Asphalt, Bitumen and Concrete Contractor (GA-98)

Unlicensed asphalt or concrete work in New Mexico is a criminal misdemeanor

Asphalt paving, bitumen work, or concrete construction without a GA-98 license exposes you to criminal prosecution under NMSA 60-13-52: a fine of $300–$500 or up to 90 days in county jail (or both) for contracts at or under $5,000; a fine of 10% of the contract value or up to six months in county jail (or both) for larger projects. Repeat violations trigger double penalties. CID investigates complaints and can halt projects mid-construction.

GA-98 covers every asphalt and concrete scope in New Mexico

The GA-98 classification is the comprehensive asphalt, bitumen and concrete license — it encompasses all work authorized under the GA-1 through GA-5 sub-classifications. That means paving, grading, concrete foundations, flatwork, curb and gutter, and all related heavy construction fall under a single license. Contractors who hold GA-98 do not need separate GA sub-class licenses.

Your Qualifying Party's 4-year experience gap is the most common reason applications stall

CID requires a designated Qualifying Party (QP) who has 4 years (8,000 hours) of foreman-level practical experience in asphalt, bitumen, or concrete construction within the 10 years immediately before application. The QP must then pass two PSI exams — a GA-trade exam and the Contractor’s Business and Law exam — before the application advances. Gathering documented foreman-level hours and scheduling both exams takes most applicants 2–6 months. Before submitting to CID, the business must also secure a $10,000 surety bond and active workers’ compensation coverage — CID will not issue the license without both.

Fees run $100 per year — $300 over the three-year renewal cycle

The non-refundable application fee is $30 (per 14.5.5.8 NMAC). The GA-98 classification carries a license fee of $100 per year, totaling $300 over the three-year term. Licenses renew every 36 months — no continuing education is required. CID issues licenses to businesses, not individuals; the QP is the license’s responsible party and must remain affiliated with the entity.

File before expiration — late penalty applies after the 30-day grace period

Renew your GA-98 before the three-year expiration to stay in good standing. CID’s renewal process requires updated bond and workers’ compensation certificates, so confirm those are current before submitting. A lapsed GA-98 forces you off any active paving or concrete jobs until reinstatement is complete. A 30-day grace period applies after expiration; renewing within that window carries no penalty. After the grace period, a $200 late fee applies. Licenses not renewed within 90 days of expiration are cancelled and require reapplication.