New Mexico Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) License Requirements

Official classification: MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor · Issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department.

❄️ HVACNM ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In New Mexico, HVAC contractors must hold the MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor, issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in New Mexico

Follow these steps to earn your MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor. Every figure is verified against the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.
Pass the MM-3 Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning Trade Exam (100 questions, 245 minutes, open book) and New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (50 questions, 130 minutes, open book) and MM-98 Combined Mechanical Exam (4 trade exams: MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, MM-4 + Business and Law) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Mexico requires $10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department — $36 QP application fee; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee application fee, plus a $150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical) license fee. Processing time: QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years, completing JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.

New Mexico HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in New Mexico — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official public.psiexams.com database →

License types

MM-3 HVAC Contractor — Install, alter, repair, service and maintain HVAC air handling and refrigeration equipment and piping including fans, coils, condensing units, packaged AC/heating units, evaporative cooling, ductwork, and solar air heating; may connect water to existing valved outlets and install controls up to 24 volts.
MM-4 Heating, Cooling and Process Piping Contractor — Install, alter, repair, service and maintain hydronic heating, cooling and process piping including boilers, chillers, steam piping, and fire protection systems.
MM-98 Mechanical Contractor — Encompasses all work under MM-1 (plumbing), MM-2 (natural gas), MM-3 (HVAC), and MM-4 (process piping) plus all specialty mechanical classifications.
JR Journeyman Refrigeration Certificate — Journeyman-level refrigeration and HVAC work under an MM-3 or MM-98 licensed contractor.
JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal Certificate — Journeyman-level sheet metal and ductwork fabrication and installation under a licensed mechanical contractor.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.
Application fee	$36 QP application fee; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee
License fee	$150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical)
Renewal fee	$150 per classification (every 3 years); $300 (MM-98 renewal); $75 journeyman certificate renewal
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.
Bond required	$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.
Liability insurance	Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC
Property damage	Not specified by CID as a separate minimum
Workers' comp	Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt
Background check	Criminal history review required; disqualifying convictions include tax evasion, crimes involving physical harm, theft, and bribery per NMSA 60-13 and 14.6.3 NMAC.
Credit requirement	None specified by CID
Reciprocity	New Mexico does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC/mechanical contractor licenses; journeyman refrigeration/sheet metal reciprocity: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming (journeyman certificates only, not contractor licenses)
Processing time	QP application review + exam scheduling: 4–7 business days for exam registration; all requirements must be completed within 6 months of application receipt.

Exams

MM-3 Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning Trade Exam (100 questions, 245 minutes, open book)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
New Mexico Contractor Business and Law Exam (50 questions, 130 minutes, open book)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $68.88
MM-98 Combined Mechanical Exam (4 trade exams: MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, MM-4 + Business and Law)	Provider: PSI Exams (on behalf of CID) · Passing: 75% per exam · Fee: $344.40 total

Preparing for the HVAC exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

MM-98 holders may perform all MM-1 through MM-4 work. Contact PSI at 877-663-9267 or psiexams.com. CID Mechanical Plumbing Bureau: Santa Fe (505) 476-4700, Albuquerque (505) 222-9800, Las Cruces (575) 524-6320.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Mexico hvac license cost?

Application: $36 QP application fee; $6 per additional classification; $75 journeyman application fee. License: $150 per classification (MM-3, MM-4); $300 (MM-98 combined mechanical). Renewal: $150 per classification (every 3 years); $300 (MM-98 renewal); $75 journeyman certificate renewal.

How do I look up a hvac license in New Mexico?

Search the official license database at public.psiexams.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do hvacs in New Mexico need a surety bond?

$10,000 contractor license bond, underwritten by a corporate surety authorized to transact business in New Mexico; must remain in force for entire license period; 30-day cancellation notice to CID required.

What experience is required for a New Mexico hvac license?

MM-3 Qualifying Party (QP): 4 years (8,000 hours) within the 10 years immediately preceding application. MM-4 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). MM-98 QP: 4 years (8,000 hours). JR Journeyman Refrigeration: 2 years (4,000 hours). Accredited technical training may substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement at one-half year per year of training.

Is insurance required for hvacs in New Mexico?

Liability: Not specified by CID as a dollar minimum in 14.6.3 NMAC Workers' compensation: Required for all licensed entities under Section 60-13-23 NMSA 1978; sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt

How often must a New Mexico hvac license be renewed?

3 years. Continuing education: JR/JSM Journeyman Certificate holders: 16 hours per 3-year renewal cycle — minimum 8 hours must cover current CID mechanical code changes, 8 hours additional industry-related instruction. Contractor (QP) license: no separate CE requirement specified by CID for MM-3/MM-98 contractor license holders.

How do I get a heating and air conditioning license in New Mexico?

Build 4 years (8,000 hours) of HVAC experience within the 10 years before you apply, pass the MM-3 trade exam and the New Mexico Contractor Business and Law exam through PSI ($68.88 each, 75% to pass), post a $10,000 contractor license bond, and apply to the Construction Industries Division ($36 application fee plus a $150 license fee per classification).

Is a heating and air conditioning license the same as an HVAC license in New Mexico?

Yes — New Mexico's license for heating and air-conditioning work is the MM-3 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractor classification, issued by the Construction Industries Division. HVAC is simply the common shorthand for it.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-23 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Mechanical Plumbing Bureau, Regulation and Licensing Department before applying. This is not legal advice.