New Mexico Electrician License Reciprocity Guide
Yes. New Mexico has reciprocity with 10 states.
Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks. Always confirm details with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) before applying.
Reciprocal states (10)
| State | Classes covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AK · Alaska | Journeyman | — |
| AR · Arkansas | Journeyman | — |
| CO · Colorado | Journeyman | — |
| ID · Idaho | Journeyman | — |
| MT · Montana | Journeyman | — |
| NE · Nebraska | Journeyman | — |
| OK · Oklahoma | Journeyman | — |
| SD · South Dakota | Journeyman | — |
| TX · Texas | Journeyman | — |
| WY · Wyoming | Journeyman | — |
Requirements checklist
- Licensed 1+ year in your home stateLicense must be current and in good standing.
- 8,000 hours of documented experience
- No exam for reciprocal applicantsReciprocity applicants exempt from NM exam if original license was obtained by state exam. NM exam is 3 PSI-administered parts (Code, Theory, Practical) each requiring 75% pass.
- Experience affidavitRequired with the application.
- Letter of good standingRequest one from your home-state board.
New Mexico uses EE-98 designation for electrical trades: EE-98J = Journeyman, EE-98 = Contractor. 10-state reciprocity covers the Plains and Rocky Mountain cluster. NM's 3-part PSI exam (Code + Theory + Practical) is more rigorous than most single-exam states.
Fees
| License class | Total | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $357 | $75 application + $207 PSI exams (Code + Theory + Practical) + $75 initial license ($75 renewal every 3 years) |
| Contractor | Contact board | EE-98 Electrical Contractor requires $10,000 CID-prescribed surety bond plus fees — contact CID for current schedule. |
How to apply in New Mexico
- Complete the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) reciprocal application — official application.
- Attach proof of 1+ year of licensure, your experience affidavit, and your letter of good standing.
- Submit to New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID), 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
- Questions? Call (505) 476-4700. Allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
Apprentice Registration
- Registration fee
- Contact board — CID apprentice registration fees vary — contact CID directly.
- Renewal
- Not published
- License duration
- 4 years
- Employer requirements
- Must work under supervision of a licensed NM EE-98J journeyman or EE-98 contractor. Hours must be documented within 10 years of license application.
1. Secure employment with a licensed NM contractor 2. Register with CID as apprentice 3. Accumulate 8,000 hours over 4 years under supervision 4. Pass 3-part PSI exam (Code + Theory + Practical)
NM's 10-year recency window on experience is unusual — plan license application while hours are still fresh.
Moving from another state?
- Must re-register: Yes
- Out-of-state hours transfer: Conditions apply
NM CID accepts documented out-of-state experience toward the 8,000-hour EE-98J requirement, provided hours were accrued within the 10-year window immediately before application. Contact CID at (505) 476-4700 to verify your documentation.
Apprentice rules change often — confirm with New Mexico before relying on this summary.
Coming from a non-reciprocal state?
If you're from a non-reciprocal state, NM requires: - EE-98J Journeyman: 4 years / 8,000 hours documented within the 10 years immediately before application - Pass three PSI-administered exams (Code + Theory + Practical) — 75% pass each - $10,000 surety bond required - Application: $75 + exam: $207 + license: $75 = $357
NM's 10-year experience-recency window is unusual — hours from more than 10 years ago don't count.
Local licensing notes
CID state license covers Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and all NM cities. No additional municipal electrician licensing on top of the state license.
Related
These states accept your New Mexico license: Texas, Utah, Arkansas, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, Alaska.
Current openings in New Mexico: Journeyman Electrician jobs · Master Electrician jobs · Apprentice Electrician jobs.
Licensed and ready for more? See which certifications unlock higher pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Mexico have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes. New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with 10 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and 5 others.
How much does electrician reciprocity cost in New Mexico?
journeyman: $357 ($75 application + $207 PSI exams (Code + Theory + Practical) + $75 initial license ($75 renewal every 3 years)); contractor: $0 (EE-98 Electrical Contractor requires $10,000 CID-prescribed surety bond plus fees — contact CID for current schedule.)
How long does the New Mexico reciprocity process take?
Typical processing time is 4-8 weeks once the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID) receives a complete application with verification from your issuing state.
Do I need to take an exam to reciprocate my license into New Mexico?
No. Reciprocal applicants from partner states are exempt from the New Mexico exam. Reciprocity applicants exempt from NM exam if original license was obtained by state exam. NM exam is 3 PSI-administered parts (Code, Theory, Practical) each requiring 75% pass.
Can I transfer apprentice hours to New Mexico?
Yes, with conditions. NM CID accepts documented out-of-state experience toward the 8,000-hour EE-98J requirement, provided hours were accrued within the 10-year window immediately before application. Contact CID at (505) 476-4700 to verify your documentation.
Licensed in New Mexico? See the full list of states that accept your license.
Last verified 2026-09-26 · Source: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division (CID). Reciprocity data is informational only and may be stale. Confirm with the destination state licensing board before applying.