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Priority 1 · NM Regulation & Licensing Dept — Construction Industries Division

NM Contractor License (CID)

Required to perform construction (driveways, dirt work, fixed-improvement landscaping, gate fabrication) above the casual-work threshold in New Mexico.

Who needs it

Anyone doing construction work above the casual exemption — one project not over $7,200/yr in labor + materials, with no advertising. Driveway building, grading, and fixed improvements above that require a license.

Steps to get it

  1. 1 Name a Qualifying Party (owner or employee) with the required years of experience for the classification, gained within the last 10 years.
  2. 2 Have the QP pass the trade exam for the classification PLUS the Contractor Business & Law exam (administered by PSI).
  3. 3 Obtain a $10,000 contractor license bond.
  4. 4 Submit the license application and fees to CID; carry workers compensation if you have employees.

Authority & citation

Construction Industries Licensing Act, NMSA Sec. 60-13-1 et seq.; classifications at Title 14 Ch. 6 NMAC. Relevant classes: GS-8 (earthmoving/grading), GS-4 (concrete/driveways), GS-24 (structural steel incl. welding), GB-98 (general building).

www.rld.nm.gov