NM HVAC contractor license cost
We verified New Mexico’s HVAC (MM‑98) licensing costs directly from NMAC and CID. Expect a $30 application fee, $100/year license fee (often $300 for a three‑year term), two PSI exams at $68.88 each, and a $10,000 code bond. We also outline steps, requirements, and renewal details.
Direct answer (49 words): The HVAC contractor license cost in New Mexico typically includes a $30 application fee, $300 in classification license fees for a three‑year MM‑98 term, two PSI exams at $68.88 each (Business & Law + Mechanical trade), and a $10,000 license code bond (premium varies by surety). NMAC 14.5.5.8; PSI Bulletin (4/3/2026); NMAC 14.6.3.8.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-07
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID). Apply overview. |
| License classification | MM-98 Mechanical (covers MM-1 through MM-4 scopes). NMAC 14.6.6 (Classifications & Scopes). |
| State fees | $30 nonrefundable license application fee; $100 per year for MM‑98 classification; three‑year license term commonly totals $300. NMAC 14.5.5.8. |
| Exam fees | PSI Business & Law exam: $68.88; PSI Mechanical trade exam (MM‑1/2/3/4 or MM‑98 path): $68.88 per exam. PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 4/3/2026). |
| Experience (Qualifying Party) | Four years of practical or related trade experience within the past 10 years for the mechanical classification. NMAC 14.6.6; CID Apply page. |
| Minimum age | Qualifying Party must be at least 18; entities majority‑owned by persons 17 or younger are ineligible. NMAC 14.6.3.8(A),(E). |
| Insurance/bond | $10,000 contractor license code bond required at initial licensure (must cover the initial three‑year licensure period) and maintained for renewals; workers’ compensation compliance also required, as applicable. NMAC 14.6.3.8(C); NMAC 14.6.3.8(H). |
| Renewal | Licenses renew on a multi‑year cycle; fees remain $100/year for MM‑98 (e.g., $300 for a three‑year period) and a valid bond must cover the full renewal term. NMAC 14.5.5.8; NMAC 14.6.3.8(C). |
How to get your New Mexico HVAC contractor license (MM‑98) and what it costs
- Confirm your scope and experience. Decide whether you’ll pursue full MM‑98 or a specific mechanical subclass (MM‑1/2/3/4). Ensure the Qualifying Party (QP) has four years’ verifiable experience. NMAC 14.6.6.
- Create your PSI account and schedule exams. QP must take the New Mexico Contractor Business & Law exam ($68.88) and the appropriate mechanical trade exam ($68.88). PSI Bulletin.
- Compile QP documentation. Complete the Qualifying Party application and work‑experience affidavits per CID instructions. Passing scores are valid for one year. CID Apply.
- Secure your $10,000 license code bond. The bond must cover the entire initial three‑year licensure period; submit the bond or renewal certificate for each renewal term. NMAC 14.6.3.8(C).
- Submit your application and fees to CID. Pay the $30 application fee and the MM‑98 license fee at $100 per year (commonly $300 for three years). NMAC 14.5.5.8.
- Maintain compliance post‑licensure. Observe workers’ compensation requirements (as applicable) and keep your bond and license current for the full renewal cycle. NMAC 14.6.3.8(H).
HVAC contractor license cost in New Mexico: full breakdown
Most applicants budget for four state‑set items: the $30 application fee, $100/year MM‑98 license fee (commonly $300 for three years), PSI Business & Law exam ($68.88), and PSI trade exam ($68.88). You’ll also need a $10,000 code bond; the bond’s premium is set by the surety, not by CID. Citations: NMAC 14.5.5.8; PSI Bulletin; NMAC 14.6.3.8(C).
New Mexico HVAC license requirements (MM‑98) at a glance
The MM‑98 Mechanical license covers the combined scopes of MM‑1 through MM‑4. The QP must be 18+, meet the four‑year experience minimum, pass PSI exams, and attach the $10,000 bond. See: NMAC 14.6.6; NMAC 14.6.3.8.
Costs beyond state fees to plan for
While CID sets the application, license, and exam fees, your total out‑of‑pocket cost may also include bond premium (based on credit/financials), reference books or exam prep, and business setup costs. For broader cost‑planning habits, compare our analyses of New Mexico private investigator licensing costs and what goes into a New Mexico security guard license budget.
Related licensing timelines and who needs the New Mexico HVAC contractor license
In New Mexico, only licensed contractors (qualified by a QP) may pull permits for HVAC/mechanical work. Unlicensed contracting is unlawful. CID guidance. For niche comparisons, see how costs differ from another state’s analysis like our New Hampshire HVAC contractor license cost breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total state fee to obtain an MM‑98 HVAC contractor license?
Expect $30 for the application and $100 per year for the MM‑98 classification fee (commonly $300 for three years), plus PSI exam fees of $68.88 each for Business & Law and the mechanical trade exam. The $10,000 bond is also mandatory. NMAC 14.5.5.8; PSI Bulletin; NMAC 14.6.3.8(C).
How much experience do I need for the New Mexico mechanical (HVAC) contractor license?
The Qualifying Party must document four years of practical or related mechanical trade experience within the previous 10 years for MM‑98 (or the relevant subclass). NMAC 14.6.6.
What exams are required and how much do they cost?
New Mexico requires the Contractor Business & Law exam ($68.88) and the appropriate mechanical trade exam ($68.88) through PSI; some candidates may take an approved Business & Law course instead of the PSI B&L exam. PSI Bulletin.
What bond or insurance do I need?
You must file a $10,000 contractor license code bond for the full initial three‑year licensure period and maintain valid bond coverage for each renewal term. Workers’ compensation compliance is also required where applicable. NMAC 14.6.3.8(C); NMAC 14.6.3.8(H).
How long are passing exam scores valid?
Per CID, passing scores are valid for one year, so apply promptly after testing. CID Apply page.
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