Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, 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. New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Contractor License

   Contractors performing work in New Mexico must be licensed by the NM Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division. Requires passing a trade exam and proof of insurance.

   Official government source

   $36 CID application fee (14.5.5 NMAC) + examination fees (~$95 via the testing vendor)·4–8 weeks

   $36 CID application fee (14.5.5 NMAC) + examination fees (~$95 via the testing vendor)

   4–8 weeks

1. City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Department — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a business license for anyone conducting business within city limits, administered by the Business Licensing office of the city's Planning and Land Use Department. Applicants first register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (for entities) and obtain state gross receipts tax registration, then apply through the city's online self-service portal; a Certificate of Compliance inspection is part of issuance. Licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually.

   Official government source

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)·1–3 weeks

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)

   1–3 weeks

2. Building Permit for Regulated Work (City of Santa Fe / Santa Fe County)

   Certain handyman tasks - including electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, or structural modifications - require permits: from the City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division for work inside city limits, or through Santa Fe County/state processes in unincorporated areas. Handymen may not perform work reserved to licensed contractors; under 14.6.2.8 NMAC, casual, minor handyman work is exempt from contractor licensing only if total compensation does not exceed $7,200 per year.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope; confirm with the City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division·1–3 weeks

   Varies by project scope; confirm with the City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Santa Fe City Clerk
• New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Contractor License

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