Event Planning Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Mexico Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in New Mexico must register with the New Mexico Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA registration with the state or county clerk. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $50 Articles of Organization (domestic LLC) — NM Secretary of State·1–7 business days (online)

   $50 Articles of Organization (domestic LLC) — NM Secretary of State

   1–7 business days (online)

2. New Mexico Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

   Event-planning and coordination services performed in New Mexico ARE subject to the state's gross receipts tax — NM GRT taxes services broadly, unlike a conventional sales tax. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department; tangible goods you resell (decorations, supplies, floral arrangements) are also taxable.

   Official government source

   Free (Business Tax Identification Number registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (Business Tax Identification Number registration)

   Immediate (online)

1. Albuquerque General Business License

   Event planning businesses register with the city like any other business: Business Registration, $35/year per location, via the Planning Department; home-based planners must meet IDO home-occupation standards.

   Official government source

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).·1–2 weeks

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).

   1–2 weeks

2. Albuquerque Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   Special Event Permits in Albuquerque are handled by the Community Events Division (Arts & Culture) for outdoor events impacting 3+ city departments; apply via specialevents.cabq.gov. Requires $2M per-occurrence/$2M aggregate general liability naming the City as additional insured ($3M if amusement rides); component fees apply (tent permit $85, Fire Marshal overtime $221, park electricity $65 first 2 hrs, business registration $35).

   Official government source

   Component fees per event (see above); total varies. Unpinned as a single range.·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   Component fees per event (see above); total varies. Unpinned as a single range.

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. Bernalillo County Temporary Use / Special Event Permit (if applicable)

   Events on unincorporated Bernalillo County land may require county approval — confirm with Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services (bernco.gov). This is separate from any City of Albuquerque permit.

   Official government source

   Unverified.·2–4 weeks

   Unverified.

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Albuquerque Business Licensing
• New Mexico Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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