New Mexico Electrical Contractor
To get an EE‑98 electrical contractor license in New Mexico, your company must employ a qualified QP (8,000 hours in 10 years), pass PSI’s EE‑98 and Business & Law exams, post a $10,000 bond, maintain workers’ comp, and submit PSI’s application with the required fees. Licenses renew every three years.
How to get a electrical contractor license in New Mexico
To get an electrical contractor license in New Mexico (EE‑98), your business must employ a Qualifying Party with 4 years (8,000 hours) verified experience, pass the EE‑98 trade and Business & Law exams, file a $10,000 license bond, carry workers’ compensation, and submit PSI’s application with required fees.
Requirements last verified: 2026-11-01
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division (CID), Electrical Bureau. See CID’s Apply page. Source |
| License classification | EE‑98 Electrical Contractor (Residential & Commercial). NMAC 14.6.3 |
| Qualifying Party (QP) experience | Four years (8,000 hours) within the last 10 years; accredited training may count for up to half. PSI QP guide; NMAC 14.6.3.8 |
| Exams | EE‑98 trade exam (PSI) and Contractor’s Business & Law exam; NASCLA Electrical exam may waive the state trade exam for EE‑98 QPs if other QP requirements are met. PSI Candidate Bulletin; NMAC 14.6.3.8(F) |
| Exact fees | $30 application (non‑refundable) + $6 certificate, plus $300 per EE‑98 classification (new and renewal). PSI licensing fees |
| Bond / insurance | $10,000 contractor license bond (code bond) required at issuance and renewal; workers’ compensation coverage required for all licensed entities. NMSA 60‑13‑49; CID Apply page |
| Minimum age | No license if the business is majority‑owned by someone 17 or younger (effectively 18+ to own a majority). NMAC 14.6.3.8(A)(2) |
| Renewal | License term: three years; PSI handles renewals. Late fees: $1/day for 1–30 days; 30–90 days equals one year’s fee; after 90 days canceled. PSI renewal guide |
| Code reference | Current enforcement based on 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4), aligned to NEC 2020. RLD codes page |
How to get an electrical contractor license (EE‑98) in New Mexico
- Confirm your scope and classification. Verify you need EE‑98 and not a specialty. If unsure, request a classification determination from PSI. PSI portal
- Qualify or hire a Qualifying Party (QP). Your QP must document 4 years/8,000 hours within the last 10 years and then pass the EE‑98 trade exam and Business & Law exam. PSI QP guide
- Pass required exams. Schedule with PSI. EE‑98 content aligns to NEC 2020/NMAC 14.10.4. NASCLA Electrical can waive the EE‑98 trade exam for QPs who meet all other requirements. PSI Bulletin; NMAC 14.6.3.8(F); RLD codes
- Register your business and tax account. Obtain NM Secretary of State registration (if LLC/Corp) and a Taxation & Revenue registration certificate (CRS). Include both in your packet. PSI contractor application
- Secure the $10,000 code bond and workers’ comp. Bond must match the exact license name and cover the full license term; workers’ compensation is mandatory for licensed entities. NMSA 60‑13‑49; CID Apply
- Assemble and submit the application to PSI. Include application, QP proof (certificate/scores), experience affidavits, bond, tax/SOS docs, and fees ($30 + $6 + $300 for EE‑98). Application checklist; Fees
- Maintain compliance and renew every 3 years. Track expiration, keep workers’ comp active, and renew with PSI; late fees and cancellation apply if you miss deadlines. Renewal rules
New Mexico electrical contractor license requirements explained
Qualifying Party experience and verification
Your EE‑98 Qualifying Party must document 8,000 hours in the last 10 years using CID/PSI affidavits; education can credit up to half of the requirement. After approval, the QP takes the EE‑98 trade and Business & Law exams. Official QP experience rules
EE‑98 exam scope and references
PSI’s bulletin outlines content and allowed references. New Mexico enforces the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4), based on NEC 2020—know both for test day and for field compliance. PSI Bulletin; RLD electrical code
Fees, bond, and insurance
Budget $336 in state licensing fees for a new single‑classification EE‑98 license ($30 application + $6 certificate + $300 EE‑98 class), plus your surety premium for the $10,000 code bond and workers’ comp coverage. PSI fees; Bond statute; Workers’ comp note
Renewal timeline
EE‑98 licenses expire every three years. Renew through PSI; late fees apply after the expiration date and licenses cancel after 90 days late. PSI renewal guide
Related New Mexico contractor paths
If you also perform HVAC, compare classifications, steps, and costs in our detailed guide to the New Mexico HVAC Contractor License. For project budgeting, see a state‑specific breakdown of NM HVAC contractor license costs to benchmark fees against your EE‑98 plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a New Mexico EE‑98 electrical contractor license cost?
Expect $336 in state licensing fees for one EE‑98 classification ($30 application + $6 certificate + $300 classification), plus your bond premium and exam fees. Multi‑classification caps and late‑fee rules apply. Source
What are the experience requirements for the EE‑98 Qualifying Party?
Four years (8,000 hours) of verifiable electrical experience within the last 10 years; accredited training can count toward up to half of the total. PSI QP guide; NMAC 14.6.3.8
Can I waive the EE‑98 trade exam with NASCLA?
Yes. If you passed the NASCLA‑accredited Electrical exam, the bureau chief may waive the state EE‑98 trade exam for the QP. You must still meet experience and Business & Law requirements. NMAC 14.6.3.8(F)
What insurance is required?
A $10,000 contractor license bond is mandatory at issuance and renewal. Workers’ compensation coverage is required for all licensed entities engaged in CID‑regulated work. NMSA 60‑13‑49; CID Apply
How often do I renew an EE‑98 license?
Every three years. PSI processes renewals; licenses not renewed within 90 days after expiration are canceled. PSI renewal guide
Which code does New Mexico test and inspect to?
New Mexico currently enforces the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4), aligned with NEC 2020, for both exams and inspections. RLD codes
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.