Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

Verified 2026-08-19 5 stops $400–$1,200 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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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 stop
  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Mexico

1 stop
  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)

City of Albuquerque / Bernalillo County

3 stops
  1. New 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 source

    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

  3. 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 source

    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

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