Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, 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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   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 for New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

   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 — Electrical Contractor License

   Electrical contracting in New Mexico requires an RLD Construction Industries Division electrical contractor license with a certified qualifying party (journeyman certification via exam).

   Official government source for New Mexico Regulation and Licensing — Electrical Contractor License (opens in a new tab)

   Unverified — see https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/fees/.·4–8 weeks

   Unverified — see https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/fees/.

   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 for City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   $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

3. Bernalillo County / Albuquerque Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each electrical project. A final inspection is required upon completion.

   Official government source for Bernalillo County / Albuquerque Electrical Permit (per project) (opens in a new tab)

   Per Building Safety fee schedule (ABQ-PLAN estimator); unverified.·1–5 business days

   Per Building Safety fee schedule (ABQ-PLAN estimator); unverified.

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• New Mexico Regulation and Licensing — Electrical Contractor License
• City of Albuquerque Planning Department

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