Business Licenses & Registrations

"Any person, group, organization, business or entity proposing to engage in business within the County and that is required by the state to pay gross receipts taxes on its business is required to apply for a business registration or business license and pay the applicable fee." (Los Alamos Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12)

What information is required to get a Los Alamos Business License?

1. A State of New Mexico Business Tax ID (tax ID) is required prior to submission of an application for a business license or registration. Contact the State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department to register your business.
2. All food service businesses are required to obtain a Food Service Permit from the State of New Mexico Environment Department; their nearest district office:
   912 N. Railroad Avenue
   Española, NM 87532
   Phone (505) 753-7256
   Fax (505) 753-1840   Office Hours: M-F 8-5 Closed for lunch 12-1
3. Complete a Business Registration Application.
4. Pay the required application fee in cash or by check made payable to Los Alamos County.

Home Based Business

If you are registering a home-based business special information is required. More information is in your application packet.

Provide a Statement of Intent that includes:

• a. Type of business
• b. What you will be doing in this type of business
• c. Hours of operation
• d. Days of operation
• e. Will there be customers at the residence (approximately how many a day)
• f. What will be stored at the residence (vehicles, inventory, etc,)
• g. Will there be employees and if so how many
• h. List any hazardous or flammable materials stored at the residence and indicate where they will be stored both on the Statement of Business Intent and the Survey.

If you do not own the home, provide a letter signed and dated from the landlord allowing you to operate this business from the residence.

Business licenses and registrations are non-transferrable. Should you change your location, cancel the existing business license and re-apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for a license or registration?

How do I renew my license?

Each year, on the anniversary of your license, a renewal form will be mailed to you.
✔️ Review the form for accuracy
✔️ Sign and return it with the renewal fee

You will receive a new license by mail.

You may also renew online here: https://lacnm.com/CSSPortal,

You may pay in person at:

CDD Office
1000 Central Avenue, Suite 150
Los Alamos, NM 87544

What if my physical address has changed?

If your business relocates, you must:

• Cancel your current license

• Submit a new application for the new location

What if my mailing address or phone number changes?

• Update this information directly on your renewal form

• Or call us at (505) 662-8120

What if I’m no longer doing business in Los Alamos County?

If your business closes:

• Notify our office

• Return the renewal form with a signed and dated statement confirming the closure

What if I sell the business?

Business licenses are non-transferable.
If you sell your business:

• Close your existing registration

• The new owner must apply for a license under their own name and information