Frequently Asked Questions
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Want to learn more about Real ID?
only What is Real ID? The Real ID Act was passed by the Congress and signed into law on May 11, 2005 by former President George Bush. The Real ID Act provides that, after a certain date, a federal agency is prohibited from accepting for any “official purpose,” a...
What is a “guilty deferred” sentence?
Many New Mexico drivers have received 'guilty deferred' sentences for traffic violations. A "deferred" sentence is one for which drivers must satisfy conditions as established by a Court - such as attending driving school, community service, a 90-day probation period...
How can I check to see if my driving record is correct?
Obtain your own driver history record any time you would like: Get a copy online
How do I correct my driving record if it is incorrect?
If your driving record shows that you received a sentence for a traffic violation within the last three years, and you think it was "deferred" by the Court, then MVD staff will research your record and respond back to you within 48 hours. MVD staff will need to...
Can I conduct MVD business without going to a Motor Vehicle Division Field Office?
Yes. Go to MVD Online Services Online services include: Renew a Vehicle Registration with All Major Credit Cards Obtain a Commercial Driver Weight-Distance Permit (Single Filing or Bulk Filing) File a Commercial Vehicle Weight-Distance Tax Return (Single...
How do I obtain a New Mexico vehicle title, registration and license plate?
Take the following documentation to any MVD Field Office: The current title or other ownership document(s) for the vehicle; The vehicle’s current odometer reading; Proof of identity and two proofs of New Mexico residency Proof of Identity - No SSN Proof of insurance,...
What is the fee for registering my vehicle?
The registration fee for passenger vehicles is based on the weight and year model of the vehicle. Registration fees range from $27.00 to $62.00 for a one (1) year registration or $54.00 to $124.00 for a two (2) year registration. Registration fees for trucks with a...
Is there a penalty if I am late in renewing my vehicle registration?
Yes. If you are less than 31 days late in renewing your vehicle registration, you must pay a $10.00 penalty, along with the cost of your registration renewal fee. If you are 31 days or more late in renewing your vehicle registration, you must pay a penalty equal to...
Are any documents required to renew my New Mexico driver license or ID card?
Yes, if you are renewing a license that expired before November 15, 2016 or if you are going to a REAL ID from a non REAL ID. No, if you are renewing the same type of license (REAL ID or Non REAL ID) and it was issued after November 15,2016, but you must surrender...
What if my vehicle is out-of-state and an emission test is required for New Mexico registration?
You must complete an Affidavit of Vehicle Unavailability for Inspection, complete all requiredMVD documents, and submit all documents to the City of Albuquerque Pollution Management Division. They approve the waiver and forward your registration payment and forms to...
Does New Mexico require emissions testing?
Emission Testing is required only in Bernalillo County. Residents of the Bernalillo County and others who commute into Bernalillo County 60 or more days per year are required to have their vehicles tested and to provide proof that the vehicles have passed an emissions...
What are the requirements to get a New Mexico commercial driver license (CDL)?
A non- commercial (regular, Class D) New Mexico driver license or a valid out- of- state CDL is required to get a New Mexico commercial driver license (CDL). At the MVD office you must: Pass the written test(s) pertaining to the class of CDL and any endorsements...
What documents do I need to take to the MVD Vehicle Division Field Office to get a New Mexico CDL?
You will need to take the originals of all these required documents: out-of-state CDL or New Mexico driver license Social Security Card USDOT Commercial Driver Medical Form, Federal Medical Waiver Card, or proof of employment by a government entity proof of identity...
What is the fee for a commercial driver’s 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...
Can a driver transfer a commercial driver license permit from another state?
Learner’s permits are not transferable from state- to- state. You must obtain a CDL license from the state you received your learner’s permit, or start the CDL application process over again in this state.
Can a Hazmat background check be transferred from another state to New Mexico?
No, a Hazmat background check cannot be transferred from another state to New Mexico because New Mexico cannot verify when the out- of- state background and fingerprinting was performed.
My CDL is expired. Do I need to take the tests again?
If you have a New Mexico CDL and it has been expired for less than a year, you do not need to retest. If your New Mexico CDL has been expired for more than a year, you will need to retest on both the knowledge and skills tests. If you have an out- of- state CDL,...
Is the CDL manual available online?
Yes, please read the New Mexico specific addendum available here. | Download PDFThe CDL Manual is available here. | Download PDF
What tests do I need to take for the class of CDL I will be obtaining?
The written tests required for each class of CDL are as follows: Class A license- general knowledge, airbrakes and combination Class B license- general knowledge and airbrakes Class C license- general knowledge.(The class C license is only valid with and H or P...
What do I need to bring to verify my name change to get my license?
Any of the following documents may be accepted to verify a customer's name change on a New Mexico driver license or identification card: Marriage License Court Order Divorce Decree Birth Certificate (for name corrections, only)