Plumbing Contractor 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)

1. New Mexico Regulation and Licensing - Plumbing Contractor License (CID)

   Plumbing contractors in New Mexico must hold a contractor's license from the NM Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division in a plumbing classification (e.g., MM-98). The license is issued to the business, whose qualifying party must pass trade and business/law exams; individuals performing plumbing work must hold a CID journeyman plumber certificate of competence, which requires two years of experience.

   Official government source

   $30 application fee plus $100/year (or $200 for two years) license fee per classification, plus exam fees (14.5.5.8 NMAC)·4–8 weeks

   $30 application fee plus $100/year (or $200 for two years) license fee per classification, plus exam fees (14.5.5.8 NMAC)

   4–8 weeks

2. 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

3. City of Santa Fe - Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A separate plumbing permit must be pulled for each job, with inspections required upon completion. For work inside Santa Fe city limits, permitting runs through the City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division (the city has adopted the 2021 NM Plumbing Code with city UPC amendments); work in unincorporated Santa Fe County is permitted separately. Confirm current permit fees with the Building Permit Division.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope; confirm with the City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division·1–5 business days

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

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

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

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