Blog Layout

How to Get a New Mexico Contractors License

Oct 21, 2021

Are you ready to establish your expertise in the construction industry? Ready to do your part in building the future of New Mexico?


If so, building a construction company starts with getting a New Mexico contractors license. You can't complete, or even bid on construction jobs without one. Doing so can result in the project getting terminated and the possibility of criminal charges.

Rather, take the time to obtain your contractor's license from the New Mexico Construction Industries Division to ensure you build a business that stands the test of time.


Wondering how to apply for your license? Keep reading to see what goes into becoming a contractor in the state of New Mexico.


Requirements for a New Mexico Contractors License


To apply for a contractor's license in New Mexico, you'll need to determine your classification status, choose an available business name, complete an application and pass an exam. Once you have all of the required paperwork, you'll mail it in and receive your license in the mail. It will be good for three years.


Here's more about each step.


Determine Classification


Your first step in getting your license is determining the type of license and certification you need to get. You can determine this by looking at the New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 14 Chapter 6 Part 6.


Alternatively, if you don't know what classification you need, you can fill out and send in a Classification Determination Request form and submit it to PSI. Be sure to describe the type of work you plan to perform with your license. 


Choose a Business Name


Your contractor's license will be issued in the name of your business. It cannot be the same name as an existing New Mexico business. Before submitting your application with your desired business name, you'll need to contact PSI to ensure the name is available. Otherwise, your application will be rejected. 


Take the Exam


You'll need to take two exams in order to get your contractor's license. This includes the Qualified Party-required Business and Law test with a CID-approved school. And it also includes a General Building exam with PSI.


You'll submit the Qualifying Party certificate with your licensing application packet. 


Complete Application Packet


Once you've completed the required exams, you'll need to complete your application packet. This includes the Contractor License Application, signed and notarized. 


You'll also need to prove financial responsibility. To do this, you need a Contractor License Code Bond issued in the exact same name that is listed on your application. 

You will need to submit your current New Mexico tax ID number, issued in the same name that is on your application.


If operating as a legal entity, such as an LLC, you'll need to submit proof of this business registration. 


And you need to include a self-addressed envelope large enough to fit your documents into. It needs to be properly stamped. It will be used to send your documents back to you if your application is rejected. If it's approved, the envelope will be used to send your new license. 


You can deliver the completed packet by hand, or you can mail it all into PSI 2820 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite E&F, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (877) 663-9267.


And don't forget to pay for any required fees, which may include;


  • Contractor License Application fee — $30.00
  • Contractor License Certificate fee — $6.00 (per certificate)
  • Contractor Qualifying Party Application fee — $30.00
  • Contractor Qualifying Party Certificate fee — $6.00 (per certificate)
  • License fee — $150.00 – $300.00 per classification


If any part of your application is incomplete, it will be mailed back to you. If it's accepted, your new license will arrive in the mail, and you'll be ready to bid on jobs. 


What to Do After Getting Your License


Getting your contractor's license is just the beginning. There's plenty to do once you get your license in order to get your business started.


The first is to establish professional relationships. As a contractor, you can't do everything on your own. Your goal is to piece together a team of people who can complete a job in a timely manner. 


Here are the different types of companies you're going to work with on a regular basis. 


Sub-Contractors


New contractors often try completing jobs on their own. But in order to grow your construction company, you'll want to build a network of subcontractors who can complete specific tasks on your behalf. 


This will allow you to complete jobs faster, take on bigger jobs, and manage more than one job at a time. 


Material and Equipment Suppliers


Before taking on jobs, you need to know where you are going to source materials, tools, and large equipment. Big-name hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot offer everything under one roof.


And they even offer contractor programs, which include discounts on materials and rentals. Rather than buying all of the machinery you might need, you can simply rent tools when you need them. 


Roll Off Containers Albuquerque, NM


More often than not, jobs are going to require the use of a construction dumpster rental. Whether you are completing a residential remodel, or are performing new construction, there's going to be tons of waste generated throughout the project.


Rather than burden the property owner by filling their small trash bin every week, you'll want to have a company that provides dumpster rental Albuquerque contractors can rely on. A dumpster rental will save you tons of time and money, as you won't have to deal with the hassle of going to the dump yourself.


And if you need to deal with concrete, cement, and stucco during a project, you'll be required to use a concrete washout anyway, which is a specific type of dumpster for preventing these harmful materials from escaping into the environment.


Searching for a concrete washout rental near me will lead you to Payless Rolloff, the most reliable dumpster rental company in Albuquerque with the most competitive prices.


Along with dumpsters for contractors, we also provide homeowners with the options of a residential dumpster rental. Oftentimes, a homeowner will have a residential dumpster ready to go when they hire you as a contractor, which is convenient. 


Construction Dumpster Rental Near Me


Getting your New Mexico contractors license is the first step towards building a fulfilling career. But in order to build a stable and growing construction company, you need to have partnerships in place in order to make jobs much easier and cost-effective.


When you are ready to start completing jobs, be sure to give us a call to learn about our convenient, low-cost construction dumpster rentals. Wherever your jobs take you in New Mexico, we have a roll-off dumpster rental ready for you. 


Dump your trash not your CASH!

Reliable service at the lowest prices. Don't believe us? Give us a call!
Share by: