How to get a New Mexico Driver License
All persons driving a motor vehicle on New Mexico highways and roadways are required to be licensed.
If you are a new driver, under age 18 or aged 18-24, go to New Drivers.
The New Mexico MVD issues a secure driver license to help protect New Mexicans from identity theft. Persons applying for a first-time driver license, a license renewal or a license replacement are issued a temporary license while their regular license is being processed and mailed.
If you have an out-of-state license or a prior New Mexico ID card, it will be hole-punched and may be used in conjunction with the temporary license, for up to 45 days from the date of issue. The temporary license and the hole-punched license or ID card are only valid for identification purposes when presented together.
You must go into a MVD Field Office to get your New Mexico driver license. Staff at any Field Office can issue your temporary driver license.
First-Time New Mexico Driver License Requirements
Once you have established residency in New Mexico, you are required to surrender your license from any other state and apply for a New Mexico license.
To get a non-commercial driver license, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD Field Office:
- One (1) proof of identification number, and
- One (1) proof of identity, and
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.
If you are not eligible for a social security number, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD Field Office:
- One (1) proof of Identification number - No SSN, and
- One (1) proof of identity - No SSN, and
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency
At least one of the ‘proof of identity’ or ‘proof of identification number’ documents must also show your date of birth.
You will also be required to take the following tests:
Eye Test – Persons with a current driver license from another state or country, or those applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, are required to pass an eye exam.
Written Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired for one year or more, must pass the required written test(s). This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. Persons with a current out-of-country license are required to take the written test.
Road Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired over five years, must pass the required road test(s). This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license.
A license will not be issued if your driving privileges are suspended, revoked or denied by this state or any other state. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation of your license.
Fees for a New Mexico Driver License
The fee is $18.00 for a four-year license or $34.00 for an eight-year license.
Drivers who are 75 years old or older must renew their licenses yearly, but they are not charged renewal fees.
State law now requires a DWI records check on all drivers moving to New Mexico from out-of-state. To pay for the records check, those drivers are charged an additional one-time $15.00 fee, increasing their total to $33.00 for a four-year license or $49.00 for an eight-year license.
DWI-related Requirements
Any person, 25 years of age and over, who has ever been convicted of DWI and who is applying for his or her first New Mexico driver license, must also submit evidence of having successfully completed New Mexico’s approved DWI prevention and education program, None for the Road, or another state's equivalent program.
The None for the Road class is administered by UNM Continuing Education, not by the Motor Vehicle Division. Information about the class and a class application are available online or by calling 505-277-0051 (Albuquerque and surrounding areas) or call toll -free at 1-877- 663-7465. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also obtain a ‘None for the Road’ flyer and application directly from any local Motor Vehicle Field Office.
Online Services
Renew your Vehicle Registration Online
View the
MVD Calendar- “ To avoid long lines at MVD Field Offices, come on Wednesdays or Thursdays.”
