How to get a general contractor license in New Mexico
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division licenses general contractors in New Mexico. A handyman doing casual, minor work of no more than $7,200 a year in total, one project at a time, who files an annual declaration with CID, does not need a contractor license (does not apply to electrical, plumbing or gas fitting work).
Who licenses general contractor work in New Mexico
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division official statement |
| Official lookup | Search general contractor licenses |
| When a license is needed | A handyman doing casual, minor work of no more than $7,200 a year in total, one project at a time, who files an annual declaration with CID, does not need a contractor license (does not apply to electrical, plumbing or gas fitting work). source |
| License types | GB-98 General building, GB-2 Residential |
How to get licensed
- Apply to New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department as a GB-98 General building or GB-2 Residential.
- Qualifying party must pass the GB-98 two-part trade exam (includes GB-2) plus the Contractor Business and Law exam (or an approved Business and Law course). source
- Experience: 4 years (Four years of foreman level or related trade experience, two of them commercial, within the 10 years before applying (GB-98; GB-2 Residential requires two years)). source
- Post a contractor license bond of $10,000, required at initial licensure and as a condition of renewal (applies to every CID contractor license). source
- Carry workers' compensation insurance required of all licensees (sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt); no general liability minimum found on an official source. source
- Pay the contractor license application fee of $36 ($30 non-refundable application fee plus $6 certificate fee), plus a classification fee: $36. source
- License is effective for three years from the date of issuance. source
General contractor requirements in New Mexico
| Exam | Qualifying party must pass the GB-98 two-part trade exam (includes GB-2) plus the Contractor Business and Law exam (or an approved Business and Law course). source |
|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years (Four years of foreman level or related trade experience, two of them commercial, within the 10 years before applying (GB-98; GB-2 Residential requires two years)). source |
| Bond | Contractor license bond of $10,000, required at initial licensure and as a condition of renewal (applies to every CID contractor license). source |
| Insurance | Workers' compensation insurance required of all licensees (sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt); no general liability minimum found on an official source. source |
| Renewal | 3 years (License is effective for three years from the date of issuance). source |
| Reciprocity | No general contractor license reciprocity found; CID may waive the New Mexico trade exam for a qualifying party who passed the NASCLA accredited general construction or electrical exam. source |
| Fees |
|
Hiring a general contractor?
See every official lookup in New Mexico, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a general contractor license in New Mexico?
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division licenses general contractors in New Mexico. A handyman doing casual, minor work of no more than $7,200 a year in total, one project at a time, who files an annual declaration with CID, does not need a contractor license (does not apply to electrical, plumbing or gas fitting work).
- How do I check a general contractor license in New Mexico?
- The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division keeps the record for general contractors in New Mexico. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a general contractor license cost in New Mexico?
- Contractor license application fee of $36 ($30 non-refundable application fee plus $6 certificate fee), plus a classification fee. Classification fee of $300 for GB-98 or GB-2, charged on new and renewal licenses (the PSI schedule does not say whether this covers the full three-year term). Qualifying party certificate application fee of $36, paid by the individual who qualifies the license before exams are scheduled. GB-98 exam fee of $269.06 (two-part test including GB-2). GB-2 Residential exam fee of $134.53. Business and Law exam fee of $68.88 (required of all new qualifying party candidates; an approved course may be taken instead). Late renewal penalty of $1 per day for the first 30 days; after 30 days the equivalent of one year's fees; license cancelled after 90 day.
- How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in New Mexico?
- 4 years (Four years of foreman level or related trade experience, two of them commercial, within the 10 years before applying (GB-98; GB-2 Residential requires two years)).
- How often does a general contractor license renew in New Mexico?
- License is effective for three years from the date of issuance.
Other trades in New Mexico
- Electrical license in New Mexico
- Plumbing license in New Mexico
- HVAC license in New Mexico
- Roofing license in New Mexico
- All New Mexico trades
General contractor license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
- https://public.psiexams.com/search.jsp
- https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0003.html
- https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0002.html
- https://public.psiexams.com/pdf/NM_FAQ_FINAL.pdf
- https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0006.html
- https://public.psiexams.com/pdf/Contractor%20App%202025.pdf
- https://public.psiexams.com/pdf/License_Fees.pdf
- https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/828
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.