New Mexico Contractor License Classifications

Compared to other US states, becoming a licensed contractor is a more complicated and complex process in New Mexico. The reason for this is that there are several licensing industries, which administer and handle licensure for contractors. They have certain licensing requirements and eligibility standards that an applicant will need to correspond with. Those requirements relate to educational background, practical experience, and scope of work.

It is also important to choose the proper license classification, as there are some categories to choose from. Each category has its sub-classifications as well, and it makes the application process a little bit tricky. In addition, an applicant may request classification determination to figure out which license works the best for him.

Overview

If you are interested in getting a New Mexico contractor license, you have come to the right page. This guide will help you sort through the New Mexico contractor licensing requirements and get the license as soon as possible.

General Construction Contractor License Sub-classifications

Streets, Roads and Highways License (GA-1)

This license, in brief, allows clearing, filling, constructing, and removing ground. In other words, it arranges construction works, which pertain to streets, roads, tunnels, parking lots, and highways. The scope of work also includes gutters, driving ways, culverts, alleys, as well GA-2 and GA-3 license activities.

To be eligible for the given permit, an applicant must have two years of practical hands-on experience.

Maintenance and Repair License (GA-2)

This license, in brief, allows fixing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining materials, which relate to streets, roads, highways, etc.

To be eligible for the given permit, an applicant must have two years of practical hands-on experience.

Curbs, Gutters and Culverts License (GA-3)

This license, in brief, allows placing and forming concrete curbs, gutters, and culverts. The scope of work also includes public sidewalks and water deflection curbs.

To be eligible for the given permit, an applicant must have two years of practical hands-on experience.

Striping License (GA-4)

This license, in brief, allows drawing guiding stripes on roads, streets, highways, and parking lots.

To be eligible for the given permit, an applicant must have two years of practical hands-on experience.

Highway Signs and Guard Rails License (GA-5)

This license, in brief, allows raising and securing signs and guard rails for public highways, streets, and roads. In other words, those measures are to be taken for guidance and safety purposes. In case there is contracting work connected with electrical signs, a licensed electrical contractor must perform the work.

This permit requires having two years of practical hands-on experience.

Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Construction License (GA-98)

This one, in comparison with others, includes work listed from GA-1 to GA-5 licenses.

This permit also requires having two years of practical hands-on experience.

Building Specialty Contractor License Sub-classifications

Insulation License

To clarify, the license permits installing insulating materials in buildings and other structures. Its main goal is to control temperature and sound.

Concrete and Cement License

To clarify, the license permits mixing and finishing concrete, as well as putting into place reinforcement materials.

Demolition License

To clarify, the license permits knocking down certain parts of a building or other structures.

Drywall and Texture License

To clarify, the license permits installing gypsum wallboard and sheathing, taping, and drywall.

Excavation and Ditching License

To clarify, the license permits excavating with the help of hand/power apparatus. It also allows using explosives for cutting, grading and trenching.

Elevator License

To clarify, the license permits repairing and installing elevators and escalators. The scope of work also includes cabs, doors, signal systems, and related equipment.

Framing License

To clarify, the license permits installing and cutting wood and metal products for framing.

Window and Door License

To clarify, the license permits installing windows and doors in buildings and other structures.

Masonry License

To clarify, the license permits forming masonry walls, veneers, and retaining walls.

Roofing License

To clarify, the license permits altering, repairing, and altering existing roofs.

Sign Construction License

To clarify, the license permits installing signs, which are made of wood, plastic, and other materials.

There are also other types of licenses and sub-classifications, which include contracting work on structural steel erection, swimming pools, plastering, siding, and sheet metal.

Building Construction Contractor License Sub-classifications

Residential License

To clarify, this license is for erecting, repairing, and knocking down residential homes and apartments, which do not exceed four-family units. It demands having two years of practical experience.

General Building License

To clarify, this license is for building, repairing, and altering both residential and commercial structures. It demands having four years of practical experience.

Fixed Works Contractor License Sub-classifications

Airport License

It is, in short, for altering and repairing airports. The permit requires having two years of professional experience to ensure professionalism and credibility.

Bridge License

It is, in short, for raising, knocking down, and building bridges, culverts, and ramps. The permit requires having two years of professional experience to ensure professionalism and credibility.

Canal, Reservoirs, and Irrigation System License

It is, in short, for altering, repairing, and knocking down canals and reservoirs. The scope of work also includes excavation, filling, reinforcement of concrete, etc.

Drainage License

It is, in short, for building, repairing, and installing drainage. The scope of work also includes excavation, filling, reinforcement of concrete, etc.

Recreation Area License

It is, in short, for clearing, repairing, altering, and getting equipment ready for recreation areas, including golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and so on.

Railroad/Tunnel Construction License

It is, in short, for building railroad lines, tie plates, rails, and switch plates. The scope of work also includes bridges, culverts, tunnels, gates, and so on.

Tanks and Towers License

It is, in short, for installing tanks, as well as radio and microwave towers. The scope of work also includes repairing, inserting, and cleaning liners, and building.

Transmission Lines License

It is, in short, for constructing and putting into place transmission and other fluid substances. The permit requires having two years of professional experience to ensure professionalism and credibility.

Utility Lines License

It is, in short, for altering, repairing, and installing utility lines and utility systems. The scope of work includes sewage, natural gas and water, excavating, grading, trenching, and so on.

Nevertheless, the permit does not allow installing load pots, electrical raceways, as well as splicing.

Construct and Repair Fixed Works License

This one, in comparison with others, includes work listed in the license classifications above. The permit requires having two years of professional experience to ensure professionalism and credibility.

Electrical Contractor License Sub-classifications

Residential Wiring License

To clarify, the license entitles the licensee to perform electrical work in single-family and two-family units. There is a requirement to have two years of experience in the field of electrical contracting.

Electrical Distribution System License

To clarify, the license entitles the licensee to perform electrical wiring (above 5000 volts). There is a requirement to have four years of experience in the field of electrical contracting.

Mechanical and Plumbing Classifications

• Plumbing License
• Natural Gas Fitting License
• HVAC License
• Lawn Sprinkler Specialty License
• Septic Tanks and Sewer Specialty License
• Dry Chemical Fire Protection Specialty License
• Fire Protection Sprinkler System Specialty License