How to get a New Mexico General Contractors License 

Obtaining a New Mexico general contractor's license can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it's legally required to work as a contractor in the state, so having a license will ensure that you are operating within the law. Secondly, having a license can increase your credibility and professionalism in the eyes of potential clients. However, with requirements and regulations varying from state to state, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed. For this reason, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about how to get a New Mexico general contractors license. 

Who issues a New Mexico general contractor license?

The Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department is responsible for issuing general contractor licenses in New Mexico. 

Do you need a contractor’s license in New Mexico?

According to the Construction Industries Licensing Act, all construction-related contracting in New Mexico requires a license, including general construction work, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and LP gas. The act provides a comprehensive list of activities that fall under the category of "contracting" and can be found here.

How to get your general contractor’s license in New Mexico step-by-step

In order to obtain a New Mexico general contractors license, you will be required to complete multiple forms and applications that will be reviewed by CID and PSI. Here is a brief summary of the steps required:

1. Determine your classification

To obtain a New Mexico general contractors license, you must determine your classification. New Mexico has many classifications that require licensing, and you can request a classification determination by completing and submitting a form to:

PSI – New Mexico Construction Licensing Services

2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F

Albuquerque, NM 87107

(877) 663-9267

Public.psiexams.com

2. Obtain a Qualifying Party Certificate 

In New Mexico, each license must have at least one qualifying party ( QP) per work classification that the license covers. Those who want to apply for a QP certificate need to complete a notarized Qualifying Party Application and submit a General Work Experience Affidavit to prove their experience. The affidavit must show that they have either two years (4,000 hours) or four years (8,000 hours) of experience in the relevant classification.

They must also submit an application fee of $30.00 and a Certificate fee of $6.00 for each application. The fees are refundable. Once all documents are completed, with notarized signatures, they can send the packet to PSI - New Mexico Construction Licensing Services at the address below 

2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, 

Suite E&F, Albuquerque, NM 87107 

or call (877) 663-9267.

3. Take the exam

Those interested in obtaining a New Mexico general contractors license are obligated to take and pass a Business Law test that is required for a Qualified Party, as well as a General Building exam, both of which are administered by PSI.

4. Send a fully filled-out CID License application to PSI.

This should include the application fee of $36 and other relevant license fees, a license bond, a tax registration certificate from the Tax & Rev Department, a certificate from NMPRC if applicable (corporation and LLC), a certificate from the Secretary of State if Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Partnership, a copy of QP certificate or test scores relevant to the classification being sought, and a Business & Law exam score or course certificate.

How much does licensing cost in New Mexico ?

The fees for licensing and registration as a contractor vary depending on your classification. For detailed information about licensing fees in New Mexico, please refer to this resource.

Here is a breakdown of the fees:

• Application fee for Contractor License: $30.00
• Certificate fee for Contractor License: $6.00 (per certificate)
• Application fee for Contractor Qualifying Party: $30.00
• Certificate fee for Contractor Qualifying Party: $6.00 (per certificate)
• License fee: $150.00 - $300.00 per classification

Penalties for unlicensed contractors in New Mexico 

Practicing without a general contractor’s license in New Mexico can result in financial penalties as well as jail time.  If the value of the contracted work is $5,000 or less, the contractor could face up to 90 days in county jail or a fine ranging from $300 to $500, or both. In cases where the value of the contracted work exceeds $5,000, the contractor may be sentenced to up to 6 months in county jail or a fine amounting to 10% of the dollar value of the contracted work, or both

Leveraging your license on Houzz 

Now that you know how to get a New Mexico general contractor's license, it's time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.