New Mexico Heating and Air Conditioning (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 2026-09-30

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.

1. 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.
2. Pass the exam for the license class you are applying for. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
3. 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.
4. Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC. Property damage: Not specified by CID as a separate minimum. Workers' compensation: Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt.
5. Clear the background check. Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft and fraud-type offenses, and bribery (Section 28-2-4 NMSA 1978, the Criminal Offender Employment Act, and 14.6.3.8(F) NMAC).
6. 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.
7. Keep the license active. Renewal: 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.

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

New Mexico HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in New Mexico — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

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

What a New Mexico hvac license costs

Exams

Renewing a New Mexico HVAC contractor license

The MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor renews on a fixed cycle set by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

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

Official sources

public.psiexams.com/pdf/JM App 2025.pdf
rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-construction-industries-license
srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0006.html
srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0003.html
srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0004.html
srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.005.0005.html
rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/continuing-education

Other New Mexico contractor licenses

HVAC licensing in other states