Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Roswell, Chaves County, New Mexico?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

In Roswell, New Mexico, handymen can perform minor work up to $7,200 annually under a Handyman Certificate without a full contractor license, though the certificate prohibits advertising. Work exceeding $7,200 requires a state contractor license (GB-2 or GB-98) from the Construction Industries Division. All electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas work requires separate licensed tradespeople regardless of project value. A city business license from Roswell is required, and state tax registration is mandatory but free.

The magic number in NM: $7,200. Jobs under $7,200 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $7,200 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Roswell

Based on the NM threshold, handymen in Roswell commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In NM, you can take jobs under $7,200 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Roswell

Required. City of Roswell Business License

Setting Up Your Business in NM

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NM: $50 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Roswell

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. Form an LLC with the New Mexico Secretary of State ($50 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietor.
  2. Step 2: Register for a Business Tax ID with the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department (free). Visit https://biz.nm.gov or call (505) 827-0700.
  3. Step 3: Obtain a City of Roswell Business License. Contact the City Clerk at (575) 624-6700 or visit https://roswell-nm.gov/566/Business-Licenses. Confirm the current annual fee.
  4. Step 4: Determine your licensing path: (a) If performing only minor work under $7,200/year, apply for a Handyman Certificate from CID (note: no advertising allowed). (b) If performing work over $7,200/year or general contracting, apply for a GB-2 or GB-98 General Contractor License.
  5. Step 5: For Handyman Certificate or Contractor License, contact CID at (505) 476-4700 or visit https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/ to obtain application forms and current fee schedules.
  6. Step 6: If pursuing a General Contractor License, designate a Qualifying Party with required experience, schedule exams through PSI Services, and obtain the $10,000 Consumer Protection Code Bond.
  7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended) and workers' compensation insurance if you will have employees.
  8. Step 8: Verify zoning compliance with Roswell Planning & Zoning Department if operating from a home-based office. A home-occupation permit may be required.
  9. Step 9: Before starting work, confirm with CID whether the $7,200 handyman threshold applies to your situation, as source conflicts exist on this critical issue.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.