krewbase All tools
← All states

Contractor License in New Mexico

State license

New Mexico licenses contractors at the state level through the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department. Both general and specialty (trade) contractors must hold a CID license to perform construction work for compensation; there is no separate local general-contractor license layered on top.

Quick facts

When a license is neededNearly all construction work performed for compensation requires a CID license. Only very minor repair/handyman work is exempt; the state does not set a high dollar threshold before licensure is required.
ExperienceYes. GB-98 General Building requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience; residential GB-2 requires 2 years (4,000 hours).
ExamYes. Applicants pass a trade exam for the classification plus a Business and Law exam, both administered by PSI (about $87 per exam).
BondYes. A $10,000 contractor license surety bond (or cash deposit) must be on file before CID issues the license.
FeesExam fees about $87 per exam (trade plus business/law). License application and classification fees vary by class; GB-98 renewal is about $360.
RenewalThree-year renewal cycle. No continuing education required for renewal.
Main agencyNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing, Construction Industries Division
Official sitehttps://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official New Mexico board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in New Mexico

  1. Document the required work experience (4 years for GB-98, 2 years for GB-2 residential) with a qualifying party.
  2. Register the business and obtain a New Mexico CRS tax ID.
  3. Schedule and pass the PSI trade exam and the Business and Law exam for your classification.
  4. Obtain a $10,000 contractor license surety bond in the CID-prescribed form.
  5. Submit the CID license application with exam results, bond, and fees to the Construction Industries Division.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license for both residential and commercial work in New Mexico?

Yes. Residential and commercial building both require a CID classification. GB-98 covers residential and commercial buildings, while GB-2 is limited to residential general building.

How much experience do I need for a GB-98 general building license?

Four years (8,000 hours) of qualifying construction experience through the license's qualifying party.

What bond does New Mexico require?

A $10,000 contractor license surety bond (or an equivalent cash deposit) must be filed with CID before the license is issued.

How often do I renew my New Mexico contractor license?

Every three years. There is no continuing education requirement.

Who administers the New Mexico contractor exams?

PSI Services LLC administers both the trade exam and the Business and Law exam under contract to CID, at roughly $87 per exam.

Sources

Run the business side from your phone

Krewbase is built by the crew behind Workhand, a job app for contractors. Estimates, invoices, per-job profit, photos, and crew chat, made for small construction teams. Free to start.

See Workhand

Guide compiled from official New Mexico licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.