Electrical Permit in Unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, alterations, and repairs in unincorporated Bernalillo County. Professional contractors apply through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online portal; homeowners performing their own electrical work on a primary residence must pass a county Homeowners Electrical Exam.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Valid State of New Mexico electrical contractor license (for contractor-pulled permits) and a current Bernalillo County Business License
- Homeowners performing their own electrical work must pass the Bernalillo County Homeowners Electrical Exam (75% passing score) and obtain a permit — not permitted for commercial or industrial work
- Property must be verified as within unincorporated Bernalillo County (not City of Albuquerque) before applying via Accela
Required documents
- Required
Accela Citizen Access Application
All professional electrical permit applications are submitted online via the Accela Citizen Access portal — PDF/paper forms are no longer accepted
- Optional
Homeowners Electrical Permit Exam Certification
Required for homeowner (non-contractor) electrical permits; open-book exam using 2020 NEC, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, and the current Bernalillo County Building Ordinance, given every Monday at 8:30 AM, 2-hour time limit, $25 exam fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Charge (applies to all electrical permit applications) | $23.50 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 1 (exception: re-inspection fees) |
| Meter Loop | $20.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 2 |
| Outlets — Communication, Signal, Fixtures, Switches, Receptacles (first 20) | $0.75 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 3(a); $0.45 each for all over 20 (Item 3(b)) |
| Motor Operated Equipment (1 HP and over) | $10.00 per horsepower, maximum $20.00 per unit | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 5 |
| Evaporative Cooler (any size) | $4.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 6 |
| Sign Connections | $20.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 9 |
| Homeowner Electrical Exam Fee | $25.00 (due at time of testing) | Bernalillo County Homeowners Electrical Exam info sheet, rev. 8/2025 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B (continuation page) |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In
After wiring installed, before walls closed
- 2
Service/Panel
Panel installation, grounding electrode system, service entrance conductors
- 3
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, GFCI/AFCI protection verified. Inspection Phone: (505) 314-0351.
Tips
- PDF/paper electrical permit applications are no longer accepted — professional contractors must apply through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online portal. No refunds are issued for application errors.
- Verify your property is within unincorporated Bernalillo County (not the City of Albuquerque) before applying — the county provides a verification video on its Electrical page.
- No trade permits for new construction can be issued without an open building permit on the property, and no permits will be processed on properties with an unresolved county flag or hold.
- Homeowners self-performing electrical work must take the county's Homeowners Electrical Exam (Mondays, 8:30 AM, open-book using 2020 NEC/2020 NMEC/current county ordinance, $25 fee, 75% to pass) — homeowner permits are not allowed for commercial or industrial work.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a homeowner pull their own electrical permit in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes, for work on their own primary residence, after passing the county's Homeowners Electrical Exam (open-book, 2020 NEC/2020 NMEC/current county ordinance, $25 fee, 75% passing score, offered Mondays at 8:30 AM). Homeowner electrical permits are not allowed for commercial or industrial work.
- How do I apply for an electrical permit in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Professional contractors apply online through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal at epermits.bernco.gov, providing a valid NM contractor license and current Bernalillo County Business License. Paper/PDF applications are no longer accepted.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services — Building Services (Building Safety Division) — official building department
- Bernalillo County Building Services — Electrical
- Bernalillo County Administrative Resolution 25-2009 — Table 3-B Electrical Permit Fees
- Bernalillo County Homeowners Electrical Exam Information (rev. 8/2025)
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 Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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