Electrical Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or replacement of electrical appliances, devices, wiring, or equipment in Albuquerque. Governed by the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code as locally administered under the Uniform Administrative Code. Apply through ABQ-PLAN.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Installation of an appliance, device, equipment, or wiring requires an electrical permit
- Additions, alterations, or replacements of existing appliances, devices, wiring, or equipment require a permit
- May be issued to a homeowner who passes a written electrical exam with a score of 75% or greater (4 hours allowed; up to two attempts, 30 days apart; one passing exam per homeowner per year), otherwise a New Mexico-licensed electrical contractor is required
Required documents
- Required
Electrical Permit Application
Submitted online through ABQ-PLAN
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative charge (applies to all applications and additions to permit; exception: re-inspection fee) | $47.00 each | UAC Table 112-B, item 1 |
| Meter loop | $40.00 each (temporary meters $40.00 each; ganged meters $60.00 per gang) | UAC Table 112-B, item 2 |
| Outlets (communication/signal, fixtures, switches, receptacles) | First 20: $1.50 each; all over 20: $0.90 each | UAC Table 112-B, item 3 |
| Motor operated equipment | Less than 1 HP: $8.00 each; 1 HP and over: $20.00 base plus $40.00 per horsepower (max fee per unit $8.00 stated in code table) | UAC Table 112-B, item 5 |
| Residential fixed appliances (30 amps or over) | $40.00 each | UAC Table 112-B, item 8 |
| Panels | $8.00 each | UAC Table 112-B, item 7 |
| Swimming pool (private) | $8.00 each | UAC Table 112-B, item 15 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | UAC Table 112-B, Other Inspections and Fees item 2, per Section 113.5.8 |
| Plan Review Fee (electrical) | 25% of the total electrical permit fee | UAC Section 112.3 |
Review timeline
1–1 business days
Albuquerque’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Underground
After underground conduits, cables, and conductors are installed and before covering
- 2
Slab
After conduits, boxes, grounding electrode conductors, or electrical equipment installed within a concrete slab, before pour
- 3
Rough-In
After conduits, cables, wires, cabinets, and boxes are installed and before insulation or wall/ceiling cover; splicing complete, neutrals/grounds terminated
- 4
Pre-Final
Service equipment, conduits, conductors, bonding jumpers, and points of attachment installed; at least one grounding electrode installed
- 5
Final
When all electrical equipment is installed and wiring is completed
Tips
- Per the City's live Permit Timeline Dashboard, electrical permits average next-day issuance.
- Homeowners may take a written electrical exam (75% passing score, 4-hour limit) to obtain their own permit for work on their own home; otherwise a licensed contractor is required.
- The plan review fee for electrical permits is 25% of the total permit fee, separate from and in addition to the permit fee itself.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a homeowner pull their own electrical permit in Albuquerque?
- Yes. An electrical permit may be issued to a homeowner who passes a written electrical exam with a score of 75% or greater. Homeowners get 4 hours to complete the exam, up to two attempts 30 days apart, and only one passing exam per year. Otherwise, a New Mexico-licensed electrical contractor must obtain the permit.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Permits | City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division
- 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A, adopted) — Table 112-B
- Building Safety Division | City of Albuquerque (Permit Timeline Dashboard)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Albuquerque building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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