Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, in affiliation with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, offers a training program with courses specialized for those seeking to obtain a motorcycle license. It is recommended but not required to enroll in a Basic Rider Course if you have no previous experience operating a motorcycle. If you are applying for a motorcycle endorsement and you re under the age of 18, you are required by NM state law to attend and complete the Basic Rider Course. You must have a parent or legal guardian present during the first class in order to sign all the required waivers and paperwork for you to be eligible to enroll.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
In New Mexico, you are only required to wear a protective helmet while riding a motorcycle if you are under the age of 18. This requirement also applies if you are operating a moped or a scooter. The protective helmet you are required to wear must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. Exact requirements are stated in the New Mexico Motorcycle Laws PDF. Even though it is not required by law to wear a protective helmet in NM if you are 18 years of age or older, it is recommended while in operation of a motorcycle as a safety precaution.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
The state of New Mexico does not offer online renewal for commercial drivers licenses. In order to apply for a renewal of your commercial drivers license you must visit a MVD Field office and complete the following:
  • Present your valid or expired New Medico CDL
  • Present Commercial Driver Medical Certificate or any medical waiver issued
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity & date of birth

o 1 document proving U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status

o 2 documents proving NM residency

  • If you wish to obtain or upgrade a HAZMAT endorsement, you must pass a written hazardous material test and a background check
  • Complete any additional testing required for renewal
  • Pay the commercial drivers license renewal fee:

o 4-year CDL license: $18.00

o 8-year CDL license: $34.00

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?
The state of New Mexico does not allow you to take the MVD written knowledge test online. You are required to visit your local MVD Field office in order to take the written knowledge test. New Mexico s MVD website provides you with links where you can take practice tests online. This test is required for anyone who wants to obtain a NM learners permit. In order to waive your requirement to take the written knowledge test, you must present a Certificate of Completion from a contracted driver education school.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
With an NM interstate commercial drivers license, you are legally authorized to drive across state lines. Non-excepted interstate commercial drivers license holders, must meet federal medical requirements and must submit a medical certificate to the NM MVD. Excepted interstate commercial drivers who drive across state lines do not need to meet federal medical requirements. If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must follow the interstate commerce guidelines.

For more information regarding NM interstate and intrastate commercial drivers licenses, contact the NM MVD at their toll-free number 888-683-4636.

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
A motorcycle license is not required to operate a scooter or moped in the state of New Mexico. You must currently hold or obtain a New Mexico drivers license to operate a scooter or moped.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
The state of New Mexico does require enrollment in a state-approved drivers education program in order to obtain a learners permit. Once you have held your learners permit for at least six months, you must show proof of having completed and passed a drivers ed program. As a learners permit holder, you are also required to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older or who has been licensed for at least three years.

Once you have completed each requirement as a learners permit holder, you can move on in NM s Graduated Drivers Licensing System and apply for a provisional drivers license. You must be at least 15 ½ years of age to apply for a provisional license and you must not have accumulated any convictions for traffic violations as a learners permit holder.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
If you are a veteran in New Mexico, you are eligible to get a veteran designation mark on your ID card. You can get this designation when you apply to get your new ID card, or when you apply for ID card renewal or ID card replacement.

You must present form DD214 or another acceptable proof of honorable discharge from the United States military. Regular application, renewal and replacement fees apply. There is no additional fee for the veteran designation addition to the New Mexico ID Card.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
In order to apply for a New Mexico commercial drivers license (CDL), you must complete to following:
  • Visit your local CDL supported MVD Field office OR your local CDL Field office (Not all MVD Field offices issue CDLs)
  • Pass the CDL written knowledge test
  • Pass the CDL skills test
  • Present CDL learner s permit
  • Present Commercial Driver Medical Certificate or any medical waiver issued
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity & date of birth

o 1 document proving U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status

o 2 documents proving NM residency

  • Pay the commercial drivers license fee:

o 4-year CDL license: $18.00

o 8-year CDL license: $34.00

If you re applying for a commercial drivers license with a HAZMAT endorsement, you are required to complete a written test, have your fingerprints collected, and complete a background check.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
In order to get a learners permit in the state of New Mexico, you must be at least 15 years old and complete the following procedures of the New Mexico Graduated Drivers Licensing System:
  • Provide proof of driver education program enrollment or completion
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity

o 2 documents proving NM residency

  • Complete and sign instructional permit application along with parent or guardian
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pass a written knowledge exam
  • Pay a $10 instructional permit application fee

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
In order to apply for an NM motorcycle license you must visit your local NM MVD Field office and complete the following:
  • A NM motorcycle license application
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity

o 2 documents proving NM residency

  • Pass a vision exam
  • A written knowledge test
  • A motorcycle road skills test
  • Show proof of having completed the “None for the Road” DWI awareness course
  • Pay the full unrestricted drivers license fee:

o 4-year license: $18.00

o 8-year license: $34.00

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
To apply for a duplicate ID card if your old one has been lost, stolen or damaged, visit a nearby DMV office and submit relevant documents and fees in person:
  • For secure identification cards:

â—¦ One proof of identification number

â—¦ One proof of identity

â—¦ Two proofs of New Mexico residency

â—¦ Proof of date of birth

  • For alternative ID cards:

â—¦ Two proofs of identity for persons not eligible for a social security number

â—¦ Proof of New Mexico residency

The same criteria for fees apply for both secure identification cards and alternative ID cards:

  • Four-year ID cards: $10
  • Eight-year ID cards: $18

The new ID card copy will be mailed to you within 45 days.

Although not mandatory, DMV.com recommends that you let the police know about the stolen or lost ID card. In this way, you will protect yourself from identity theft. If your ID card has been damaged you must submit the old copy at the time you apply for ID card replacement.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?
In order to renew your New Mexico learners permit, you must visit the NM Motor Vehicle Division directly. You call the NM MVD s toll-free number at 888-683-4636 for more information.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

How do I renew my ID card?
To renew expired ID cards applicants must submit the relevant documents to a MVD office. The same criteria for fees apply for both secure identification cards and alternative ID cards:
  • Four-year ID cards: $10
  • Eight-year ID cards: $18

When you visit a DMV office to renew ID cards, prepare to submit the following:

  • For secure identification card:

â—¦ The expired ID card

â—¦ One proof of identification number

â—¦ One proof of identity

â—¦ Two proofs of New Mexico residency

â—¦ Proof of date of birth

  • For an alternative ID card:

â—¦ The expired ID card

â—¦ Two proofs of identity for persons not eligible for a social security number

â—¦ Proof of New Mexico residency

When you receive your temporary copy at the time of ID card renewal, the old one will be hole-punched. You must carry your hole-punched, expired ID card with you to prove the validity of the temporary paper copy. The new identification card will be mailed to you within 45 days.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
New Mexico commercial drivers license holders are required to keep their medical reports up to date. You will need to visit a licensed physician and submit a renewed Commercial Licensing Medical Examination Certificate. A medical professional on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners must complete all Commercial Driver Medical Certifications. A medical waiver may be issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or by a licensed physician.

If you fail to meet the minimum medical standards in order to obtain a commercial drivers license for either intrastate commerce or interstate commerce, you are required to apply for a waiver.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
You can renew your NM motorcycle license online or in-person. A New Mexico license can be renewed up to 90 days before it expires or before it has been expired for 1 year. Renewing a license in person at a MVD Field office only requires your current NM motorcycle license. If you are eligible to renew your license online you can visit the NM MVD website.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
If you are a military member stationed in New Mexico and you wish to obtain a motorcycle license you will have to follow the same standard procedures. Complete the following steps at a MVD Field office:
  • A NM motorcycle license application
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity

o 2 documents proving NM residency

  • Pass a vision exam
  • A written knowledge test
  • A motorcycle road skills test
  • Show proof of having completed the “None for the Road” DWI awareness course
  • Pay the full unrestricted drivers license fee:

o 4-year license: $18.00

o 8-year license: $34.00

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
In New Mexico, in order to obtain a provisional driver s license you must hold a learners permit for no less than 180 days. You must be at least 15 ½ years old, have completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel supervised practice, and have not obtained any convictions for traffic violations as a learners permit holder.

Lerners permit holders must only be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and who has been licensed for at least three years at all times. A state-approved driver education program must also be completed. If you have completed all of the requirements successfully and you meet the specified criteria, you will then be able to apply for a provisional drivers license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
You will receive a temporary paper copy at the time you submit your application to the New Mexico MVD. A fully-valid ID card will be mailed to you within 45 days from the date you submitted your application.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
A commercial drivers license holder will need to renew his or her CDL four years or eight years from the date of issuance depending on the initial type received from the MDV. In order to apply for a renewal of your commercial drivers license you must visit a MVD Field office and complete the following:
  • Present your valid or expired New Mexico CDL
  • Present Commercial Driver Medical Certificate or any medical waiver issued
  • Present proper forms of identification including:

o 1 document proving Social Security number

o 1 document proving identity & date of birth

o 1 document proving U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status

o 2 documents proving New Mexico residency

  • If you wish to obtain or upgrade a HAZMAT endorsement, you must pass a written hazardous material test and a background check
  • Complete any additional testing required for renewal
  • Pay the commercial drivers license renewal fee:

o 4-year CDL license: $18.00

o 8-year CDL license: $34.00

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
If you have lost your ID card out-of-state, you must wait to reapply for a duplicate ID card when you return to New Mexico.

The procedure to get ID cards must be done in person as it requires photo identification and thumb-print submission.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
The minimum age to obtain a New Mexico commercial driver s license valid for intrastate transport is 18. If you wish to drive a commercial vehicle to or between destinations outside the state of NM, you must be at least 21 years of age. To apply, you must visit a MVD Field office, submit and complete the following:
  • Proof of your Social Security number
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written knowledge test
  • Pass a CDL road skills test
  • Meet minimum medical standards established by federal and state regulations.

Once you have completed all the aforementioned steps, you will then be issued an NM commercial drivers license.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
New Mexico residents are eligible to obtain an NM motorcycle license with no restrictions if 18 years of age or older. If you are 16 or 17, you are required to obtain a NM motorcycle instruction permit before you can obtain the standard motorcycle license. A NM motorcycle instruction permit holder must wear helmet and eye protection while in the control of a motorcycle. You are required to be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older who has been licensed for at least three years. With a NM motorcycle instruction permit, you are entitled to drive on public highways for six months. After six months and completion of all the requirements as a NM motorcycle instruction permit holder, you will be eligible to apply for a provisional motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
In New Mexico, there are six different types of commercial drivers license endorsements. You can apply for any of the following:
  • H To drive a vehicle used to transport placarded quantities of hazardous materials
  • N To drive a vehicle intended for hauling liquids in bulk
  • P To drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more occupants, including driver
  • S To drive a school bus
  • T To drive combination vehicles with double or triple trailers
  • X To drive a combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
New Mexico DMV offices have the same fees for secure ID cards and for alternative ID cards. Equal fees apply to the following procedures:
  • Applications for new ID cards
  • ID card replacements
  • ID card renewals

Fees depend on the length of your ID card validity:

  • $10 for ID cards valid for four-years
  • $18 for ID cards valid for eight-years

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
As a learners permit holder in New Mexico, you are restricted to only operating a motor vehicle while under supervision. You are required to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed adult. The adult must be at least 21 years of age or be a licensed driver of at least three years. The 50 hours of supervised driving practice must include 10 hours of nighttime driving. You must have a parent or legal guardian sign your driving log. Once you have completed the required driving practice and have held your learners permit for at least six months, you will be eligible to apply for a provisional drivers license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
All drivers applying for a New Mexico commercial drivers license are required to meet minimum medical standards established by federal and state regulations. Requirements vary depending on whether you intend to operate a CDL vehicle across intrastate lines or interstate lines. You will need to visit a licensed physician and have him or her fill out a Commercial Licensing Medical Examination Certificate. The examination certificate will determine your health history and state the test results for your vision, hearing, and blood pressure. It will also show a routine physical examination result. You may also be required to provide a Medical Examiner s Certificate in the event that you have a specific condition or restriction the MVD needs to be aware of before you are issued a CDL.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?
If a learners permit holder gets a traffic citation, the six-month period required to hold the instruction permit will be extended by thirty days for each traffic violation received. If a provisional permit holder gets a traffic ticket during the one-year period required to hold a provisional license, that period will be extended by 30 days for each traffic violation that individual receives.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New Mexico

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
In the state of New Mexico, in order to legally operate a three-wheeled motorcycle your license must have an endorsement of “Z”, “Y” or “W” to be considered valid. Each endorsement is assigned to different kinds of three-wheeled motorcycles:

Z Required to drive any two or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of less than 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement

Y Required to drive any two or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of at least 50 but less than 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement

W Required to drive any two or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of 100 or more cubic centimeters piston displacement

Once you have obtained a NM standard drivers license or a motorcycle license, you can have the applicable endorsement added to license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
In order to successfully apply for a learners permit you are required to submit the proper forms of identification to your local MVD Field office. The required documents include:
  • Proof of driver education program enrollment or completion
  • 1 document proving Social Security number
  • 1 document proving identity
  • 2 documents proving NM residency

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
The documents required to obtain a NM motorcycle driving license at a MVD Field office are:
  • 1 document proving Social Security number
  • 1 document proving identity
  • 2 documents proving NM residency

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
The state of New Mexico requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle road skills test. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, it is required by NM state law to attend and complete the Basic Rider Course with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The course consists of five hours of classroom instruction and at least ten hours of practical riding in a controlled environment. At the end of the course you will need to take a knowledge test and a skills evaluation. Once you ve completed the course, you will be handed a completion card and you will be eligible to apply for a motorcycle learners permit or motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in New Mexico

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
If you are convicted of a DUI as an NM commercial drivers license holder you will lose your license for one year. If you are convicted of a DUI for a second time, you will lose your commercial drivers license for life. You may request a hearing within 30 days of the post marked date of the notice of disqualification. If the hearing is granted, the disqualification will be stayed pending the outcome of the hearing. Under the current commercial drivers license law set in New Mexico, any person who holds a commercial drivers license is required to consent to any testing required by the state or local jurisdiction.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?
ID cards serve as officially recognized photo identification. New Mexico secure ID cards can be used in all official transactions where you need to submit a proof of your identity.

Alternative ID cards are also issued in New Mexico to applicants who cannot fulfill the federal criteria for the secure ID cards. New Mexico Alternative ID Cards are not accepted at airport security and cannot be used when applying for a New Mexico driver’s license, learner’s permit or secure identification card.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
In order to obtain a learners permit in New Mexico, you are required to pass a NM MVD written knowledge test. A score of 70 percent or higher is considered passing for the written knowledge test. It is recommended to study the New Mexico Driver Manual, in order to successfully pass the written test. You can obtain a PDF copy of the NM Driver Manual on the NM MVD website or you can pick up a physical copy at your local MVD Field office. In order to waive your requirement to take the written knowledge test, you must present a Certificate of Completion from a contracted driver education school.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
In order to obtain a learners permit in New Mexico, you are required to pass a NM MVD written knowledge test and a vision exam. It is recommended to study the New Mexico Driver Manual in order to prepare for the written knowledge test. You can obtain a PDF copy of the NM Driver Manual on the NM MVD website or you can pick up a physical copy at your local MVD Field office. In order to waive your requirement to take the written knowledge test, you must present a Certificate of Completion from a contracted driver education school.

The NM MVD requires you to pass a vision exam before obtaining a learners permit. This exam measures that you have at least 20/40 vision in one eye, with or without corrective lenses. The vision exam also tests for side vision, your ability to judge distances and speed, and night vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you are required to always wear them while in the operation of a motor vehicle.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
When applying for a NM commercial drivers license, depending on the class of CDL licensing and endorsements you are applying for, you are required to take the following tests:
  • CDL written knowledge test
  • CDL road skills test
  • A written knowledge test on the class of CDL and each endorsement if required

The NM CDL road skills test is administered by a third party examiner and takes approximately two hours to complete. It consists of the pre-trip, basic control skills, and road testing portions.

For more information: New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
Identification cards in New Mexico expire in four years or eight years from the date of issuance. This depends on which was requested and paid for in the initial application. The expiration date is printed on the card itself.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
The only place where you can apply for ID card replacement, ID card renewal, or to get a new identification card are MVD offices. Applications for ID cards usually requires photo identification and thumb prints.

Find which of the DMV offices across the state is close to where you live or work.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
If you are under 18 years of age and you wish to apply for a driving permit in New Mexico, you are required to have a parent or legal guardian co-sign the application. Your parent or legal guardian is required to present proper forms of identification prior to signing the instructional permit application. An instructional permit application fee of $10 upon arrival at your local MVD Field office is also required.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in New Mexico