification: Residential and Commercial Electrical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Electrical trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $300
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
Comprehensive PDF study guides for New Mexico EE-98 with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits.
Residential Wiring Contractor (ER-1)
Classification: Residential Wiring
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 2 years (4,000 hours) journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Residential electrical trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
PDF study guides for ER-1 typically include 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and precise code reference locators. Materials are downloadable and reusable with no time limits.
Electrical Specialty Contractor (ES series)
Classification: Specialty Electrical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in the relevant specialty area.
- Exams required: Specialty electrical trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
Specialty electrical PDF guides provide 1,500–2,500 practice questions with answer keys and code reference locators to speed up lookups. Study offline as needed; there are no time or use limits.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or see all New Mexico exam prep options.
Plumbing Licenses in New Mexico
New Mexico regulates plumbing work within the mechanical classifications. There are 2 contractor options: the broad Mechanical Contractor (MM-98) and Specialty Mechanical Contractor (MS series). Both require a qualifying party, PSI examinations, and a $10,000 license bond.
Mechanical Contractor (MM-98)
Classification: Mechanical (Plumbing, HVAC, and Gas)
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Mechanical (trade) exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $300
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MM-98 study packets are PDF-based with 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and exact code reference locators. Study offline without time or use limits to build speed and accuracy.
Specialty Mechanical Contractor (MS series)
Classification: Specialty Mechanical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in the applicable specialty.
- Exams required: Specialty mechanical trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MS-series PDF guides typically include 1,500–2,500 specialty-focused questions with answer keys and code reference locators. Offline study, unlimited use.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or explore all New Mexico licensing exam prep.
HVAC Licenses in New Mexico
HVAC contracting is licensed under the mechanical classifications, with two pathways: the broad Mechanical Contractor (MM-98) and the HVAC Specialty Contractor (MM-3). Both require qualifying party experience, PSI examinations, and a $10,000 license bond.
Mechanical Contractor (MM-98)
Classification: Mechanical (Plumbing, HVAC, and Gas)
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Mechanical trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $300
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
PDF MM-98 HVAC-inclusive materials provide 1,500–2,500 questions, full answer keys, and reference locators to the exact code sections. Offline study with no usage limits.
HVAC Specialty Contractor (MM-3)
Classification: HVAC Specialty
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in HVAC.
- Exams required: HVAC specialty trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
- Classification Fee: $30
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MM-3 HVAC specialty PDFs include 1,500–2,500 targeted questions, detailed answer keys, and exact code section locators for fast study sessions. Use offline without time limits.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or see more New Mexico exam prep resources.
General Contractor Licenses in New Mexico
New Mexico general contractors typically qualify under one of two building classifications. Both require a qualifying party, PSI exams, and a $10,000 license bond. The GB-98 encompasses commercial and residential building, while the GB-2 focuses on residential building work.
General Building Contractor (GB-98)
Classification: Commercial and Residential Building
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: General Building (trade) exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $300
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
GB-98 PDF prep includes 1,500–2,500 questions aligned to exam outlines, with answer keys and code reference locators for each question. Download and study offline with unlimited reuse.
Residential Building Contractor (GB-2)
Classification: Residential Building
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 2 years (4,000 hours) journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Residential building trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
GB-2 residential PDF study guides typically contain 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and pinpoint code reference locators. Study offline with no time or use limits.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or compare New Mexico exam prep options.
Roofing Licenses in New Mexico
New Mexico regulates roofing under a building specialty classification. Applicants designate a qualifying party with residential roofing experience levels that meet CID’s standards, pass PSI exams, and maintain a $10,000 license bond.
Roofing Specialty Contractor (GS series)
Classification: Building Specialty
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 2 years (4,000 hours) journeyman-level experience in roofing.
- Exams required: Roofing specialty trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
PDF roofing specialty study guides generally include 1,500–2,500 questions with full answer keys and direct code reference locators. Offline, unlimited-use format for efficient preparation.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or view all New Mexico practice exams.
Specialty Trade Licenses in New Mexico
New Mexico offers specialty classifications across civil, mechanical, fire protection, and process piping categories. Each specialty requires an experienced qualifying party, PSI examinations tied to the specific scope, and a $10,000 license bond. Below are five representative specialty licenses.
Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Construction Contractor (GA series)
Classification: Specialty
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 2 years (4,000 hours) journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
GA-series PDF materials cover 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and exact reference locators. Study offline with unlimited reuse.
Fixed Works Contractor (GF series)
Classification: Specialty
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience.
- Exams required: Trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $300
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
GF-series PDFs provide 1,500–2,500 questions, full answer keys, and code reference locators designed for efficient offline study.
Fire Sprinkler Contractor (MS-12)
Classification: Specialty Mechanical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in fire protection systems.
- Exams required: Fire sprinkler specialty trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MS-12 PDFs feature 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and exact code section references for quick verification. Offline, unlimited-use format.
Dry Chemical Fire Protection Contractor (MS-14)
Classification: Specialty Mechanical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in dry chemical fire protection.
- Exams required: Specialty trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MS-14 PDF prep includes 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and exact code reference locators. Study offline with no time or use limits.
Process Piping Contractor (MM-4)
Classification: Specialty Mechanical
Regulatory Authority: Construction Industries Division (CID) — Official site
Eligibility and Experience
- Qualifying party with 4 years journeyman-level experience in process piping.
- Exams required: Process piping specialty trade exam and Business & Law exam via PSI.
Fees
- Application: $36
- Initial License: $150
Bonding
- $10,000 surety license bond required.
Application instructions: CID — Apply for a Construction Industries License.
Confirm renewal schedule and any additional requirements with CID before applying.
MM-4 study guides are PDF-based with 1,500–2,500 questions, full answer keys, and code reference locators. Offline and reusable as needed.
Browse New Mexico contractor license practice tests and study material or find more New Mexico specialty exam prep.
Application Process
- Request classification determination.
- Obtain qualifying party certificate (2–4 years experience required, depending on classification).
- Schedule and pass the Business & Law exam and the trade-specific exam through PSI.
- Submit completed application with required documents to PSI.
- Pay required fees ($36 application fee + $150–$300 initial license fee, per classification).
- Obtain a $10,000 surety license bond.
- Register the business entity with the New Mexico Secretary of State or NMPRC, as applicable.
- Obtain a Taxation and Revenue Department tax registration certificate.
Timeline: Typical processing is 2–4 weeks after submission of a complete application package.
Submission Method: Applications must be submitted by mail or in person to PSI in Albuquerque. Online application is not available. Incomplete applications are returned unprocessed. A qualifying party must pass required exams within 6 months of approval.
Required documents generally include: completed, notarized application; qualifying party certificate or exam score report; proof of $10,000 license bond; tax registration certificate; appropriate Secretary of State/NMPRC documentation; and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. See forms at CID Forms & Applications.
Reciprocity
Availability: Reciprocity/endorsement is available in connection with NASCLA-approved states.
How it works: The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam can endorse into GB-98. The NASCLA Electrical Contractor Exam can endorse into EE-98 (with proof of being licensed in another state for at least one year). The Business & Law exam is still required for all endorsed licenses. Endorsement applies to specific NASCLA-approved classifications; additional trade exams may be required for specialties.
For questions, contact CID: Construction Industries Division or the exam provider PSI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in New Mexico?
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after you submit a complete application with all required documents, fees, and proof of passing scores.
Can I transfer my license from another state to New Mexico?
New Mexico recognizes NASCLA pathways. The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam can endorse into GB-98, and the NASCLA Electrical Contractor Exam can endorse into EE-98 with at least one year of licensure in another state. The Business & Law exam is still required.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies and waiting periods are managed by the exam provider. Contact PSI for the most current retake procedures and fees.
Do I need insurance?
New Mexico requires a $10,000 surety license bond for contractor licensing. Depending on your operations, you may also carry general liability or workers’ compensation where applicable. Verify current bonding and any additional insurance expectations with CID and your insurer.
How do I renew my license?
Renewals are administered by CID. Renewal timing and documentation can vary by classification. For instructions and forms, visit CID Forms & Applications.
Is licensing handled by cities or counties in New Mexico?
No—New Mexico contractor licensing is statewide under CID. Local jurisdictions may still require project-specific building permits and inspections. Always coordinate permits with the jurisdiction where the work occurs.
Who can serve as the qualifying party?
A qualifying party is an individual who meets CID’s experience threshold for the classification and passes the required exams. Experience typically ranges from 2 years (4,000 hours) for certain residential or specialty scopes to 4 years for broader classifications.
Where can I find practice tests for New Mexico exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests tailored to New Mexico license exams, typically with 1,500–2,500 questions, complete answer keys, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Materials are downloadable and reusable with no time or use limits. Browse New Mexico contractor practice tests or see all New Mexico study materials.
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
-
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (CID)
https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (CID) — Apply
https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-construction-industries-license/
Application Process, Fees | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (CID) — Bureaus
https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/find-a-bureau/bureaus/
Bureau Information | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
New Mexico Statutes — Contractor Licensing
https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-60/article-13/section-60-13-12/
Section 60-13-12 | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
PSI — Exam Provider
https://www.psiexams.com/
Exam Scheduling & Policies | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
New Mexico RLD — Forms & Applications
https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/
Licensing Forms | Accessed: 2026-05-19 -
New Mexico Business Navigator — Construction License
https://biz.nm.gov/business-navigator/licenses-and-permits/construction-license/
Overview of Requirements | Accessed: 2026-05-19
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Requirements may change; always verify with the official sources listed above.
Official Source: For current information, contact the Construction Industries Division (CID):
- Website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
- Phone: 505-476-4500
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult CID or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Coordination: Contractor licensing is issued by CID statewide. Local building permits and inspections may be required for your projects—confirm with the jurisdiction where work will be performed.