Quick Reference Table
License Type | Details |
|---|---|
Regulating Agency | Construction Industries Division (CID), NM Regulation & Licensing Dept CID homepage |
Classifications | Apprentice, JB-1 Journeyman, Master Plumber, MM-98 Mechanical (Plumbing) Contractor |
Experience | Journeyman: documented experience, Master: Journeyman exp. + exam, MM‑98: Master QP |
Exam | JB-1/Master: trade exam + Business & Law; MM‑98: no trade exam for entity |
Renewal | Journeyman: every 3 years (16 CE hours); Master/MM‑98: as per CID rules |
Continuing Education | Journeyman: 16 CE hrs/3 years (8 code, 8 industry); Master/MM‑98: general CE |
Confirmed Fees (2026) | QP application: $36; Journeyman cert: $75; Annual MM‑1 permit: $100; Inspections/Permit: see itemized schedule |
Official Links |
Who Needs a License in New Mexico?
Anyone engaging in plumbing work in New Mexico must meet plumbing license requirements in New Mexico before starting any job. This includes both employees and contractors working independently or controlling business entities.
The law defines “contracting” for plumbing as installing, altering, or repairing any plumbing system, regardless of the size or value of the work. There are no exceptions for small-dollar projects, owner-builders, or handymen. Accordingly, all contracting, including alterations, replacements, or extensions to water supply, drainage, or vent systems, requires a permit and a licensed professional (source).
If you operate without a license, you risk criminal citations, fines, or jail time. Persons convicted of unlicensed contracting are barred from applying for any license for at least one year following their conviction.
Employees performing plumbing must be registered as Apprentices and be supervised by a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber. A business contracting directly with clients for plumbing must have an MM‑98 Mechanical (Plumbing) Contractor license with a Master Plumber as its Qualifying Party. Review all definitions and enforcement policies at the CID enforcement page.
Plumbing License Types
The plumbing license requirements in New Mexico establish distinct license classifications for apprentices, journeymen, masters, and contractors. Each license type has unique qualification steps and scope.
Apprentice Plumber: Must register with CID and work under direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber. Apprenticeship is a preparatory step toward Journeyman licensure. Apprentices cannot contract or pull permits independently (14.6.4 NMAC).
JB-1 Journeyman Plumber: An individual license demonstrating proof of field experience, passage of trade and business exams, and meeting all application steps. Journeymen may work unsupervised and may supervise apprentices. However, they cannot register an entity or contract independently unless they also hold an entity or Master license.
Master Plumber: The highest individual credential. A Master Plumber must hold prior Journeyman certification and pass further exams. A Master may supervise Journeymen and Apprentices, and may serve as a Qualifying Party (QP) for a business seeking an MM-98 Mechanical (Plumbing) Contractor license.
MM‑98 Mechanical (Plumbing) Contractor: Entity-level credential for any company directly offering plumbing or mechanical services to the public. An MM‑98 license requires a Master Plumber as QP and fulfills requirements for bidding, contracting, and pulling permits for both residential and commercial work.
Maintenance & Repair (MM‑1 annual permit): Allows in-house journeyman plumbers to perform routine maintenance and repairs at a single site, such as a school or factory. This is not a full contractor license and has strict location and staffing requirements.
Each license type has specific application and renewal requirements. The MM‑98 is the only license that legally allows a business to contract with the public for plumbing jobs.
How to Get Licensed in New Mexico
To fulfill plumbing license requirements in New Mexico, you must complete several separate steps. Follow this step-by-step guide for both individual and contractor-level licenses:
Determine the proper license type (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, MM‑98 Contractor) based on the proposed scope of work.
Gather proof of experience (see Application Requirements below). Affidavits must be notarized and submitted covering the required period, usually within the last 10 years.
Complete a Qualifying Party (QP) application if seeking Journeyman, Master, or Contractor licensure. Attach supporting affidavits and pay the $36 application fee (application page).
Upon approval, schedule and take the required exams. Journeyman and Master applicants must pass the trade and the Business & Law exam, or complete a CID-approved course as an alternative. Exams are scheduled through PSI online or by phone/fax/mail (PSI Scheduling).
Form a business entity (for MM‑98): If applying for a contractor license, establish an LLC, Corporation, LLP, or Partnership and obtain the necessary New Mexico registration certificate(s).
Obtain a surety bond and workers compensation insurance as required. Include official certificates and proof of coverage with your application.
Register with NM Tax & Revenue Dept to secure a tax compliance certificate. Attach to the application.
Submit all application packets and fees to CID/PSI offices per official instructions. Incomplete applications or missing fees will delay processing.
Wait for notification of approval. Once approved, you will receive your license or certificate.
Maintain compliance by renewing on time and completing all required continuing education each cycle.
Missing any step in fulfilling plumbing license requirements in New Mexico will delay licensing and could result in rejected applications or loss of exam eligibility.
Application Requirements
Meeting plumbing license requirements in New Mexico requires you to satisfy strict documentation standards. These include age, experience, financial responsibility, insurance, and legal compliance.
Experience and Age
Applicants for Journeyman and Master licenses must prove the required experience with notarized affidavits from prior employers or supervisors within the past 10 years. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for any license, with no exceptions for underage applicants (NMAC rule update).
Bond and Insurance
All business entities (MM‑98 applicants) must submit a surety bond as set out by statute. The bond amount is specified in New Mexico Statutes (NMSA 60‑13‑13) and must be issued by a licensed surety. Additionally, all applicants must hold valid workers' compensation insurance.
Tax Registration and Entity Documents
You must register your business with the New Mexico Tax & Revenue Department to obtain a tax compliance certificate. LLCs and corporations need a NM Public Regulation Commission certificate, and partnerships/LLPs need a Secretary of State certificate. Include these certificates in your application packet.
Qualifying Party and Exams
The Qualifying Party, who is responsible for code compliance, must attach passing trade exam and Business & Law scores (or proof of approved course). The QP's certificate forms the basis for the entity's license if applying under an MM‑98.
Backgrounds and Prior Convictions
Applicants with a prior conviction for unlicensed contracting must wait at least one year after conviction before reapplying. All forms and affidavits must be complete and accurate. The CID checks for any history of disciplinary action.
Exams
The plumbing license requirements in New Mexico include written exams for most license types, specifically for Journeyman and Master Plumbers. There is no separate trade exam for entity (MM‑98) applicants, but their QP must hold appropriate credentials.
Journeyman and Master Exams: Both must pass a plumbing trade exam and a Business & Law exam (or approved course). Scheduling is done via the PSI Exams portal (PSI scheduling).
ID Requirements: You must bring two forms of ID, one of them a government-issued photo ID, on the exam day.
Exam Process: Complete your QP application, submit affidavits, pay fees, and receive an eligibility notice. Use the notice to schedule your exams by phone, online, fax, or mail. Registration by mail or fax requires submitting at least 7 business days in advance.
Passing Score: Passing scores are valid for one year toward licensure. Failing to complete licensing within this period will require retaking exams. Specific exam formats and content outlines are published in the PSI Candidate Bulletin (refer to official apply page).
Exam Alternatives: For the Business & Law requirement, you may complete an approved course instead of taking the exam.
For detailed exam requirements and updates, visit the official CID application page.
Fees
All plumbing license requirements in New Mexico include payment of specific fees for applications, certificates, permits, and exams. These are set by the official fee schedule and updated as of 2026.
Qualifying Party Application: $36 per application (as of April 2026, verify at CID application page).
Journeyman Certificate: $75 per certificate (as of April 2026, see fee schedule).
MM‑1 Maintenance Annual Permit: $100 per location (as of April 2026, permit form).
Residential/Commercial Plumbing Permit Fees: $37.50 administrative fee per inspection; $4 per fixture, water heater, or item; $7.50 for certificate of approval; other fees (e.g., $50 for pool, $80/$120 for re-inspection), see permit fee list for details.
Exam Fees: See PSI Candidate Bulletin on the CID apply page. Fee varies by exam type.
Other Fees: Surety bonds and insurance are required but not charged by CID. You must secure and pay your insurer/surety separately (verify current required bond amounts per statute and form).
For the most current and detailed plumbing fee schedule, always reference the official CID fee schedule.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Maintaining compliance with plumbing license requirements in New Mexico requires renewing your license and completing all required continuing education (CE) before expiration.
Journeyman Renewal
The JB-1 Journeyman Plumber certificate must be renewed every 3 years. You must complete 16 hours of CE during each cycle: 8 hours must be on code updates and 8 hours on industry-related approved topics. Renewal ensures you stay current on important safety and code changes (CE page).
Master, MM-98, and Entity License Renewal
No specific CE for Masters or MM‑98 contractors is listed, but general CID rules (14.5.1 NMAC) require contractors to demonstrate continued competence. Always confirm current continuing education, renewal rules, and forms on the CID CE page.
Lapsed or Late Renewal Consequences
If you do not renew by the deadline, you may have to reapply, pay reinstatement fees, and possibly re-qualify by exam. Official reinstatement or late penalty details are not published, so contact the CID for specifics.
Reciprocity
There are no published formal reciprocity agreements listed for New Mexico plumbing licenses as of this writing. Applications from out-of-state license holders are not given automatic recognition. You must document experience and pass the state’s exams to satisfy plumbing license requirements in New Mexico.
Certain experience gained out of state may count toward the practical experience requirement for journeyman or master applications. However, each case is reviewed individually and must be proven with affidavits and documentation. Always verify with the CID before assuming credentials from another state will transfer.
