The primary type of business license is a New Mexico business tax identification number. This gross receipt is a tax permit and is used to record, collect and pay your tax on all goods and services, with a few exemptions (such as petrol and agricultural products).
Other types of permits may be required at the city or county level. These licenses allow you to operate your business in the area where your business is located. Counties and cities may have different requirements for business licenses:
- Standard business license: Issued to any business that rents or owns commercial space
- Home based business licenseDedicated to businesses that operate outside of their home
- Cannabis business license: Issued after obtaining a state license and city zoning permit to sell cannabis
Check the area where you work to see which permits are required.
If you sell alcoholic beverages, you must obtain a liquor license from the Department of Liquor Control. This application can take up to 120 days to process and includes inspection and posting requirements. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $10,000. If you sell tobacco, you need a tobacco license from the same agency, which costs $750.
A food license is required for anyone who prepares or handles food for sale to the public. This includes restaurants, delis, food trucks, coffee shops and bars. It is a paper application operated by the New Mexico Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Environmental Health. The payment depends on the type of food sold. Bernalillo County and Albuquerque have their own licenses.
Many professions require certain licenses and permits from the state. For information, see the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Permits and the New Mexico Department of Environment. You may also need a federal license for other types of businesses, so check with the Small Business Administration for information.
