Contractor License from Virginia to New Mexico: Does It Transfer? (2026)
A contractor license transfers from Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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, Virginia → New Mexico
| Virginia (current) | New Mexico (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $171.75 (Tradesman license by the Reciprocity method of licensure is $171.75, which includes the HB30 technology fee of $7.25 per year. Card Exchange is $131.75. Contractor firm (Class A/B/C) business licenses are a separate DPOR application with their own fee schedule, not captured here. PSI exam fees, where an exam is still required, are paid directly to PSI ($40/$72/$85).) | $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 | DPOR does not publish a processing-time range for tradesman reciprocity applications; set null rather than estimated | Board does not publish a stated processing time |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) | 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 Virginia contractor license?
A contractor license transfers from Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia-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 2026-08-07.
- 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)
- VA Board for Contractors — Reciprocal Licensing/Examination Agreements with Other Jurisdictions ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- VA DPOR — Tradesman Exam & License Application A501-2710EXLIC (rev. v8 07/01/2026; Reciprocity method fee $171.75) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- VA DPOR — Board for Contractors (PSI exams, forms, Requirements for Qualified Individuals) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- NASCLA — Virginia Board for Contractors, commercial-exam participating agency (as of 2016-01-01, comparable to the Virginia Commercial Building Classification) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]