New Mexico Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: GS-21 Roofing Contractor · Issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), General Building Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department.

🏠 RooferNM ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In New Mexico, roofers must hold the GS-21 Roofing 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 roofer in New Mexico

Follow these steps to earn your GS-21 Roofing 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. GS-21 Qualifying Party (QP): 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. Two years of related education at an accredited university may count as 1 year toward the experience requirement (accredited training substitutes at one-half year per year, capped at 50% of total requirement).
Pass the GS-21 Roofing Trade Exam (open book, 200-minute time limit) and New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (open book, 130-minute time limit) 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; $36 license application fee application fee, plus a $150 classification fee (GS-21) license fee. Processing time: QP work experience affidavit review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration confirmation; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years.

License types

GS-21 Roofing Contractor — Install, alter, or repair roof systems on new or existing roof decks to create weatherproof/waterproof membranes using asphalt, pitch, tar, sealants, felt, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate, urethane, or other approved materials; includes preparatory work, flashing, skylights (excluding structural framing alterations), roof coatings, gutters, leaders, rainwater downspouts, pans, prefabricated chimneys, metal flues, and sheet metal work incidental to roofing.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	GS-21 Qualifying Party (QP): 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. Two years of related education at an accredited university may count as 1 year toward the experience requirement (accredited training substitutes at one-half year per year, capped at 50% of total requirement).
Application fee	$36 QP application fee; $36 license application fee
License fee	$150 classification fee (GS-21)
Renewal fee	$75 renewal application fee + $150 classification renewal fee = $225 total (every 3 years)
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	None required for GS-21 roofing contractor license 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 roofing contractor licenses
Processing time	QP work experience affidavit review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration confirmation; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt.

Exams

GS-21 Roofing Trade Exam (open book, 200-minute time limit)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (open book, 130-minute time limit)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88

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

Local / municipal notes

GS-21 is a specialty classification under the General Building Bureau. After passing exams, submit to PSI: license application, $10,000 bond, tax registration certificate, Secretary of State proof of registration (if applicable), and exam score copies. A New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department tax ID is required.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Mexico roofer license cost?

Application: $36 QP application fee; $36 license application fee. License: $150 classification fee (GS-21). Renewal: $75 renewal application fee + $150 classification renewal fee = $225 total (every 3 years).

Do roofers 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 roofer license?

GS-21 Qualifying Party (QP): 2 years foreman-level experience (4,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. Two years of related education at an accredited university may count as 1 year toward the experience requirement (accredited training substitutes at one-half year per year, capped at 50% of total requirement).

Is insurance required for roofers 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 roofer 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.