How long does it take to register a business in New Mexico?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in New Mexico?

Yes, most cities in New Mexico require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in New Mexico?

The LLC filing fee is $50. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $150.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within New Mexico. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the New Mexico Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

New Mexico Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your New Mexico LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to New Mexico businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for New Mexico

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in New Mexico?

$50

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

180K

Total Businesses

20K/yr

New Businesses

Low filing fee ($50)

No annual report required

Growing film and tech industries

Affordable cost of living

Starting a Business in New Mexico

Top Cities for Business

Albuquerque564,559
Las Cruces111,385
Rio Rancho104,046
Santa Fe87,505
Roswell48,366

Popular Industries

Government
Healthcare
Oil & Gas
Tourism
Technology

Cost to Start a Business in New Mexico

LLC Filing Fee$50

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$150

Processing time: 5-7 business days

New Mexico Tax Overview

New Mexico has income tax rates from 1.7-5.9%. Corporate tax is 4.8-5.9%. Gross receipts tax is 5-8.6%.

New Mexico Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for New Mexico

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Land of Enchantment Table
NM Cuisine
Albuquerque Kitchen
Southwest Dining
Santa Fe Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Albuquerque Cuts
Premium Grooming
Enchantment Barbers
Classic Style
New Mexico Shave
Expert Service

construction

New Mexico Builders
Quality Construction
Enchantment Build
Building NM
ABQ Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

ABQ Strategy
Business Growth
Enchantment Advisors
Strategic Solutions
New Mexico Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

New Mexico Mercantile
Local Goods
Enchantment Market
Quality Products
ABQ Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

New Mexico Home Care
Complete Solutions
Enchantment Services
Professional Care
ABQ Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

ABQ Tech Labs
Innovation
Enchantment Digital
Tech Solutions
New Mexico Software
Custom Development

healthcare

New Mexico Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Enchantment Medical
Patient Care
ABQ Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

New Mexico Properties
Dream Homes
Enchantment Realty
Expert Service
ABQ Living
Premium Properties

fitness

ABQ Fitness
Peak Performance
Enchantment Strong
Community Fitness
New Mexico Athletics
Elite Training

Official New Mexico Business Resources

New Mexico Secretary of State

Business registration

NM Taxation & Revenue

Tax information

New Mexico SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in New Mexico

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your New Mexico LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

No annual report required
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for New Mexico Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your New Mexico Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the New Mexico Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.