Contractor License from Nevada to New Mexico: Does It Transfer? (2026)
A contractor license transfers from Nevada to New Mexico by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID), verify your Nevada license, and meet New Mexico's endorsement requirements. New Mexico accepts the NASCLA exam in place of its own trade exam. NASCLA Accredited Examination (commercial general building and electrical) is accepted in lieu of the New Mexico trade exam; the NM Business & Law exam is still required.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
New Mexico has no license-to-license agreement covering Nevada for the selected trade, so this move runs on New Mexico's case-by-case endorsement process. What New Mexico does offer every origin is the NASCLA commercial building exam, accepted in place of its own trade exam whichever participating jurisdiction administered it. Electricians should check New Mexico's NERA status.
What changes, Nevada → New Mexico
| Nevada (current) | New Mexico (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $900 ($900 is what every applicant pays to reach an issued Nevada licence. It is two sequential stages of one pathway, not two alternatives: a $300 nonrefundable application fee due with the application, then a $600 biennial licence fee payable on approval before the licence is issued (and again every two years at renewal). Contractors performing qualified residential work also pay a Residential Recovery Fund assessment before initial issuance and at each two-year renewal - $200 up to a $1,000,000 limit, $500 over $1,000,000, $1,000 for unlimited licences - excluded from the range because it depends on the classification and monetary limit granted. The surety or cash bond ($2,000 or higher as set by the board, with a $200 biennial administrative fee on cash bond deposits), the Nevada Business and Law examination, financial review, and fingerprint processing are all separate.) | $36 (Qualifying Party application fee to PSI; classification license fee is additional and varies by classification (approx. $45-$450 per the CID fee schedule)) |
| Processing time | Not published as a fixed range | Board does not publish a stated processing time |
| Licensing authority | Nevada State Contractors Board | New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New Mexico sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm New Mexico's current requirements on the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- License is issued to a business entity that employs a certified Qualifying Party (QP).
- QP must document the required years of trade experience within the preceding 10 years.
- QP must pass the classification trade exam(s) and a Business & Law exam (or an approved B&L course).
- Obtain a license bond and carry workers' compensation coverage.
- Pay the fees ($36 (Qualifying Party application fee to PSI; classification license fee is additional and varies by classification (approx. $45-$450 per the CID fee schedule))). Processing time: Board does not publish a stated processing time.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New Mexico accept a Nevada contractor license?
A contractor license transfers from Nevada to New Mexico by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID), verify your Nevada license, and meet New Mexico's endorsement requirements. New Mexico accepts the NASCLA exam in place of its own trade exam. NASCLA Accredited Examination (commercial general building and electrical) is accepted in lieu of the New Mexico trade exam; the NM Business & Law exam is still required.
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
New Mexico's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the Nevada-to-New Mexico move cost and how long does it take?
$36 (Qualifying Party application fee to PSI; classification license fee is additional and varies by classification (approx. $45-$450 per the CID fee schedule)). Processing time: Board does not publish a stated processing time.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Possibly, for the trade it covers: New Mexico's board accepts a NASCLA accredited exam in place of its own trade exam (verified 2026-07-21). The business/law exam, bond and application still apply.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-09-01.
- NM RLD CID — How to Apply for a Construction Industries License ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NASCLA — Commercial exam participating state agencies (New Mexico listed) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NASCLA — Electrical exam participating state agencies (New Mexico listed) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nevada State Contractors Board - Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nevada State Contractors Board - New License Application form ($300 nonrefundable application fee; $2,000 minimum bond) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Nevada State Contractors Board - FAQ for General Requirements ($300 application processing fee, $600 biennial licence fee, Residential Recovery Fund assessments) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-09-01
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]