Contractor License from Pennsylvania to New Mexico: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Pennsylvania state license to carry to New Mexico: Pennsylvania issues no contractor license or trade license, only a state registration. New Mexico does license this work, so ask the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
The issue on this move is the starting point: Pennsylvania issues no contractor license or trade license, so there is no Pennsylvania state license for New Mexico to recognize. New Mexico does license general contractors through the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID): ask whether it credits a local license or documented experience, and expect its full application, business/law exam, financial statement and bond otherwise. 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.
What changes, Pennsylvania → New Mexico
| Pennsylvania (current) | New Mexico (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Registration fee $100 ($100 registration every two years (non-refundable); online card payment adds a $2 processing fee. There is no state contractor license fee; electrical/plumbing licensing is handled at the municipal/local level.) | $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 | 2–3 weeks (Registration certificate arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks unless the application is incomplete.) | Board does not publish a stated processing time |
| Licensing authority | Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HICPA) | 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
- Review New Mexico's requirements on the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Ask the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) whether it credits a local Pennsylvania license or your documented experience: Pennsylvania issues no statewide contractor license or trade license, so there is no state license to verify.
- Otherwise apply as a new applicant: meet New Mexico's education/experience requirements and pass the exams it requires.
- Submit the application with 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 Pennsylvania contractor license?
There is no Pennsylvania state license to carry to New Mexico: Pennsylvania issues no contractor license or trade license, only a state registration. New Mexico does license this work, so ask the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) whether it credits a local license or your documented experience; otherwise you qualify as a new applicant.
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 Pennsylvania-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 2026-07-21.
- 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)
- PA OAG — Home Improvement Contractor Registration System (fee, insurance, PA#, processing) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PA OAG — Home Improvement Contractor FAQ ($5,000 threshold, out-of-state contractors must register) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]