Getting your New Mexico license starts here...
Getting a New Mexico contractor license starts with understanding that CID licenses everything — general, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and 50+ specialty trades — through one agency, with a licensing threshold of just $7,500. Whether you need a GB-98 residential license or a specialty classification, every license requires a $10,000 bond and passing both a trade exam and New Mexico’s Business and Law exam.
Contractor Licensing Inc. has helped New Mexico contractors navigate CID’s requirements for years — from choosing the right classification and documenting your Qualifying Party’s experience, to using a NASCLA score where it’s accepted, to securing your required bond. Whether you’re a general contractor, electrician, or specialty trade, we handle the paperwork so you can focus on the job.
New Mexico Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
New Mexico licenses every construction trade — general, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and dozens of specialties — through one unified agency: the Construction Industries Division (CID), part of the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). With over 50 classifications and a licensing threshold of just $7,500, almost any paid construction work in New Mexico requires a CID license.
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps you pick the right classification, document your Qualifying Party's experience, and prepare for both required exams.
Quick Answer
- Any contract over $7,500 needs a CID license — no dollar-splitting workaround.
- One agency (CID) licenses general, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and specialty trades alike.
- NASCLA is accepted for GB-2 and GB-98 in place of the trade exam — but not for every classification.
- Every classification requires a $10,000 bond, renewed alongside the license every 3 years.
- Electrical journeyman (EE-98J) reciprocity exists with 10 named states; general contracting has no formal reciprocity.
- Application fees are notably low — $36 for the license, $36 for the Qualifying Party.
New Mexico's $7,500 Threshold
Under NMSA 1978 §60-13-12, any construction contract exceeding $7,500 requires CID licensure — one of the lower thresholds of any state, meaning a much wider range of jobs need a license than in most places. Breaking a larger job into smaller invoices to dodge the threshold is explicitly prohibited and routinely prosecuted.
New Mexico's Core Contractor Classifications
GB-2 — General Building
Unlimited commercial construction scope. Requires 4,000 hours of documented experience.
GB-98 — Residential & Small Commercial
Structures for human habitation up to four stories. Requires 8,000 hours of experience, at least 2 years supervisory/journey level.
GA-98 — General (All Construction Types)
Permits any type of construction; requires a CPA-reviewed financial statement in addition to standard requirements.
EE-98 — Electrical Contractor
Commercial and residential electrical work.
MM-98 / MM-1 — Mechanical Contractor
MM-98 is limited to residential mechanical/plumbing systems; MM-1 is unlimited scope.
PJ-1 — Plumbing Contractor
Standalone plumbing classification, separate from the mechanical classifications above.
GF — Gas Fitting
A standalone license — gas fitting work cannot be performed under a general mechanical license alone without this endorsement.
ES-1 / ES-2 — Alarm, Security & Communication
ES-1 covers residential; ES-2 covers commercial burglar alarm, fire alarm, CCTV, access control, and structured cabling. NASCLA is not accepted for this classification.
50+ Additional Specialty Classifications
CID's full classification list (NMAC 14.6.6) covers dozens more specific trade scopes beyond these core categories.
NASCLA Acceptance & the NM Business and Law Exam
Every classification requires two exams: a trade exam specific to the classification, and the New Mexico Business and Law exam — a single-reference, open-book exam covering New Mexico statutes (largely drawn from Title 14 NMAC) plus business and project-management content.
Since 2023, CID accepts the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor exam in place of the GB-98 (and GB-2) trade exam — one accredited score that's recognized by a long list of other participating states. The Business and Law exam is still required regardless. NASCLA acceptance varies by classification — it does not apply to every trade (low-voltage/ES classifications, for example, require the state's own trade exam).
The $10,000 Bond Requirement
Unlike most states where only some classifications carry a bond, New Mexico requires a $10,000 license bond (or an equivalent $10,000 cash deposit) for every single CID classification — general, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and specialty alike. It's required at initial licensure and refiled at each 3-year renewal.
New Mexico Contractor License Reciprocity
Electrical Journeyman (EE-98J) — 10 States
Per CID's own published guidance, EE-98J reciprocity is accepted from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Apply with a copy of your out-of-state license and a $75 fee to PSI — no New Mexico exam required.
General Contracting — No Formal Reciprocity
GB-98 and other general classifications have no bilateral reciprocity agreements with neighboring states. Arizona-licensed contractors may receive trade exam credit case-by-case, but must still pass the New Mexico Business and Law exam. Texas doesn't issue a statewide general contractor license at all, so there's nothing for New Mexico to reciprocate with in that direction.
What Happens if Your QP Leaves
Every CID-licensed business entity operates through a designated Qualifying Party (QP) — the individual who sat for the exams and legally qualifies the license. If that person leaves the company for any reason (resignation, death, or license revocation), the business entity's license becomes inactive. CID typically allows about a 30-day grace period to designate a replacement QP, but any projects under contract during that gap carry real legal exposure — plan ahead if a QP transition is coming.
New Mexico Contractor License FAQ
Do I need a contractor license in New Mexico?
Yes, above $7,500 per contract — one of the lowest thresholds nationally, and job-splitting to avoid it is prohibited.
What are the main classifications?
GB-2 (unlimited commercial), GB-98 (residential/small commercial), GA-98 (all construction, CPA statement required), plus EE-98, MM-98/MM-1, PJ-1, GF, and 50+ specialty trades.
Does New Mexico accept the NASCLA exam?
Yes, for GB-2 and GB-98 since 2023 — but not for every classification, such as low-voltage licenses.
How much experience is required?
4,000 hours for GB-2; 8,000 hours (2+ years supervisory/journey level) for GB-98.
Does New Mexico require a contractor bond?
Yes — $10,000 for every single classification, at initial licensure and every 3-year renewal.
Does New Mexico have reciprocity with other states?
Electrical journeyman (EE-98J) reciprocates with 10 named states. General contracting has no formal reciprocity agreements.
CID Contact
NM Regulation & Licensing Dept. — Construction Industries Division
5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
New Mexico Contractor Bonds
| Bond | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Contractor License | $10,000 | Apply Now |
| Consumer Protection (CID Crossover Contractor) | $10,000 | Apply Now |
New Mexico licenses everything through CID at the state level, so there's no separate layer of city or county contractor bonds the way many other states have.
Ready to Get Your New Mexico Contractor License?
We help you choose the right classification, document your Qualifying Party's experience, prepare for the NASCLA or trade exam, and secure your $10,000 bond.
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