2019 New Mexico Contractor Licenses: Search/Lookup, Classifications

Do you want to perform contracting work in the state of New Mexico? As is the case with most states in the U.S., the state of New Mexico requires you to obtain a contractor’s license from the board before you can engage in any major construction-related work statewide.

You shouldn’t be paying too much for your home improvement project. The easiest way to make sure  that doesn’t happen is by getting quotes from competing contractors. If you simply fill out the form below, we’ll match you with the 4 most relevant ones. That way they can bid on your project, and getting the quotes won’t cost you a thing. Simply fill out the form below.

Get 4 Free Quotes From Competing Contractors

Type of Service

Project Details

Contact Info

Please Choose The Type of Service


It only takes 2 minutes to fill out the form


Type of Service

Project Details

Contact Info

step 2 of 4

Type of Service

Project Details

Contact Info

step 3 of 4
You are almost done – fill out this last step

Type of Service

Project Details

Contact Info

This information makes it easier to coordinate with pros.

Please fill this field
Please fill this field
Invalid zip code
Invalid email
Invalid phone number
Invalid address

By sumitting this form, you agree to be contacted about your project by Homeadvisor and / or other service partners using automated phone technology and / or email. We will not contact you with anything else.

Thank you!

Our specialists are currently reviewing your case and will get back to you shortly.

The same rule applies in general construction work, as well as in more specialized trades such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.  Unfortunately, the steps to obtaining a state license are quite long and riddled with bureaucratic knots.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to get you started on the right path and help you plan ahead. We also took care to ensure that all information and links are updated and relevant to your licensing needs.

Why You Should Get a Contractor’s License

As is their mandate, New Mexico’s Regulation and Licensing Department are upholding and enforcing state codes and regulations to ensure that the interests of the state’s homeowners are always protected and upheld in business transactions. Without such laws, the quality of life and security of the state’s residents will be seriously compromised.

As a contractor, it’s in your best interests to do everything necessary to become better in your chosen trade. Not only does a contractor’s license give you more credibility in the industry, but it also dramatically increases your earning potential.

Why you should hire a contractor with a license

Is your home in dire need of a major repair? Is your roof leaking? If you’re a handyman, it can be tempting to indulge your DIY impulses by fixing everything yourself. But for home issues that require major work, you’re better off hiring a professional. And not just any professional, mind you. You have to hire one that holds a contractor’s license that is in good standing.

Here’s why you should hire a contractor with a license:

  • Compliance with state laws
  • You get direct compensation for personal injury and property damage
  • Prevents mistakes non-professionals always commit
  • Comprehensive services (you get a full report on all aspects of the construction process).

Contractor License Search & Lookup

In New Mexico, contracting without a license is against the law. That said, there’s no shortage of people out there holding a fake contractor’s license. To make sure that the person you’re about to hire is officially licensed with the state, you can verify his or her information using the License Lookup page found on the New Mexico government website.

How to Get a Contractor’s License

To obtain a contractor’s license in New Mexico, the first order of business is to define the type of contracting work you want to perform in the state. For the construction industries, the job classifications that the CID recognizes and provides licenses for are general contracting work, electrical work, mechanical work, and plumbing. For the full list of all classifications that New Mexico issues contracting licenses to, please check the New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 14, Chapter 6,

The Boards and Commissions Division is the governing body that regulates and handles the licensing process for more than 30 professions and specialized trades in New Mexico. Each board has its own licensing requirements. As such, you are advised to review the specific requirements of the relevant board or commission that handles the job classification you belong to before applying for a new license or renewing an existing one.

To apply for a license or determine the status of your application or renewal request, you can contact the board office at (505) 476-4622 or by email.

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department

Ph (505)476-4500 | Contact Us | Sitemap

Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 | Get Directions

5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

To apply for a contractor’s license, you must first obtain a Qualifying Party (QP) certificate from the relevant bureau through the Construction Industries Division. The certificate must be filed under the specific classification of work covered by the license.

Below are the requirements to be a Qualifying Party:

  • Has met the required number of years of work experience in the field you’re applying for. The work experience must be within 10 years before the date the application was made.
  • Should pass the trade exams and the Contractor’s Business and Law exam.
  • Must be pre-approved to schedule exams.

You can apply for a Qualifying Party certificate using this form.

Step One: Obtain a Qualifying Party certificate

1. Submit complete application packet, which includes:

  • Signed and notarized Qualifying Party application
  • Completed specific to the job classification you’re applying for. Each affidavit form must be signed by only one employer. Work experience only counts if you were employed by a licensed contractor.
  • Application fee of $30 and a certificate fee of $6
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope plus sufficient return postage (the same envelope will be used to send your application packet back to you if your application is rejected)

2. Submit application packet by hand or mail. Faxed or emailed submissions will be rejected.

You can deliver the application packet using the following information:

PSI 2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE,

Suite E&F Albuquerque, NM

Phone: 87107 877-663-9267

3. Once your application is approved, USPS will provide you with the information needed to schedule an exam with PSI.

To view the Candidate Information Bulletin for the contractor exam, go to this link.

4. After receiving the approval, you can call PSI to get an exam schedule.

You can call PSI at 800-733-9276 or go online at psiexams.com. You will be required to pay a separate fee for the exam.

New Qualifying Party applicants will be required to take PSI’s Business and Law test or complete a Business and Law course from an approved provider.

For a complete list of Business and Law approved courses, view this PDF file.

5. Submit original passing score reports along with Contractor License Application or Status Change form.

Step Two: Complete Contractor License Application

Submit the completed application packet to PSI Exams, Inc. The packet includes the following:

  • Copy of valid qualifying party certificate or a copy of exam score reports
  • Proof of financial responsibility: Bond
  • Proof of current New Mexico Tax ID number application with official stamp or registration certificate.
  • If a corporation or LLC: Proof of registration with the New Mexico Secretary of State (505) 827-3600
  • Self-addressed envelope plus postage

Submit to:

PSI 2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE

Suite E&F, Albuquerque, NM

87107 (877) 663-9267

Plumber’s License

The Mechanical Bureau, a branch of the Construction Industries Division responsible for managing the state’s plumbing and mechanical industry, issues contractor’s licenses for applicants who want to perform plumbing or mechanical work in the state. Additionally, the Bureau also performs regular inspections to ensure that the codes and standards approved by the CID are upheld and met statewide.

If you have any questions about the licensing process for the plumbing industry in New Mexico, please contact the Construction Industries Division through the following address and contact information:

Construction Industries Division

Regulation and Licensing Department

2550 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 476-4700

rldcid@state.nm.us

Pursuant to the licensure requirements set by the Construction Industries Division, applicants need to obtain a Qualifying Certificate to become eligible for a plumber’s license.

To verify your work experience in the plumbing trade, you must submit the completed Plumbing Verification form to PSI.

Journeyman Plumber’s License

You need to obtain a journeyman plumber license in New Mexico if you want to render plumbing services in the state. You need to have at least 4,000 hours of work experience in the plumbing trade over a period of at least two years to become eligible for a journeyman license.

Applicants are required to submit the following requirements to PSI:

  1. Completed

You need to submit all requirements to the PSI Albuquerque office by hand or mail. Emailed or faxed submissions will be rejected.

Taking the Exams

Once your work experience and Affidavit are approved, you will receive an approval notice along with the instructions on how to schedule an exam with PSI Exam Services.

To schedule an exam with PSI, please contact the test vendor using the following information:

PSI: Schedule Exams:

Phone: 1-800-733-9267 Ph# 1-877-663-9267 Fax# 1-702-932-2668

For Special Accommodations and Spanish exams: Call 1-800-733-9267

To view the Candidate Information Bulletin for the Journeyman exam, go to this link.

Receiving your Journeyman’s License

After passing the exams, submit score reports to PSI. Make sure to submit score reports within six months following the date PSI approved your application or your application fee will be forfeited.

You will receive your New Mexico Journeyman’s license by USPS. The certificate will be active for three years following the day it was issued to you.

General Building License

Unlike most states in the U.S., New Mexico requires general contractors to obtain a contractor’s license before they can perform general contracting work statewide. The General Building Bureau is the branch of CID responsible for issuing general contractor’s licenses to applicants.

If you have any questions about the licensure process for General Building, you can contact the General Building Bureau using the following information:

Construction Industries Division

Regulation and Licensing Department

2550 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 476-4700

rldcid@state.nm.us

5500 San Antonio Dr, NE – Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 (505) 222-9800

505 Street Main St., Suite 103 – Las Cruces, New Mexico 88004 (575) 524-6320

Applying for a general contractor’s license requires you to obtain a Qualifying Party (QP) certificate from the General Building Bureau. Please follow the same steps described in the How to Get a Contractor’s License section.

To verify your work experience in the general building trade, you need to submit a completed General Building Work Verification form to PSI.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements (General Building Contractor License)

FOUR YEARS (8,000 hours)

  • General building
  • Asphalt, bitumen, and concrete construction
  • Fixed works utilities

TWO YEARS (4,000 HOURS)

  • Residential Building
  • All Specialty Classifications
  • Airports
  • Bridges
  • Canals, reservoirs, irrigation systems
  • Drainage or flood control systems
  • Recreation areas
  • Railroad and tunnel construction
  • Tank and towers
  • Transmission lines, tanks, and substations (non-electrical)
  • Utility lines (sewage, natural gas and underground telephone cables)
  • Streets, roads and highways, including tunnels, parking lots, alleys, seal coat and surfacing
  • Maintenance and repair
  • Curbs, gutters, and culverts
  • Striping
  • Highway signs and guard rails

Electrical Contractor’s License

The Electric Bureau is a branch of the Construction Industries Commission responsible for issuing electrical contractor licenses to qualified applicants in New Mexico.

If you have any questions about the electrical licensure process, you can contact one of the following CID Office locations:

Santa Fe

2550 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 476-4700

Albuquerque

5500 San Antonio Dr. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

(505) 222-9801

Las Cruces

5500 San Antonio Dr. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

(505) 222-9801

You are required to obtain an electrical contractor’s license to perform electrical work in New Mexico. An electrical contractor license gives you the authority to bid on and perform electrical projects, including, but not limited to, wiring modifications and renovations, smart home solutions, electrical installations, and more.

To proceed with the application, you will need to take the examination provided by PSI Exam Services. The passing score is 75%. You need to be pre-approved before you become eligible for the exam.

To apply for an electrical contractor license, you have to submit a completed application packet, which includes:

  • Complete Contractor License Application
  • Copy of valid qualifying party certificate or a copy of exam score report showing passing scores for both Business & Law and trade exams
  • Proof of financial responsibility/Surety bond
  • Proof of current New Mexico Tax ID number application with official stamp or registration certificate.
  • If a corporation or LLC: Proof of registration with the New Mexico Secretary of State
  • Self-addressed envelope plus postage to return your application materials if the application is rejected (the postage will be used to send your new license if your application is accepted).

You need to submit the application packet and payment to:

PSI

2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F

Albuquerque, NM 87107

(877) 663-9267

Public.psiexams.com

For complete information on required payment and licensing fees, please go to this PDF link.

Journeyman Electrician

A journeyman electrician is authorized to perform electrical services either as an independent contractor or as a contractor’s employee. All applicants have to be more than 18 years old.

If you have any questions about the examination process for the electrical license application, you can contact PSI using the information below:

PSI licensure: certification

3210 East Tropicana

Las Vegas, NV 89121

Licensure Phone: 1-800-733-9267

Certification Phone: 1-800-211-2754

Fax: 1-702-932-2666

Email: examschedule@psionline.com

You need to obtain a journeyman electrical license in New Mexico if you wish to perform electrical services in the state.

Applicants are required to submit the following requirements to PSI:

Minimum Work Experience Requirements

Four Years (8,000 hours)

  • Journeyman residential and commercial electrical
  • Journeyman electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines

Two Years (4,000 hours)

  • Journeyman residential wiring
  • Journeyman electrical signs and outline lighting
  • Journeyman cathodic protection and lightening protection systems
  • Journeyman sound, intercommunication, electrical alarm systems, and systems 50 volts and under
  • Journeyman telephone communication systems and telephone interconnect systems

You need to submit all requirements to the PSI Albuquerque office by hand or mail). Emailed or faxed submissions will be rejected.

Once your packet has been approved, your electrical license will be issued to you by USPS. Your license will remain active for three years.

Mechanical Contractor’s License

Are you skilled at designing, implementing, fixing, and testing mechanical equipment such as combustion engines, gas turbines, and air-conditioning systems? If so, it’s in your best interests to apply for a mechanical contractor’s license in New Mexico.

You have to obtain a contractor’s license from the Mechanical Bureau if you want to perform mechanical work in New Mexico, whether it’s for maintenance, renovation, or repair.  To protect the state’s homeowners from unfair business practices and poor services, the Mechanical Bureau (another branch of CID) upholds and enforces the codes and regulations adopted by the state board.

You can contact the Mechanical Bureau through:

Construction Industries Division

Regulation and Licensing Department

2550 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 476-4700

rldcid@state.nm.us

The first order of business is to obtain a Qualifying Party (QP) certificate from the Construction Industries Division.

You need to accomplish the following to obtain a QP certificate:

  • Meet the required years of work experience in the mechanical trade. Work experience must be within 10 years prior to the date the application was made.
  • Pass the trade exam and the Business and Law exam.
  • Be pre-approved to schedule exams.

To start off, you need to complete the Application for Qualifying Party Certificate form.

Step One: Obtain a Qualifying Party Certificate (Mechanical Contractors)

1: Submit complete application packet

The application packet includes the following forms:

  • Qualifying Party application (signed and notarized)
  • Completed .
  • Application fee of $30 and certificate fee of $6
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope along with sufficient return postage (postage will be used to return your application packet in case your application is rejected)

2. Submit application packet to PSI by hand or mail. Submissions sent through fax or email will be rejected.

You can deliver the packet by hand or by physical mail to the following address:

PSI 2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE,

Suite E&F Albuquerque, NM

You can also contact PSI at 87107-877-663-9267

You need to obtain a Qualifying Party (QP) certificate from the Mechanical Bureau before applying for a mechanical contractor license. Since the Mechanical Bureau is a branch of the CID, you must follow the same procedures as described in the How to Get a Contractor’s License section.

To verify your work experience in the mechanical trade, you need to submit a completed General Building Work Verification form to PSI.

Journeyman Mechanical Contractor’s License

You must have guessed it by now, but you are required to earn a journeyman license to perform mechanical services as a journeyman mechanical contractor in the state of New Mexico. To qualify for a journeyman license, you need to have at least 4,000 hours of work experience in the HVAC.

To apply for a Journeyman Mechanical Contractor’s license, you need to submit the following forms to PSI.

  1. Completed
  2. PSI

You can submit the above forms to PSI’s Albuquerque office by hand or physical mail. Submissions via email or fax will be rejected.

Submit requirements to:

PSI
2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Ph#1-877-663-9267

Once the forms have been approved by PSI, they will send you an approval notice along with the instructions on how to schedule an exam.

To schedule an exam with PSI, you can contact the test vendor using the following information:

PSI: Schedule Exams: For Special Accommodations and Spanish exams: Ph# 1-800-733-9267 Ph #1-800-733-9267 Ph# 1-877-663-9267 Fax# 1-702-932-2668

To view the Candidate Information Bulletin for the Journeyman exam, go to this link.

Qualification Procedure to Perform Contracting Work in Roswell

All contractors need a state-approved license before they can do contracting work in the city of Roswell. They, however, are also required to have a City of Roswell business license and submit the relevant permits.

To sign up for a business license, you need to submit a completed Vendor Merchant application form.

Contact:

Business License

Physical Address

421 N Richardson

Roswell, NM 88201

Phone: (575) 637-6208

Fax: (575) 624-6818

Below are the forms contractors are required to complete and submit to obtain the required permit (building, plumbing, electrical, gas, HVAC) to perform contracting work in New Mexico.

Contact:

Code Enforcement

Physical Address

421 N Richardson

Roswell, NM 88201

Phone: (575) 637-6280

Fax: (575) 624-6818

Contractor’s License Reciprocal Agreement

Are you an out-of-state contractor looking to perform your trade in New Mexico? If you answer yes, then count yourself lucky if New Mexico has a reciprocal licensure agreement with your home state.

Reciprocal agreement? What’s that?

When two states enter into a reciprocal license agreement, both states’ licensing boards agree to honor each others’ licenses. That doesn’t mean the licensed contractor can work immediately in the other state. A reciprocal agreement between the two states, however, shortens the process involved.

The state of New Mexico has reciprocal agreements for the journeyman certificate/license with the following states:

To apply for a journeyman reciprocal certificate/license, you are required to do the following:

Get The House You Always Dreamed of

Get Ready to Have No-Obligation Talks With Contractors

Talk With a Contractor