New Mexico Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Building Contractor Authorizes erecting, altering, repairing or demolishing residential and commercial buildings, plus all work covered by the GB-2, GF-5, GF-7 and GS classifications; includes seal coating and striping of driveways and parking lots. Excludes work under the EE, MM, GA or GF classifications. Requires 4 years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience, of which at least 2 years must be commercial (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 (NMAC 14.5.5) | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule; license must be renewed on CID's schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Residential Building Contractor Erect, alter, repair or demolish residences and apartment houses accommodating not more than four family units (IBC Groups R-1, R-2, R-3); includes all GS specialty work when limited to residential construction. Requires 2 years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Construction Covers all work authorized by GA-1 through GA-5 — streets, roads, highways, parking lots, alleys, maintenance and repair, curbs/gutters/driveway culverts, striping, and highway signs/guard rails. Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| General Fixed Works Contractor Construct, alter or repair fixed or public works facilities authorized under GF-1 through GF-9 — airports, bridges, canals/reservoirs/dams, drainage and flood control, recreation areas, railroad and tunnel work, tanks and towers, non-electrical transmission lines and substations, and utility lines (sewage, water, gas, underground telephone). Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Electrical Contractor — Residential, Commercial and Industrial (5,000V or less) Authorizes residential, commercial and industrial electrical wiring at 5,000 volts nominal or less. Requires 4 years of foreman-level experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Residential Electrical Contractor Residential electrical wiring (5,000 volts or less). Requires 2 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Electrical Distribution and Transmission Systems (over 5,000V) Electrical distribution and transmission systems operating above 5,000 volts. Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Mechanical Contractor (all MM work) Authorizes all work in the MM series — plumbing (MM-1), natural gas fitting (MM-2), HVAC (MM-3), and heating/cooling/process piping (MM-4). Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| Plumbing Contractor Plumbing systems — potable water supply, drain/waste/vent, fixtures and appliances. Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
| HVAC Contractor Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including ductwork and related controls. Requires 4 years of experience (NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule). | $36 license application fee; QP application fee $36 | Set by NMAC 14.5.5 fee schedule | $10,000 license bond (NMAC 14.6.3) |
Processing time: Application review by PSI and CID typically takes several weeks to a few months; residential building permits are processed in 3–4 working days, commercial permits in 5–10 working days after license is in hand. from application submission to license issuance.
New Mexico (NM) regulates contractors at the state level through the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), operating under the Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 60, Article 13). CID licenses more than 100 separate classifications spanning general construction (GA/GB/GF/GS), electrical (EE/ER/EL/ES), and mechanical/plumbing (MM/MS), each defined in NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 6. Every applicant must designate a Qualifying Party (QP) with 2 or 4 years of foreman-level experience (depending on classification), pass a classification-specific trade exam and a Business & Law exam through PSI, and post a $10,000 license bond under NMAC 14.6.3. The statutory 'handyman' exemption under NMSA 60-13-3(B)(14) allows casual, minor, or inconsequential work only if a single individual's total compensation from such work stays at or below $7,200 per year — that threshold has not moved since the 1980s and still applies in 2026. Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor under NMSA 60-13-52, and CID investigators can issue stop-work orders and file criminal charges in Magistrate or Metropolitan Court.
Step 1: Ask for the CID License Number
New Mexico contractors are required to clearly display their CID license number on all written bids, contracts, and building permit applications under NMSA 60-13-12, and CID can assess a statutory penalty fee for each failure to do so. If a contractor cannot or will not produce a license number, treat it as a red flag and verify before signing anything.
Step 2: Look Up the License on CID's Online Portal
CID's license verification is hosted on the PSI public search portal. You can search by license number, business name, city, or zip code. The lookup shows the contractor's classifications, status (active, expired, suspended, revoked), bond status, and the name of the Qualifying Party whose experience qualifies the company.
PSI — New Mexico CID License Search →
Step 3: Confirm the Classification Matches the Work
New Mexico licenses are classification-specific. A GB-98 general building contractor cannot self-perform electrical (EE/ER/EL/ES) or mechanical/plumbing (MM/MS) work — those trades must be subcontracted to a separately licensed contractor under the NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule. Before hiring, confirm the classifications on the license cover every trade your project requires.
Step 4: Verify the $10,000 Bond Is Active
Every licensed contractor must maintain a $10,000 corporate surety bond as a condition of initial licensure and renewal under NMAC 14.6.3. The bond protects consumers against division-certified code violations that the contractor fails to correct, with claims limited to two years after final inspection or certificate of occupancy. The CID lookup displays whether the bond is active.
Step 5: Check Complaint and Enforcement History
CID's Investigation and Enforcement Bureau investigates consumer complaints, issues administrative penalties (up to $1,000 per violation under NMAC 14.5.8), and files criminal charges against unlicensed contractors. Call CID statewide at 1-877-CID-0979 (243-0979) or email CID.Inspection@state.nm.us to ask about complaints or pending investigations not visible online.
New Mexico Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required for all licensed contractors and contracting entities per CID application instructions. New Mexico generally requires workers' compensation coverage for employers with three or more employees under the Workers' Compensation Act; the construction industry has stricter requirements, and CID requires proof of coverage as part of licensure. |
| General Liability | Not mandated by CID as a condition of licensure, but strongly recommended and frequently required by project owners, lenders, and local permitting authorities. |
New Mexico Contractor Bond Requirements
Under NMAC 14.6.3, every New Mexico contractor license applicant must post a $10,000 license bond underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico. The bond must remain in force for the entire term of potential liability, and the surety must give CID at least 30 days' written notice before cancellation. Claims are limited to division-certified code violations caused and not corrected by the licensee, filed within two years of final inspection or certificate of occupancy.
New Mexico Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
New Mexico law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Contractors must display the CID license number on all written bids, contracts, and building permit applications under NMSA 60-13-12, and CID can assess a statutory penalty fee for each failure to do so.
- Unlicensed contractors cannot lawfully submit bids or sign contracts for work covered by the Construction Industries Licensing Act.
- CID investigators have authority to issue stop-work orders on unlicensed jobsites and refer violations for criminal prosecution in Magistrate or Metropolitan Court.
- The statutory 'handyman' exemption under NMSA 60-13-3(B)(14) caps casual, minor, or inconsequential work at $7,200 per person per year and expressly does NOT cover electrical, plumbing, or gas-fitting work — those trades always require a license regardless of dollar amount.
- Code compliance claims against a contractor's $10,000 bond must be filed within two years of final inspection or certificate of occupancy (NMAC 14.6.3).
- All permitted work in New Mexico is subject to inspection by CID or a certified local authority before final approval.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in New Mexico puts you at risk:
- Contracting without a required license is a misdemeanor under NMSA 60-13-52 — up to 90 days in jail and $300–$500 fine for work valued at $5,000 or less, or up to 6 months and 10% of contract value for work over $5,000.
- CID investigators can issue stop-work orders and file criminal charges in Magistrate or Metropolitan Court.
- Administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per violation may be assessed separately from criminal penalties.
- A second conviction under NMSA 60-13-52 doubles the applicable penalty.
- Unlicensed contractors are ineligible for a New Mexico contractor license for 1 year from the date of conviction.
- Consumer remedies under CID's complaint and bond processes are not available for work performed by unlicensed operators, leaving civil court as the main recourse.
- The $7,200 handyman exemption does NOT cover electrical, plumbing, or gas-fitting work — licensure is required for those trades regardless of project size.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in New Mexico
Report unlicensed contracting activity to the CID Investigation and Enforcement Bureau. Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor under NMSA 60-13-52, and CID actively investigates complaints and conducts jobsite inspections.
- Phone: 1-877-CID-0979 (243-0979) statewide
- Phone: (505) 476-4700 Santa Fe; (505) 222-9800 Albuquerque; (575) 524-6320 Las Cruces
- Email: CID.Inspection@state.nm.us
- In person: Santa Fe (2550 Cerrillos Rd, 3rd Floor), Albuquerque (5500 San Antonio Dr, Ste F), Las Cruces (505 S Main St, Ste 103)
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in New Mexico
The CID Investigation and Enforcement Bureau handles complaints against both licensed and unlicensed contractors. The bureau can inspect jobsites, issue stop-work orders, seek administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, and file criminal charges under NMSA 60-13-52.
You can file a complaint by:
- Phone: 1-877-CID-0979 (243-0979) statewide, or (505) 476-4700 Santa Fe
- Email: CID.Inspection@state.nm.us
- In person: Santa Fe (2550 Cerrillos Rd, 3rd Floor), Albuquerque (5500 San Antonio Dr, Ste F), or Las Cruces (505 S Main St, Ste 103)
For financial recovery beyond what CID can order, consumers may need to pursue civil court or file a claim against the contractor's $10,000 bond through the surety company, subject to the two-year limitations period in NMAC 14.6.3.
New Mexico Contractor Bond Schedule
New Mexico requires a single statutory license bond for all contractor classifications. The amount does not scale with project size or license type.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor License Bond | $10,000 | Required for every contractor license under NMAC 14.6.3. Must be issued by a corporate surety authorized in New Mexico; 30-day cancellation notice required. |
| Building Permit Bond (municipal) | Varies | Some municipalities may require separate performance/inspection bonds in connection with local building permits. NMSA 60-13-51 prohibits municipalities from requiring a separate contractor bond as a condition of licensure, but permit-specific bonds may still apply. |
What Makes New Mexico Contractor Licensing Unique
$7,200 Handyman Threshold — Unchanged Since the 1980s
New Mexico's 'handyman' exemption under NMSA 60-13-3(B)(14) lets an individual perform casual, minor or inconsequential work without a license only if total compensation stays at or below $7,200 per year. The exemption also requires the handyman to file an annual declaration with CID, avoid advertising as a contractor, and never touch electrical, plumbing, or gas-fitting work regardless of price. Legislation has been introduced to raise the threshold to $25,000 (e.g., 2012 HB 262), but as of 2026 the $7,200 figure remains in force.
Qualifying Party (QP) Model
Unlike states that license individual contractors, New Mexico licenses the business entity — but every license must designate a Qualifying Party whose experience qualifies the company for its classifications. Per the NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule, the QP must have 2 years of foreman-level experience for residential/specialty classifications or 4 years for general/commercial classifications (GB-98, GA-98, GF-98, EE-98, EL-1, MM-98), all accrued within the 10 years immediately preceding application.
100+ Classifications, Strict Scope-of-Work Rules
CID administers more than 100 separate classifications across general (G), electrical (E), and mechanical/plumbing (M) fields. Under the NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule, a prime contractor can only hold out as prime if the majority of the project's dollar value falls within their classification, and any out-of-scope work must be subcontracted to a validly licensed contractor. A GB-98 general building contractor cannot bid a project that is predominantly roadwork (GA) or heavy civil (most GF classifications).
PSI Administers All Contractor Exams
All New Mexico contractor trade exams and the Business & Law exam are administered by PSI (1-877-663-9267). Many exams are open-book for bound reference materials. The GB-98 exam is a four-part test, GA-98 is five parts, and GF-98 is nine parts plus a mandatory GF Core exam. Applicants who have passed the NASCLA commercial general building exam may use that score to satisfy the GB-98 trade exam.
Three Regional CID Offices
CID operates regional offices in Santa Fe (headquarters, 2550 Cerrillos Rd), Albuquerque (5500 San Antonio Dr), and Las Cruces (505 S Main St). Building permit processing is typically 3–4 working days for residential permits and 5–10 working days for commercial.
New Mexico Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: New Mexico Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in New Mexico?
Use the Construction Industries Division (CID) public license search hosted by PSI at public.psiexams.com/search.jsp (linked from rld.nm.gov/about-us/public-information-hub/verify-a-license/). You can search by license number, business name, city, or zip code. The lookup shows classifications, status, bond status, and any enforcement history. You can also call CID statewide at 1-877-CID-0979 or email CID.Inspection@state.nm.us.
What's the minimum project value that requires a licensed contractor in New Mexico?
Under NMSA 60-13-3(B)(14), an individual performing casual, minor, or inconsequential work — 'handyman repairs' — does not need a license if total compensation stays at or below $7,200 per year AND the work is not part of a larger operation, the person does not advertise as a contractor, and the person files an annual declaration with CID. Crucially, this exemption does NOT apply to electrical wiring, plumbing, or gas-fitting work — those trades require a license regardless of price.
What are the main contractor license classifications in New Mexico?
CID uses a three-field system defined in NMAC 14.6.6: General Construction (G) including GB general building, GA asphalt/concrete, GF fixed works, and GS specialties; Electrical (E) including EE-98 residential/commercial, ER-1 residential, EL-1 distribution/transmission, and ES specialties; and Mechanical/Plumbing (M) including MM-98 all mechanical, MM-1 plumbing, MM-2 gas fitting, MM-3 HVAC, and MS specialties. The '98' suffix on a classification means the license covers the entire category.
How much does a New Mexico contractor license cost?
Per the current CID Apply page, the license application fee is $36, the Qualifying Party application fee is $36, and each additional classification on the same license is $6 under NMAC 14.5.5. Trade and Business & Law exam fees are set by PSI and published in PSI's current New Mexico Candidate Information Bulletin. The $10,000 license bond is a separate recurring cost paid as an annual premium to a surety — typically $100–$500/year depending on credit.
Do New Mexico contractors need a surety bond?
Yes. Under NMAC 14.6.3, every New Mexico contractor license applicant must post a $10,000 bond underwritten by a corporate surety authorized in New Mexico. The bond must remain in force for the entire term of potential liability. Contractors do not pay $10,000 out of pocket — they pay an annual premium (commonly $100–$500) to a surety company, which issues the bond filed with CID.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in New Mexico?
Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor under NMSA 60-13-52. If the contracting work is valued at $5,000 or less, the contractor faces up to 90 days in county jail and a fine of $300–$500. If the work exceeds $5,000, penalties escalate to up to 6 months in jail and a fine of 10% of the contract value. CID can also seek administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. For you as a homeowner, hiring unlicensed means losing access to CID's complaint process, potentially voiding insurance claims, and possibly having an unenforceable contract.
How do I file a complaint against a New Mexico contractor?
Contact CID's Investigation and Enforcement Bureau. Call statewide at 1-877-CID-0979 (243-0979), email CID.Inspection@state.nm.us, or visit one of the three regional offices (Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces). CID can inspect jobsites, issue stop-work orders, assess administrative penalties, and file criminal charges in Magistrate or Metropolitan Court. For financial recovery beyond CID's authority, you may need civil court or a bond claim against the contractor's $10,000 surety bond.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in New Mexico?
Timelines vary by classification and applicant preparedness. After CID approves the application, candidates schedule exams through PSI, which can usually be done within a few weeks. Typical end-to-end timelines run from several weeks to a few months depending on exam scheduling, experience documentation review, and bond issuance. Once licensed, residential permits process in 3–4 working days and commercial permits in 5–10 working days.
What is a Qualifying Party (QP) in New Mexico?
Every contractor license in New Mexico must designate a Qualifying Party — a person whose verified foreman-level experience qualifies the business entity for its classifications. Required experience is 2 years for most residential and specialty classifications or 4 years for general/commercial classifications (GB-98, GA-98, GF-98, EE-98, EL-1, MM-98). All experience must have been accrued within the 10 years immediately preceding application. The QP must also pass the trade and Business & Law exams.
Can a GB-98 general contractor do their own electrical or plumbing work in New Mexico?
No. Under the NMAC 14.6.6 classifications rule, work authorized by the EE, MM, GA or GF classifications must be performed by an entity validly licensed in that classification. A GB-98 general building contractor can bid and act as prime on a project that includes electrical, mechanical or plumbing work — but the actual trade work must be subcontracted to properly licensed EE/MM/etc. contractors. This is stricter scope enforcement than many other states.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- NM RLD — Construction Industries Division (home) — Primary regulator for New Mexico contractor licensing. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NM RLD — CID Apply for a License — Application requirements, QP documentation, bond, fees, required certificates. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NM RLD — CID Frequently Asked Questions — Permit processing times, inspection contacts (505-222-9813 / 1-877-CID-0979), CID.Inspection@state.nm.us, PSI vendor contact. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NM RLD — CID Investigation & Enforcement (Unlicensed Violations) — Criminal penalty thresholds under NMSA 60-13-52.A; 1-year licensure bar after conviction. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMSA 60-13-3 — Definition; contractor (CILA exemptions including $7,200 handyman) — Statutory definition of 'contractor' and the complete list of 18 exemptions, including the $7,200 casual-work threshold and $2,000 weatherization / $5,000 short-term commercial maintenance limits. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13 — Construction Industries Licensing Act (consolidated PDF) — Full CILA text including 60-13-12 (license required + statutory penalty fee for failing to display license number on bids/contracts/permits), 60-13-51 (municipal bond restriction), 60-13-52 (misdemeanor penalties). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMAC 14.6.3 — Contractor Bond Requirements — $10,000 corporate surety bond, 30-day cancellation notice, 2-year claim window, scope of code-violation coverage. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMAC 14.6.6 — Classifications and Scopes (official rule) — Full list of G/E/M classifications, experience requirements by classification, GB-98 prime-contractor rules. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMAC 14.5.5 — Construction Industries General Provisions — Fees — Official fee schedule rule. Current CID Apply page lists $36 application fee and $36 QP application fee; rule text additionally covers additional-classification and replacement fees ($6), permit fees, and homeowner permit fees. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMAC 14.5.8 — Administrative Penalties — Commission authority to seek administrative penalty of $1,000 per violation when criminal prosecution is not pursued. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- NMAC 14.6.3 — Bond Rule (PDF) — Rule text for the $10,000 contractor license bond. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.
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