New Mexico HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor · Issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department.

❄️ HVACNM ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In New Mexico, HVAC contractors must hold the MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor, issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing 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 HVAC contractor in New Mexico

Follow these steps to earn your MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor. Every figure is verified against the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 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 MM-3 Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning Trade Exam (100 questions, 245 minutes, open book) and New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (50 questions, 130 minutes, open book) and MM-98 Combined Mechanical Exam (4 trade exams: MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, MM-4 + Business and Law) 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.
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), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department — $36 QP application fee; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee application fee, plus a $150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical) 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.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years, completing JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.

License types

MM-3 HVAC Contractor — Install, alter, repair, service and maintain HVAC air handling and refrigeration equipment and piping including fans, coils, condensing units, packaged AC/heating units, evaporative cooling, ductwork, and solar air heating; may connect water to existing valved outlets and install controls up to 24 volts.
MM-4 Heating, Cooling and Process Piping Contractor — Install, alter, repair, service and maintain hydronic heating, cooling and process piping including boilers, chillers, steam piping, and fire protection systems.
MM-98 Mechanical Contractor — Encompasses all work under MM-1 (plumbing), MM-2 (natural gas), MM-3 (HVAC), and MM-4 (process piping) plus all specialty mechanical classifications.
JR Journeyman Refrigeration Certificate — Journeyman-level refrigeration and HVAC work under an MM-3 or MM-98 licensed contractor.
JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal Certificate — Journeyman-level sheet metal and ductwork fabrication and installation under a licensed mechanical contractor.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 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; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee
License fee	$150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical)
Renewal fee	$150 per classification (every 3 years); $300 (MM-98 renewal); $75 journeyman certificate renewal
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.
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.
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 HVAC/mechanical contractor licenses; journeyman refrigeration/sheet metal reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming (journeyman certificates only, not contractor licenses)
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.

Exams

MM-3 Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning Trade Exam (100 questions, 245 minutes, open book)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (50 questions, 130 minutes, open book)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
MM-98 Combined Mechanical Exam (4 trade exams: MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, MM-4 + Business and Law)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% per exam · Fee: $344.40 total

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

Local / municipal notes

MM-98 holders may perform all MM-1 through MM-4 work. Contact PSI at 877-663-9267 or psiexams.com. CID Mechanical Plumbing Bureau: Santa Fe (505) 476-4700, Albuquerque (505) 222-9800, Las Cruces (575) 524-6320.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Mexico hvac license cost?

Application: $36 QP application fee; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee. License: $150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical). Renewal: $150 per classification (every 3 years); $300 (MM-98 renewal); $75 journeyman certificate renewal.

Do hvacs 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.

What experience is required for a New Mexico hvac license?

MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 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 hvacs 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 hvac license be renewed?

3 years. Continuing education: JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.

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), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department before applying. This is not legal advice.