Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$700 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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

2 stops

  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)

  2. New Mexico Pesticide Applicator License

    If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in New Mexico, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

    Official government source

    $100 commercial applicator license + exam fees ($20 NMDA-administered / $55 third-party)2–4 weeks

City of Santa Fe / Santa Fe County

2 stops

  1. City of Santa Fe City Clerk — Business License

    Santa Fe requires a City Business Registration for all businesses operating within city limits. Certain regulated businesses require additional permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Santa Fe County / Santa Fe Contractor Registration

    Landscaping contractors may need to register with Santa Fe County or the City of Santa Fe. Some jurisdictions require a separate contractor's registration for landscaping and irrigation work.

    Official government source

    $50–$2001–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses

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Official Sources

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