New Mexico General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: GB-98 General Building Contractor · Issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department.

🏗️ General ContractorNM ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In New Mexico, general contractors must hold the GB-98 General Building Contractor, issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in New Mexico

Follow these steps to earn your GB-98 General Building Contractor. Every figure is verified against the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. GB-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application, with at least 2 years in commercial construction. GB-2 QP: 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours). GA-98 QP: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.
Pass the GB-98 General Building Trade Exam and GB-2 Residential Building Trade Exam and New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Mexico requires $10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required; claims must be made within 2 years following final inspection or certificate of occupancy.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department — $36 QP application fee (initial); $75 license renewal application fee application fee, plus a $300 classification fee (GB-98); $150 classification fee (GB-2) license fee. Processing time: QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt; passing exam scores are valid for 1 year and must be attached to a valid license within 12 months.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years.

License types

GB-98 General Building Contractor — Erect, alter, repair, or demolish residential and commercial buildings and structures; encompasses GB-2 residential scope, specialty subcontractor work, and asphalt sealing incidental to construction. Excludes independent mechanical, electrical, and specialized structure work requiring separate licenses. Requires at least 2 of the 4 years' experience in commercial construction.
GB-2 Residential Building Contractor — Erect, alter, repair, or demolish residences and apartment houses of not more than four family units; includes incidental specialty work necessary for residential construction completion.
GA-98 Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Construction Contractor — All GA-1 through GA-5 work: asphalt, roadways, concrete, curbs, striping, and highway safety installations.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	GB-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application, with at least 2 years in commercial construction. GB-2 QP: 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours). GA-98 QP: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.
Application fee	$36 QP application fee (initial); $75 license renewal application fee
License fee	$300 classification fee (GB-98); $150 classification fee (GB-2)
Renewal fee	$150 per classification (every 3 years)
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	None required for GB-98 or GB-2 contractor licenses per CID General Building Bureau.
Bond required	$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required; claims must be made within 2 years following final inspection or certificate of occupancy.
Liability insurance	Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC
Property damage	Not specified by CID as a separate minimum
Workers' comp	Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt
Background check	Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Credit requirement	None specified by CID
Reciprocity	New Mexico does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for general contractor licenses (GB-98 or GB-2)
Processing time	QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt; passing exam scores are valid for 1 year and must be attached to a valid license within 12 months.

Exams

GB-98 General Building Trade Exam	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $269.06
GB-2 Residential Building Trade Exam	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $134.53
New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

A business entity must employ or be owned by one or more Qualifying Parties (QPs) with the required certification. A New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department tax registration number and Secretary of State business registration (if incorporated) are required at license application. Minimum age: 18.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Mexico general contractor license cost?

Application: $36 QP application fee (initial); $75 license renewal application fee. License: $300 classification fee (GB-98); $150 classification fee (GB-2). Renewal: $150 per classification (every 3 years).

Do general contractors in New Mexico need a surety bond?

$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required; claims must be made within 2 years following final inspection or certificate of occupancy.

What experience is required for a New Mexico general contractor license?

GB-98 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application, with at least 2 years in commercial construction. GB-2 QP: 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours). GA-98 QP: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.

Is insurance required for general contractors in New Mexico?

Liability: Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC Workers' compensation: Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt

How often must a New Mexico general contractor license be renewed?

3 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-23 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department before applying. This is not legal advice.