Trade business resources for New Mexico.

In New Mexico, contractors must be licensed through the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department before performing most construction work. Licensing is required regardless of project dollar amount for most trade categories, and unlicensed contracting is a violation of state law.

State licensing board

New Mexico uses a classification-based licensing system administered by the CID. General contractors typically hold a GB-2 (General Building) or GB-98 (Residential/Small Commercial) license depending on project scope and value — GB-98 covers projects up to $500,000 for residential and small commercial work. Electrical contractors must hold an EE-98 (Electrical) license, while journeyman and master electricians hold separate individual licenses. Plumbers are licensed under the PB-98 (Plumbing) classification, and HVAC contractors fall under MM-98 (Mechanical). Roofing contractors are licensed under RG-98 (Roofing). Most trade licenses require passing a trade exam and a business/law exam, proof of insurance and a surety bond, and submission of a completed application to the CID. Individual journeyman and master licenses are also required for many trades, separate from the contractor business license.

Business registration