What This License Is
The New Mexico Adjuster license lets you investigate, negotiate, and settle claims either as an independent adjuster (a non-employee handling claims for insurers or self-insureds) or a staff adjuster (a salaried employee adjusting claims solely for your insurer). It's issued by the Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) under Article 13 of the Insurance Code.
New Mexico also licenses public adjusters, who represent policyholders on first-party property claims — a separate license that carries a $10,000 surety bond requirement. Since a 2023 amendment, that bond applies to public adjusters only; independent and staff adjusters are excluded.
One reach-through rule to know: adjusters handling workers' compensation claims for New Mexico residents need a New Mexico license no matter where they sit.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and pass a national fingerprint background check — schedule through IdentoGO using OSI's service code (2BH27J). Results take 3-5 days and are valid for 90 days, so fingerprint close to your application date.
No prelicensing course is required. Staff adjuster applicants also list their sponsoring insurer and its NAIC company code on the NIPR application; the appointment is part of the license.
Already licensed somewhere else? New Mexico waives the exam for reciprocal nonresidents in good standing, Designated Home State licensees, and adjusters who move to New Mexico and apply within 90 days of establishing residency.
The Adjuster Exam
PSI administers New Mexico's Independent/Staff Adjuster exam — about 50 questions in 1 hour at $75 per attempt, one of the shortest adjuster exams in the country.
Short doesn't mean shallow: the exam tests property values, adjuster duties, insurance contracts, and claims handling, and at 50 questions each miss costs you 2 percentage points.
After passing (or qualifying for a waiver), apply online through NIPR with the $30 fee. OSI processing can take up to 30 days, though roughly 10 business days is typical.
Passing Score
You need 70% to pass — at least 35 of the 50 questions — with your result available immediately at the PSI test center.
Emergency and Catastrophe Adjusting
Wildfire is New Mexico's signature catastrophe exposure, and the state has a fast lane for surge capacity: during a declared emergency, unlicensed out-of-state adjusters may work New Mexico claims for 90 days following the emergency with the Superintendent's approval — and approval is deemed granted unless OSI disapproves within 3 business days.
If you hold the regular license, none of that paperwork applies to you — another reason carriers staffing catastrophe responses prefer adjusters who are already licensed.
Keeping Your License Active
Important CE details: Includes 3 hours of ethics; a portion must be classroom or classroom-equivalent (VERIFY split). Nonresidents meet the requirement through their home state's CE.
The New Mexico adjuster license renews every 2 years on the second occurrence of your birth month, with about a $60 renewal filed through NIPR. Each period requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics.
Nonresident adjusters satisfy CE by staying compliant in their home state. Report address changes to OSI within 20 days — it's an easy compliance miss that the regulation treats seriously.
Quick Reference
Official Links
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