New Mexico Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)
As of 2025, New Mexico does not impose a general business license requirement; instead, business licensing is regulated on a local, state, and federal level.
This means that whether you need a New Mexico business license or not will depend on your business’s location and industry.
This article will cover:
What Is a Business License in New Mexico?
A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately.
So, if there isn’t a “general business license” in New Mexico, what exactly is there?
Well, New Mexico — like the vast majority of states — imposes different requirements depending on where you’re located and what you actually do.
For example:
- A restaurant opening in Albuquerque will need a Business License from the City of Albuquerque Planning Department, a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number from the Taxation and Revenue Department, and a food permit from the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department. They’ll also need to ensure their food handlers have New Mexico Food Handler Cards and have at least one certified food protection manager on duty.
- A healthcare professional starting a practice in Las Cruces will need a Business Registration from the City of Las Cruces through their online portal, professional licensing through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, and a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number. Depending on the medical specialty, they may also need specific facility permits from the New Mexico Department of Health.
- A retail store opening in Santa Fe will need a Business Registration (License) from the City of Santa Fe, a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number to collect gross receipts tax, and potentially a Certificate of Occupancy from the city’s Land Use Department. If selling specialized products like liquor or cannabis, additional state licenses from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department would be required.
- A film production company setting up operations in Rio Rancho will need local business registration through the City of Rio Rancho, a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number, and should coordinate with the New Mexico Film Office for production incentives and location permits. For filming in Albuquerque, they would also need permits from the City of Albuquerque Film Office.
Note: These examples are simplified to illustrate common licensing requirements and do not list every permit that may be needed. Operating without proper licensing can result in penalties including fines, business closure orders, and legal complications. Always research the specific requirements for your business type and location.
Do I Need a New Mexico Business License?
Well, the answer to this will ultimately depend on your business’s situation. You can have a look at our table below in order to get a general idea:
New Mexico Business Licensing at a Glance
| Jurisdiction | Business Licenses | Who Needs It & Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Local |
| Varies by location. Contact your local municipality to determine your business’s unique requirements. |
| State | Business Tax Identification Number | All businesses engaging in taxable activities in New Mexico. Apply through the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. |
| Professional Licenses | Required for regulated professions like healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and others. Apply through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department or relevant state licensing board. | |
| Industry-Specific State Licenses | Certain industries require state licenses, such as businesses selling alcohol, food service establishments, and childcare services. See the New Mexico Business Portal for guidance. | |
| Federal | Industry-Specific Licenses | Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS) |
*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.
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How to Get a Business License in New Mexico
The process of obtaining a business license in New Mexico will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:
1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
We recommend formalizing your business before acquiring a business license in order to avoid potentially having to repeat this process again later down the line.
This also gives other benefits depending on the business model, such as:
- Personal liability protection
- Improved legitimacy
- Larger access to loans and corporate finance
We generally recommend almost all small business owners to form a limited liability company (LLC). This offers personal liability protection, is extremely affordable, and offers a ton of flexibility when it comes to how it can be taxed and managed.
Want to make sure your LLC is formed correctly? Northwest can handle your New Mexico LLC formation with first year free registered agent service and excellent customer support.
Note: You should obtain an EIN after forming your LLC. See our How to Get an EIN overview for more information.
2. Apply for the Right Business License in New Mexico
This step will depend on the business license in question.
New Mexico Local Business Licenses
Many New Mexico cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.
Here are some common local permits you may need:
- General Business License/Registration: Most New Mexico cities require businesses to register or obtain a license before operating. This serves as your official permission to conduct business within city limits and helps local governments track business activity. For example, if your business is based in Albuquerque, you would apply for a Business License through the City of Albuquerque Planning Department. In Las Cruces, you’d register through the City’s online Accela Citizen Portal.
- Health Permits: Food service establishments — including restaurants, food trucks, and temporary food vendors — must obtain health permits from their local health department. These permits ensure your facility meets food safety standards and that staff follow proper food handling procedures. For instance, if your restaurant is in Albuquerque, you would apply through the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department. Businesses outside Albuquerque and Bernalillo County work with the New Mexico Environment Department Food Program.
- Zoning Permits: Before establishing your business location, you’ll need to verify that your intended use complies with local zoning ordinances. Zoning permits confirm that your business type is allowed in your chosen location. For example, if opening a business in Santa Fe County’s unincorporated areas, you would work with the Santa Fe County Growth Management Department.
- Sign Permits: Most cities regulate business signage to maintain community aesthetics and safety standards. You’ll need a permit before installing any permanent signs, and sometimes even for temporary banners or A-frame signs. Requirements vary significantly between municipalities regarding size, illumination, and placement of signs.
- Certificate of Occupancy: This certificate verifies that your building meets all building codes and is safe for its intended use. It’s typically required when moving into a new space, changing the use of an existing space, or completing major renovations. In Las Cruces, for example, this would be obtained through the Community Development Department after passing required inspections.
- Home-Based Business Permits: If you’re operating a business from your residence, you may need a home occupation permit. These permits ensure that your business activities don’t negatively impact your residential neighborhood. For instance, if your home business is in Las Cruces, you would need to obtain a Home Occupation Registration through the City of Las Cruces Business Registration Office, which regulates home-based businesses according to local zoning codes.
To find your local county or city’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can visit the New Mexico Municipal League.
New Mexico State Business Licenses
Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level.
New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number
You can register online, by mail, or by email. To register online, you will need to create an account to log into the site and then provide the requested information about your business.
OPTION 1: Apply Online With New Mexico Taxpayer Access Point
Apply Online– OR –
OPTION 2: Apply by Mail or by Email
Download FormFee: None
Mailing Address:
NM Taxation and Revenue Department
Attn: Compliance Registration Unit
P.O. Box 8485
Albuquerque, NM 87198
Email: [email protected]
Tip: Your business does not need to pay sales taxes when purchasing goods for resale. You’ll need to present a Non-Taxable Transaction Certificate (NTTC) when buying such items for this to apply.
New Mexico Professional Licenses
If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission, as this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:
- New Mexico Medical Board: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, anesthesiologist assistants, polysomnographic technologists, and genetic counselors.
- New Mexico Board of Nursing: Regulates registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives.
- New Mexico Real Estate Commission: Oversees real estate brokers, associate brokers, and qualifying brokers operating in New Mexico.
- Construction Industries Division: Licenses general contractors, electrical contractors, mechanical contractors, plumbing contractors, and LP gas contractors, along with journeymen in these trades.
- New Mexico Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors: Regulates professional engineers and professional surveyors practicing in the state.
For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides.
Industry-Specific State Licenses
Some New Mexico businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in.
Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in New Mexico:
- Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. License types include dispenser licenses, restaurant licenses (beer and wine), small brewer licenses, and others.
- Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling more than 4 vehicles per year. Regulated by the Motor Vehicle Division’s Dealer Licensing Bureau. Includes retail dealers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors.
- Child Care License: Required for facilities caring for 5 or more children from more than one family. Regulated by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. Different requirements apply based on the number of children and hours of operation.
- Cannabis License: Required for businesses cultivating, manufacturing, distributing, or selling cannabis. Regulated by the Cannabis Control Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
- Gaming License: Required for businesses operating gaming activities including casinos and racetracks. Regulated by the Gaming Control Board under the New Mexico Gaming Control Act.
- Food Processing/Manufacturing License: Required for businesses producing food for wholesale distribution. Regulated by the New Mexico Environment Department Food Program.
- Private Investigation and Security Services: Required for private investigators, security guards, and security companies. Regulated by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
Note: Note: This is not a complete list. Many other state-level licenses exist for industries like telecommunications, insurance, mortgage lending, collection agencies, and more. For more information, we recommend visiting the New Mexico Business Portal or consulting with a business attorney.
New Mexico Environmental Permits
If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the New Mexico Environment Department.
Examples of industries and activities requiring environmental permits include:
- Underground/Aboveground Storage Tank Registration
- Air Quality Permits
- Stormwater Permits
- Hazardous Waste Generator ID
- Water Quality/Discharge Permits
- Mining Permits
- Solid Waste Facility Permits
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Business licensing can be complicated and time-consuming, taking focus away from running and growing your business. We recommend using an affordable legal service to handle your licensing needs instead.
Federal Business Licenses for New Mexico LLCs
If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate.
A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:
- Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
- Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
- Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
- Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
- Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
- Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
- Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation
New Mexico Business License Renewal
Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years.
Renewal is required for most business licenses and permits, including:
- Local business registrations/licenses (frequency varies by city/county – typically annually)
- Health department permits for food establishments (annually)
- Professional licenses like real estate, contractors, medical, and nursing (typically every one to two years with continuing education requirements)
- Liquor licenses (renewed annually)
- Fire department certificates (annually or biannually)
- Motor vehicle dealer licenses (annually)
- Environmental permits (typically every five years)
Note that your New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number itself does not require renewal, but you must keep your business information current and continue filing the required tax returns.
New Mexico Business License FAQs
New Mexico doesn’t require a general business license that applies to all businesses. However, depending on your location and industry, you’ll likely need specific permits or licenses at the local, state, or federal level. Most businesses need at least a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number if they sell taxable goods or services.
This depends on your business type and location. Common requirements include: a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number (free), local permits (health, zoning, occupancy), professional licenses (for regulated professions), and industry-specific licenses (liquor, childcare, environmental permits).
The New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number is free. Other license costs vary significantly – local permits may range from $35 to $100+, professional licenses can cost $50 to $500+, and specialized licenses like liquor licenses can be much more expensive. Motor vehicle dealer licenses cost $50 annually.
Your New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number doesn’t require renewal. Most other licenses require periodic renewal. Professional licenses, health permits, and most local permits typically renew annually or biannually. You should check with the relevant issuing agency for your specific renewal requirements.
Generally, no. You must obtain all required licenses before beginning operations. Operating without proper licenses can result in fines, legal action, and difficulty obtaining licenses in the future. Some licenses allow provisional operation while applications are pending, so you should check with the specific agency.
Yes, home-based businesses need the same licenses as traditional businesses, plus they must comply with local zoning laws. You’ll need a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number if selling taxable goods/services, any required professional licenses, and must ensure your residential area is zoned for business use.