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How to get a plumbing license in New Mexico

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division licenses plumbing contractors in New Mexico. No dollar threshold: the handyman exemption does not apply to electrical wiring, plumbing or gas fitting work, so a license is required regardless of job size.

Who licenses plumbing work in New Mexico

CredentialState license
BoardNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division official statement
Official lookupSearch plumbing licenses
When a license is neededNo dollar threshold: the handyman exemption does not apply to electrical wiring, plumbing or gas fitting work, so a license is required regardless of job size. source
License typesMM-1 Plumbing, MM-98 Mechanical (covers MM-1 through MM-4)

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department as an MM-1 Plumbing or MM-98 Mechanical (covers MM-1 through MM-4).
    Board page
  2. Qualifying party must pass the MM-1 Plumbing trade exam plus the Contractor Business and Law exam (or an approved Business and Law course). source
  3. Experience: 4 years (Four years of experience within the 10 years before applying (MM-1)). source
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Pay the contractor license application fee of $36 ($30 non-refundable application fee plus $6 certificate fee), plus a classification fee: $36. source
  7. License is effective for three years from the date of issuance. source

Plumbing requirements in New Mexico

Plumbing: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamQualifying party must pass the MM-1 Plumbing trade exam plus the Contractor Business and Law exam (or an approved Business and Law course). source
Experience4 years (Four years of experience within the 10 years before applying (MM-1)). source
BondContractor license bond of $10,000, required at initial licensure and as a condition of renewal (applies to every CID contractor license). source
InsuranceWorkers' compensation insurance required of all licensees (sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt); no general liability minimum found on an official source. source
Renewal3 years (License is effective for three years from the date of issuance). source
ReciprocityNot found on an official source.
Fees
  • Contractor license application fee of $36 ($30 non-refundable application fee plus $6 certificate fee), plus a classification fee. source
  • Classification fee of $150 for a single specialty classification such as MM-1 (MM-98 is $300), charged on new and renewal licenses (the PSI schedule does not say whether this covers the full three-year term). source
  • Qualifying party certificate application fee of $36, paid by the individual who qualifies the license before exams are scheduled. source
  • MM-1 Plumbing trade exam fee of $68.88 (first attempt or retake). source
  • Business and Law exam fee of $68.88 (required of all new qualifying party candidates; an approved course may be taken instead). source
  • 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. source

Hiring a plumbing contractor?

See every official lookup in New Mexico, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in New Mexico

Questions

Do you need a plumbing license in New Mexico?
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division licenses plumbing contractors in New Mexico. No dollar threshold: the handyman exemption does not apply to electrical wiring, plumbing or gas fitting work, so a license is required regardless of job size.
How do I check a plumbing license in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division keeps the record for plumbing contractors in New Mexico. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a plumbing 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 $150 for a single specialty classification such as MM-1 (MM-98 is $300), 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. MM-1 Plumbing trade exam fee of $68.88 (first attempt or retake). 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 plumbing license in New Mexico?
4 years (Four years of experience within the 10 years before applying (MM-1)).
How often does a plumbing license renew in New Mexico?
License is effective for three years from the date of issuance.

Other trades in New Mexico

Plumbing license in other states

Sources

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.