Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM
Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of New Mexico
1 stopNew 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 sourceFree (no registration fee)Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)
Free (no registration fee)
Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)
City of Albuquerque / Bernalillo County
3 stopsNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing — Plumbing Contractor License
Plumbing contracting in New Mexico requires an RLD Construction Industries Division contractor license with a certified qualifying party (journeyman certification by exam and experience).
Official government sourceUnverified — see the CID fees page.4–8 weeks
Unverified — see the CID fees page.
4–8 weeks
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
Bernalillo County / Albuquerque Plumbing Permit (per project)
A separate permit must be pulled with the local building/plumbing department for each job. Inspections are required upon job completion.
Official government sourcePer Building Safety fee schedule; unverified.1–5 business days
Per Building Safety fee schedule; unverified.
1–5 business days
Terminus
Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?
Official Sources
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