HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. EPA Section 608 Certification (for refrigerants)

   Technicians who purchase, recover, or handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Required by federal law regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $20–$100 (exam)·1–2 days

   $20–$100 (exam)

   1–2 days

1. New Mexico Regulation and Licensing — HVAC Contractor License

   HVAC contractors in New Mexico must hold a Mechanical Contractor License from the NM RLD. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling.

   Official government source

   Unverified — see the CID fees page.·4–8 weeks

   Unverified — see the CID fees page.

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Business License

   Albuquerque requires an annual Business Registration ($35 per location) through the Planning Department's Business License Section, plus a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. A current NM Taxation & Revenue Department registration certificate (CRS/BTIN) is required before applying. Renew annually; display at the place of business.

   Official government source

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).·1–3 weeks

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).

   1–3 weeks

3. Bernalillo County / Albuquerque Mechanical Permit (per project)

   A mechanical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each HVAC installation or major repair. Inspections are required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Per Building Safety fee schedule; unverified.·1–5 business days

   Per Building Safety fee schedule; unverified.

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• New Mexico Regulation and Licensing — HVAC Contractor License
• City of Albuquerque Planning Department

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