At a glance
The fastest way to orient yourself in New Mexico is to know that nearly all construction requires a CID license, and the system is built around classification codes.| Signal | Value |
|---|---|
| Scope of regulation | Virtually all construction regulated at state level |
| Consumer protection bond | $10,000 required for all licensees |
| Exam standard | 75% minimum on trade and business & law exams |
| Experience required | 2 or 4 years depending on classification |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years; 16 hours CE for journeymen |
| Homeowner exemption | Homeowners may act as own GC with building permit |
| Reciprocity model | Multi-state group for journeyman electricians (11 states) |
Frequently asked questions
Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
How do I get a contractor license in New Mexico, and which agency handles it?
How do I get a contractor license in New Mexico, and which agency handles it?
Apply through the Construction Industries Division (CID) at the Regulation and Licensing Department, 2550 Cerrillos Road, 3rd Floor, Santa Fe. Your qualifying party must pass trade and business & law exams (75% minimum each) and demonstrate 2 or 4 years of experience depending on classification. A $10,000 consumer protection bond and workers’ compensation insurance are required. See Requirements.
Does New Mexico require separate licenses for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and gas work?
Does New Mexico require separate licenses for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and gas work?
Yes. Each requires its own CID classification: MM-1 (Plumbing), MM-2 (Natural Gas Fitting), MM-3 (HVAC), MM-4 (Heating, Cooling and Process Piping), EE-98 or ER-1 (Electrical), and LP classifications (LP Gas). MM-98 combines all mechanical. Journeyman certificates are also required. See Types of licenses.
Can a homeowner in New Mexico perform their own construction without a license?
Can a homeowner in New Mexico perform their own construction without a license?
Yes, with conditions. Homeowners building a residence for themselves may act as their own GC with a Homeowner Building Permit and inspections. However, electrical and plumbing homeowner permits require passing an exam. All HVAC, gas, and fire sprinkler work must still be done by licensed contractors. See Construction work regulated.
Where do I go to get licensed in New Mexico?
Where do I go to get licensed in New Mexico?
CID is the primary regulator at 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Phone: (505) 476-4700. Exams are administered by PSI Exam Services at 2820 Broadbent Parkway NE, Albuquerque. See Who regulates construction.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
How much does it cost to get licensed?
Application fees are $30. Exam fees range from $65 to $250 depending on classification. Annual license fees range from $50 to $300. The $10,000 consumer protection bond is required for all licensees. See Requirements.
What bonding and insurance requirements apply?
What bonding and insurance requirements apply?
All licensees must maintain a $10,000 consumer protection bond — failure to maintain it cancels the license. Workers’ compensation insurance is required. No financial screening is required beyond the bond. See Requirements.
Can I use my out-of-state license in New Mexico?
Can I use my out-of-state license in New Mexico?
Reciprocity applies only to journeyman electricians through an 11-state group: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Members are mutually exempt from exam requirements. Contractor licenses have no reciprocal arrangements. See Reciprocal agreements.
Does New Mexico require a license for roofing work?
Does New Mexico require a license for roofing work?
Yes. Roofing is classified as GS-21 under CID specialty classifications. A CID license with this classification is required. See Types of licenses.
What is the journeyman supervision ratio?
What is the journeyman supervision ratio?
The ratio is 3:1 (non-journeyman to journeyman) for residential work and 2:1 for commercial work. Journeyman certificates require 16 hours of continuing education per 3-year renewal cycle. See Requirements.
Does New Mexico require a license for LP gas work?
Does New Mexico require a license for LP gas work?
Yes. LP gas work requires its own CID classification: LP-1 through LP-10 for various activities (wholesale, retail, installation, service). Each has separate exam fees and annual license fees. See Types of licenses and Requirements.
Start with your goal
Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.Is licensure triggered?
Start here — nearly all construction in New Mexico requires a CID license.
Find the right classification
CID is the single regulator, but you need the right classification code for your work lane.
Application and renewal details
Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles.
Reciprocity direction
Check whether your journeyman electrician certification transfers.
Special considerations
Different roles need different things from a New Mexico page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
- A $10,000 consumer protection bond is required for all licensees — failure to maintain it cancels the license.
- Qualifying parties must pass trade and business & law exams with 75% minimum scores, or substitute a 20-hour approved course for the business & law exam.
- Experience requirements are 2 or 4 years depending on classification.
- Journeyman certificates require a 3:1 worker-to-journeyman ratio on residential work and 2:1 on commercial work.
- Homeowners building a residence for themselves are exempt from general licensing but must obtain a Homeowner Building Permit and inspections.
- Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all licensees.
Readiness checklist
Four things you need to confirm before you can treat New Mexico as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.Identify the classification code
Determine which CID classification applies: GA (asphalt/roads), GB (general building), GF (fixed works), GS (specialty), EE/ER (electrical), MM/MS (mechanical/plumbing), or LP (LP gas).
Confirm the homeowner exemption does not apply
Homeowners building for themselves are exempt from general licensing. Everyone else needs a CID license, a
$10,000 consumer protection bond, and workers’ compensation insurance.Route to CID or the correct local authority
CID is the primary regulator. Some local jurisdictions with CID-approved building departments handle permitting and inspections within their boundaries.
If you can identify classification code, bond status, regulator, and exam/experience requirements, you have the minimum package needed for a New Mexico readiness check.
Navigation
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.- New state evaluation if you are screening New Mexico for the first time.
- Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare New Mexico with nearby jurisdictions.
- Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.
Construction work regulated
New Mexico regulates virtually all construction at the state level. The key question is not whether a license is needed, but which CID classification code applies.| Work lane | What triggers regulation |
|---|---|
| General building (residential and commercial) | CID license required under GB classifications |
| Roads, highways, and paving | CID license required under GA classifications |
| Fixed works (bridges, dams, utilities) | CID license required under GF classifications |
| Specialty trades (framing, roofing, demolition, etc.) | CID license required under GS classifications |
| Electrical work | CID license required under EE or ER classifications |
| Mechanical and plumbing | CID license required under MM classifications |
| LP gas | CID license required under LP classifications |
| Manufactured housing | Regulated by HUD and Manufactured Housing Division |
Homeowners building a residence for themselves, or acting as their own general contractor with licensed subcontractors, are exempt from general licensing. They must still obtain a Homeowner Building Permit, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy. Homeowner permits for electrical and plumbing work require passing an exam. All HVAC, gas, and fire sprinkler work must be performed by licensed contractors regardless of homeowner status.
Common determination scenarios
If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.Residential building project
Residential building project
Apply for a GB-2 (Residential Building) classification from CID. This includes work authorized by GS specialty classifications. You need a qualifying party with 2 or 4 years of experience, passing exam scores (75%), and a $10,000 consumer protection bond.
Commercial or industrial construction
Commercial or industrial construction
Apply for a GB-98 (General Building) classification. This is the broadest general building license and includes GB-2, GF-5, GF-7, and all GS classifications. Multiple exams are required.
Electrical installation
Electrical installation
Apply for ER-1 (Residential Wiring, up to 5000V) or EE-98 (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Wiring, up to 5000V). EE-98 includes ER-1 and all ES specialty classifications. Journeyman electricians from the 11-state reciprocity group are exempt from exam requirements.
Mechanical, plumbing, or HVAC work
Mechanical, plumbing, or HVAC work
Apply for the appropriate MM classification: MM-1 (Plumbing), MM-2 (Natural Gas Fitting), MM-3 (HVAC), MM-4 (Heating, Cooling and Process Piping), or MM-98 (Combined Mechanical, requires MM-1 through MM-4).
Homeowner doing own construction
Homeowner doing own construction
Homeowners building for themselves are exempt from general contractor licensing but must obtain a Homeowner Building Permit, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy. Electrical and plumbing homeowner permits require passing an exam. HVAC, gas, and fire sprinkler work must still be done by licensed contractors.
Who regulates construction
New Mexico uses a centralized model. The Construction Industries Division (CID) is the primary regulator for virtually all construction. PSI Exam Services administers licensing exams on CID’s behalf.Construction Industries Division (CID)
Construction Industries Division (CID)
Regulation and Licensing Department, 2550 Cerrillos Road, 3rd Floor, Santa Fe, NM 87505Phone: (505) 476-4700Website: rld.nm.gov/construction-industries
Some local jurisdictions with CID-approved building departments handle permitting and inspections within their boundaries. For example, the Village of Corrales assumed all permitting, plan review, and inspection responsibilities as of November 2020. Contact the local building department to confirm jurisdiction.
Licensing exams — PSI Exam Services
Licensing exams — PSI Exam Services
2820 Broadbent Parkway NE, Suite E & F, Albuquerque, NM 87107Phone: (877) 663-9267 | Fax: (505) 433-5266Website: public.psiexams.com
Requirements
CID uses a unified framework for all contractor and journeyman licensing. The same exam standard, bond requirement, and renewal cycle apply across classifications. Fees vary by classification tier.General Contractors
General Contractors
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Qualifying party | Must submit evidence of experience (2 or 4 years depending on classification) |
| Trade exam | Minimum 75% score; some classifications require multiple exams |
| Business & law exam | Minimum 75% score, or completion of a 20-hour approved course as substitute |
| Bond | $10,000 consumer protection bond required for all licensees |
| Insurance | Workers’ compensation insurance required |
| Financial screening | Not required |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years |
| Classification | Application Fee | Exam Fee | Annual License Fee | Certificate of Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GA-98, GF-98, MM-98 | $30 | $65 per exam | $150–$300 | $6 |
| EE-98, GB-98 | $30 | $250 | $150–$300 | $6 |
| ER-1, GB-2 | $30 | $100 | $50–$100 | $6 |
| Additional classifications | $30 | $65 | $50 | $6 |
Classifications marked with an asterisk (GA-98, GF-98, MM-98, EE-98, GB-98) require multiple exams. Fees shown are per-exam amounts.
Journeymen
Journeymen
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Certificate of competence required for all journeyman electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work |
| Supervision ratio | 3:1 (non-journeyman to journeyman) for residential work; 2:1 for commercial work |
| Continuing education | 16 hours required per renewal cycle |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years |
| Classification | Application Fee | Exam Fee | Annual License Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman (Electrical, Mechanical, Boiler) | $30 | $68.88–$206.64 | $25 |
LP Gas
LP Gas
| Classification | Exam Fee | Annual License Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LP Gas classifications (LP-1 through LP-10) | $26.91–$48.43 | $65–$125 |
| LP Gas Inspector Certification | $68.88 | $6 (certificate) |
Reciprocal agreements
New Mexico belongs to a multi-state reciprocity group for journeyman electricians. Members of this group are mutually exempt from exam requirements when applying for certification in another member state.Reciprocity applies only to journeyman electricians. Contractor licenses and other journeyman classifications do not have reciprocal arrangements.
| Board | Reciprocal states | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman electricians | Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming | 11 states |
Types of licenses
New Mexico uses an alphanumeric classification system managed by CID. Each code corresponds to a specific scope of work. Use this section to confirm the exact classification for an application or comparison.General Construction
General Construction
GA — Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete:
- GA-1 — Streets, Roads and Highways
- GA-2 — Maintenance and Repairs
- GA-3 — Curbs, Gutters and Driveway Culverts
- GA-4 — Striping
- GA-5 — Highway Signs and Guard Rails
- GA-98 — Combined (requires GA-1 through GA-5)
- GB-2 — Residential Building (includes GS specialties)
- GB-98 — General Building (includes GB-2, GF-5, GF-7, and GS classifications)
- GS-1 — Acoustical Insulation and Insulation
- GS-2 — Awnings and Canopies
- GS-4 — Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways
- GS-5 — Demolition
- GS-7 — Drywall Installation and Texture
- GS-8 — Earthmoving, Excavating, and Ditching
- GS-9 — Elevators, Escalators and Related Machinery (Non-Electrical)
- GS-13 — Framing
- GS-14 — Windows, Doors and Skylights
- GS-15 — Caissons, Piers and Pile Driving
- GS-16 — Masonry
- GS-21 — Roofing
- GS-23 — Sign Construction (Non-Electrical)
- GS-24 — Structural Steel Erection
- GS-25 — Swimming Pools (Non-Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical)
- GS-29 — Various Specialties (case-by-case)
- GS-30 — Plastering, Stucco and Lathing
- GS-31 — Siding
- GS-32 — Miscellaneous Sheet Metal
- GS-34 — Concrete Coring, Drilling and Slab Sawing
Fixed Works
Fixed Works
- GF-1 — Airports
- GF-2 — Bridges
- GF-3 — Canals, Reservoirs, Dams, and Irrigation Systems
- GF-4 — Drainage or Flood Control Systems
- GF-5 — Recreation Areas
- GF-6 — Railroad and Tunnel Construction
- GF-7 — Tanks and Towers
- GF-8 — Transmission Lines, Tanks and Substations (Non-Electrical)
- GF-9 — Utility Lines and Systems (Sewage, Natural Gas, Water, Underground Telephone)
- GF-98 — Combined (requires GF-1 through GF-9)
Electrical
Electrical
Contractor Classifications:
- ER-1 — Residential Wiring (up to 5000V)
- EE-98 — Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Wiring (up to 5000V; includes ER-1 and ES specialties)
- EL-1 — Electrical Distribution and Transmission Systems (over 5000V)
- ES-1 — Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
- ES-2 — Cathodic and Lightning Protection Systems
- ES-3 — Low Voltage Special Systems (under 50V)
- ES-7 — Telephone Communication Systems
- ES-10R — Residential Water Well Pump Installer
- ES-10 — Water Well Pump Installer
- EE-98J — Journeyman Electrical (Residential and Commercial)
- ER-1J — Journeyman Residential Wiring
- EL-1J — Journeyman Electrical Distribution Systems
- ES-1J — Journeyman Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
- ES-2J — Journeyman Cathodic and Lightning Protection
- ES-3J — Journeyman Low Voltage Special Systems
- ES-7J — Journeyman Telephone Communication Systems
- ES-10RJ — Journeyman Residential Water Well Pump Installer
- ES-10J — Journeyman Water Well Pump Installer
Mechanical & Plumbing
Mechanical & Plumbing
Contractor Classifications:
- MM-1 — Plumbing
- MM-2 — Natural Gas Fitting
- MM-3 — HVAC
- MM-4 — Heating, Cooling and Process Piping
- MM-98 — Combined Mechanical (requires MM-1 through MM-4; includes MS-3, MS-6, MS-12, MS-14)
- MS-3 — Septic Tanks and Sewers
- MS-6 — Lawn Sprinklers
- MS-12 — Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems
- MS-14 — Dry Chemical Fire Protection
- JP — Journeyman Plumber
- JPF — Journeyman Pipe Fitter
- JG — Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter
- JPG — Journeyman Plumber and Natural Gas Fitter
- JR — Journeyman Refrigeration
- JS — Journeyman Sprinkler
- JSM — Journeyman Sheet Metal
- JW — Journeyman Welder (endorsement to JG, JP, JPG, or JPF; requires ASME Section 9 certification)
- JMG — Journeyman Medical Gas Installer (endorsement; requires 30-hour approved course)
- MS-12J — Journeyman Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems
- MS-14J — Journeyman Dry Chemical Fire Protection
- BO1 — Journeyman Boiler Operator (low pressure)
- BO2 — Journeyman Boiler Operator (low and high pressure)
LP Gas
LP Gas
- LP-1 — Wholesale sale or delivery of LP Gas
- LP-3S — Retail sale of LP Gas
- LP-4 — Limited installation, service and repair
- LP-5 — Installation, service and repair
- LP-6 — Installation, service and repair of mobile units
- LP-7 — Wholesale or manufacture of appliances, equipment or containers
- LP-8 — Installation, service and repair of cylinder exchange cabinets
- LP-9 — Station for dispensing LP Gas
- LP-10 — LP Gas carburation sale, service and installation
- CNG-1 — CNG carburation sale, service and installation
- LNG-1 — LNG carburation sale, service and installation
See also
West region guide
Browse all West jurisdictions for comparison.
Contractors guide
Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
Regulators guide
Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
Colorado
Journeyman electrician reciprocity with New Mexico through the multi-state group.
Texas
Journeyman electrician reciprocity with New Mexico through the multi-state group.
Utah
Journeyman electrician reciprocity with New Mexico through the multi-state group.