Handyman license requirements in New Mexico
Short answer: New Mexico offers a handyman certificate for minor repairs, capped at $7,200 of work a year. Anything beyond that, or any work that needs a permit, needs a contractor license from the Construction Industries Division.
General information, not legal advice. Checked October 13, 2026 against the sources below. Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you take a job.
The handyman certificate
New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department issues a handyman certificate for minor repairs, such as fixing doors and windows, patching walls and repairing steps. There's no exam, and the fee is small. Certificate holders are limited to $7,200 of work a year, can't hire employees or subcontractors, can't do roofing or build porches, decks or sheds, and can't advertise as contractors. Show your certificate to the property owner before you start.
When you need a license
Work beyond the certificate's limits needs a contractor license from the Construction Industries Division.
Trade work
Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work need their own licenses at any job size.
Before your first job in New Mexico
- Register your business name with the state or county, and get a sales tax permit if New Mexico taxes your services.
- Carry general liability insurance. Customers and property managers often ask for proof, and some local licenses require it. See handyman insurance explained.
- Put the scope and price in writing before you start. A simple handyman contract or a free written quote covers it.
- Know your prices. The handyman price list has typical rates for common jobs.
Official sources
Other states
California · Texas · Florida · New York · Pennsylvania · Illinois · Ohio · Georgia · North Carolina · Michigan · New Jersey · Virginia · Washington · Arizona · Tennessee · Massachusetts · Indiana · Maryland · Missouri · Wisconsin · Colorado · Minnesota · South Carolina · Alabama · Louisiana · Kentucky · Oregon · Oklahoma · Connecticut · Utah · Nevada · Iowa · Arkansas · Mississippi · Kansas · Nebraska · Idaho · Hawaii · West Virginia · New Hampshire · Maine · Montana · Rhode Island · Delaware · South Dakota · North Dakota · Alaska · Vermont · Wyoming
Questions
Do you need a license to be a handyman in New Mexico?
For minor repairs you need a handyman certificate, limited to $7,200 of work a year. Bigger or permit work needs a contractor license.
More guides
- Handyman insurance: what coverage you need, explained simplyLiability, tools, auto and workers' comp, in plain English.
- Handyman contract template (free, with what to include)Scope, price, payments, change orders, warranty and cancellation.
- Do you need a license to be a handyman? Rules by stateDollar limits, trade work and local rules, state by state.
- How to start a handyman business: a checklistLicensing, insurance, pricing and your first customers.