Quick Reference Table for HVAC License Requirements in New Mexico
Item | Detail |
|---|---|
License Types | Mechanical: MM‑1, MM‑2, MM‑3, MM‑4, MM‑98 (HVAC-related), Journeyman certificates |
Regulating Agency | New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division (CID) |
Experience Required | Minimum 4 years within past 10 (for MM‑1); all require documented past relevant experience |
Exam | Trade classification exam and Business & Law exam (or approved course). Provider: PSI |
Renewal Cycle | Annually or biennially; fees mirror initial license fees |
Continuing Education (CE) | None required as of 2026 |
Total License Fees | Application fee: $30 (as of 2026, verify here) |
Links |
Who Needs a License in New Mexico?
You need an HVAC license in New Mexico if you contract for installation, service, repair, maintenance, or alteration of any HVAC or mechanical system. Both individuals and companies must hold a valid license for any mechanical contracting, regardless of job size or value.
The law does not set a minimum project dollar amount for HVAC/mechanical work, so every job, residential or commercial, requires a license if you contract directly with a customer. Even if you only work on air conditioning units, ductwork, controls, evaporative coolers, furnace installations, or refrigeration, licensure is required. The only activities clearly exempt are routine filter swaps or simple thermostat battery changes. Agricultural irrigation on private wells is exempt under MM‑1. If the work involves structural, electrical, or plumbing elements, you must subcontract those tasks to the corresponding license holder unless you also hold that classification.
Employees do not need a contractor license if they are working under a licensed contractor, but must hold a journeyman certificate if performing hands-on mechanical work. Above all, prime contractors bidding on jobs must hold (or employ) the correct classification to lawfully supervise every part of the mechanical/HVAC installation.
HVAC License Types
Several license types exist under the HVAC license requirements in New Mexico. Each covers a specific scope of work, and you must apply for those relevant to your business needs.
MM‑1: Plumbing with limited HVAC and hot-water heating. This is for contractors focusing mainly on plumbing who do some related HVAC work.
MM‑2, MM‑3, MM‑4: Broader mechanical classifications for higher-level mechanical contracting. The state rules list these, but full scope definitions require review of NMAC 14.6.6.11 and related PSI materials.
MM‑98: Specialty mechanical/HVAC classification. Journeyman-level workers in HVAC can only work under supervision on jobs if the company holds this classification. The fee structure is slightly higher.
LP‑4 and LP‑5 Gas: These licenses focus solely on LP gas work, and only apply if you are already licensed as MM‑2 or MM‑98. They do not cover HVAC duct or hydronic system work.
Journeyman Certificates: Distinct from a contractor license, journeyman certificates are mandatory for hands-on HVAC and mechanical work if employed by another licensed contractor. PSI manages journeyman certificate fees and testing.
A contractor or company may hold multiple classifications if they intend to perform a wider scope of work. The designated Qualifying Party (QP) can supervise more than one classification if qualified. Always verify the full scope and required classification for your work using the latest official CID documents.
How to Get Licensed in New Mexico
HVAC license requirements in New Mexico are detailed and require careful documentation at each stage. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Determine your classification: Select the license (MM‑1, MM‑98, etc.) that reflects the scope of your planned HVAC work. Consult the 14.6.6.11 NMAC for detailed scope definitions.
Apply as a Qualifying Party (QP): Submit a QP application with notarized experience affidavits (using the PSI Experience Verification form) to PSI, including the $36 application fee (as of 2026, verify here).
Document your experience: You must show at least four years of mechanical/HVAC experience within the past ten years. Education or technical training may count for part of this time.
Approval and exam eligibility: PSI or CID will review your submission. When approved, PSI issues an eligibility letter or card that lets you schedule your exams.
Schedule and take exams: Register for your required exams (trade classification and Business & Law) through PSI, either online, by phone, or mail.
Company application: If you pass, your company applies for a mechanical contractor license. You must submit the $36 fee, license bond, NM Taxation & Revenue certificate, proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance, Business & Law results, and other business entity documents (e.g., NMPRC or Secretary of State certificate if your entity is not a sole proprietorship).
License issuance: PSI processes the full application, collects fees, and issues the license. Timeframes depend on current processing volumes.
Choosing Classification and Getting Started
First, check the work you’ll perform against the CID’s published classification definitions. Most HVAC contractors will need MM‑98 for full-scope HVAC or MM‑1 for plumbing and limited heating. If you plan to offer specialty work or want both plumbing and HVAC authority, double-check which licenses or certificates your firm will need. Applying under the wrong classification can lead to delays or rejections.
Qualifying Party Designation
The Qualifying Party is the person who meets the experience and exam requirements and will actively supervise and be responsible for the company's code compliance. This person applies first, demonstrates experience and passes exams, before the company license can be granted.
Application Requirements
All applicants must meet key supporting document and insurance requirements as part of the HVAC license requirements in New Mexico.
Experience and Age
You must document at least four years of qualifying experience (e.g., as an apprentice, journeyman, or supervisor) in the past ten years. Fill out a PSI Experience Verification form, and have it notarized. You may include technical education or trade school to count toward the four years.
The rules do not specify a minimum age, citizenship, or residency requirement for license applicants. However, all experience must be relevant and provable by affidavit.
Bond and Insurance
You are required to post a license bond when applying as a contractor. The bond amount is not specified in the accessible rules, so verify the current bond amount at the Construction Industries Division’s site. Proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance is also required with your company application. General Liability is not listed as mandatory.
Supporting Documents
Notarized experience affidavits (PSI form)
Copy of eligibility card from PSI (after QP approval)
Proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage
NM Taxation & Revenue certificate (compliance with state taxes)
Corporation/LLC/Partnership documents (NMPRC or Secretary of State registration), if not a sole proprietor
Proof of passing exams (or Business & Law course certificate)
Bond documentation (amount to be verified with CID)
Fingerprinting or background checks do not currently appear in any official application requirement. No EPA 608 certification is required by the state, but you still need this federal certification if handling refrigerants.
Exams
To meet HVAC license requirements in New Mexico, you must pass a trade (classification) exam and a Business & Law exam. PSI Examination Services is the official provider for these tests.
Exam Structure and Scheduling
First, submit your QP application and receive your exam eligibility card from PSI. Then, schedule your exam through PSI online at PSI New Mexico Contractors portal, by phone, or mail.
You must take both a trade exam and a New Mexico Business & Law exam (or approved Business & Law course). Both are closed to the public, and you must be pre-approved. Passing scores, exam format, length, and retake policies vary. Details are in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, which you can download directly from PSI’s official site.
Exam Rules and Materials
The exams are typically open-book, allowing you to use bound reference materials. Permanent tabbing is allowed. However, you may not bring in loose notes or extra materials. Your passing score is valid for one year, so apply for your license within that window to avoid repeating the exam.
If you need to review your exam results or appeal, PSI charges $25 for standard review and $40 for a ‘special review’ after two failures (as of 2026, fee schedule).
Visit the official CID application portal or PSI contractor exam portal for the most up-to-date exam details.
Fees
Fees for HVAC license requirements in New Mexico include several fixed sums, plus project permit fees for mechanical inspections.
Licensing Fees
QP/company application: $36 (as of 2026, verify here)
Classification application: $30 non-refundable (as of 2026, verify here)
License (MM‑1): $50 per year, or $100 for two years (as of 2026, verify here)
License (MM‑98/high): $100 per year, or $200 for two years (as of 2026, verify here)
Certificate of qualification or license replacement: $6 (as of 2026, fee schedule)
Exam review: $25 (regular); $40 (special review after two fails) (as of 2026, same source above)
Bond: Required, but amount is not specified. Verify bond amount with CID
Permit and Inspection Fees
If you pull permits for HVAC/mechanical work, you will pay the following fees (per 14.5.5.13 NMAC, as of 2026, see complete fee rule):
Administrative inspection fee: $37.50
Evaporative cooler: $6
Ventilation system: $6
Refrigeration system: $6
Central furnace ductwork: $10
Solar hot water system: $10
Combination HVAC unit: $4
Chiller, cooling tower, commercial kitchen hood, commercial duct system: $10 each
Final certificate of approval: $7.50
The above list shows only the most typical HVAC-related fees. Consult 14.5.5.13 NMAC for the exhaustive breakdown of all mechanical and HVAC permit fees, including related plumbing devices and systems.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Contractors must renew their HVAC license annually or biennially, with renewal fees matching the original license fee. There is no mandatory continuing education (CE) requirement for HVAC/mechanical contractor licenses in New Mexico as of 2026.
Renewal Deadlines and Process
Renewal can be for one year or two years. Renewal application deadlines and any grace/late fee details are not specified in the official codes, so verify your renewal schedule with the CID site before your license expiration date. Failing to renew may require reapplication and passing the current exams if your license lapses for an extended period.
Continuing Education (CE)
Unlike many states, New Mexico does not require mechanical contractors to complete CE hours. However, some employers may set their own requirements, and federal certifications such as EPA 608 may have separate renewal or CE timelines outside of CID rules.
Reciprocity
No reciprocity or endorsement is available under the current HVAC license requirements in New Mexico. Contractors licensed in another state must apply as new, provide full documentation of experience, and pass New Mexico’s exams through PSI. Senate Bill 451 (2025) clarified exam adoption and approval processes but does not create a reciprocity path for out-of-state applicants.
If you are an out-of-state licensee, you must prepare for the same documentation and exam requirements as in-state applicants. No waivers or abbreviated licensing tracks are available.
