What a handyman can do in New Mexico

A quick guide so you hire the right person for the job.

The handyman exemption

New Mexico lets one person do small jobs without a contractor’s license if they work on one job at a time and earn no more than $7,200 in total from that work in a year. They file a yearly declaration with the Construction Industries Division (CID).

• The exemption never covers electrical wiring, plumbing or gas fitting. Those always need a licensed tradesperson.
• Bigger projects (remodels, additions, anything over the limit) need a licensed contractor.
• Some work needs a permit no matter who does it. When in doubt, ask CID or the Town of Taos.

Before you hire

• Ask for a CID license number for anything beyond small repairs, and look it up on the state’s license search.
• Get the price and what’s included in writing.
• Ask whether they carry liability insurance.

Source: New Mexico Administrative Code 14.6.2.8 (Handyman Certificate). This page is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. 14.6.2 NMAC