Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license was lost or stolen and you want to keep your old license number it is not mandatory in the state of New Mexico to file a police report.

To help prevent identity theft, and if you want a new license number, you must go to a local or state law enforcement agency and file a police report. The officer of record will then provide you with a copy of their report to bring with you can so you may continue with the drivers license replacement application.

Bring a copy of the report and a signed statement declaring that you want a new license number and that you have had your previous documents lost or stolen. Many drivers choose to file a report with the police even if they are not obligated to do so for identity theft protection.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

Drivers can obtain a PDF copy of the NM Driver Manual on the NM MVD website or can pick up a physical copy at a MVD Field office. The complete manual consists of six chapters and provides in-depth details on the following:

General NM drivers license information
Traffic Laws & Traffic Violations
Road safety skills
On-road communication
Physical and circumstantial driving requirements

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

How can I renew my drivers license?

All applicants who want to renew drivers licenses can do so in one of the two following ways:

In person
Online

If you apply in person, bring the relevant documents and fees to a MVD office including your expired drivers license. You can submit the application 90 days prior to the expiration date through 30 days after the expiration date.

If you want to renew drivers license online, you can do so via the e-services provided by the DMV. Online renewal is allowed only if you apply to renew within one year of expiration. CDL licenses cannot be renewed online.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

How do I apply for a drivers license?

If you are applying for a first-time drivers license in the state of New Mexico, you must have completed the Graduated Licensing System along with the following:

A NM drivers license application (If under 18 years of age a parent/legal guardian must co-sign)

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 road skills test
Show proof of having completed the â€œNone for the Roadâ€ DWI awareness course
Pay the full unrestricted drivers license fee:

o 4-year license: $18.00

o 8-year license: $34.00

If you are new to the state of New Mexico and hold a valid out-of-state drivers license, you are required to surrender your out-of-state drivers license when applying for a NM drivers license. To apply for a NM drivers license you must complete the following:

A Driver License Surrender Form
A NM drivers 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
Show proof of having completed the â€œNone for the Roadâ€ DWI awareness course OR provide proof of having complete an approved DWI prevention and education program
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 New Driver’s License in New Mexico

How do I get a hardship license?

A hardship license in New Mexico is referred to as a limited license. A driver must visit a MVD office to see if they qualify for a limited license to drive to school, work or for health related issues. The restrictions for offenders who are subject to drivers license suspension are given within the scope of actions and measures appointed by the court.

There is a restriction applicable to all DUI offenders in New Mexico. They must have an ignition interlock device installed for a period of at least six months once they are put under drivers license suspension.

If you need to get an ignition interlock license for your vehicle, the following requirements need to be completed:

Pay the $113 reinstatement fee
Provide adequate proof of insurance
Get an ignition interlock device from an authorized provider
Present contract for the ignition interlock

Once you put in place this device you must keep it for at least six months. It can be removed when you meet the criteria for drivers license reinstatement.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you have lost your license when stationed elsewhere you are not required to complete the drivers license replacement within a certain timeframe. Members of the military and their dependents can use theie expired drivers licenses for as long as they hold an active military status.

If reassigned or discharged, you must support the expired copy with proof of the current status and proof of ID to use it for 30 more days after the expiry. You may not be able to file a police report when out of the country, but it is recommended to do so promptly upon your return.

To get a drivers license copy you can apply online at DMV e-services with the following:

ID card number
Date of birth
Payment of the relevant fee

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

New Mexico requires you to replace license if your current drivers license has been lost, stolen or damaged. You can apply for a drivers license replacement in two ways:

In person

Online

When you visit a DMV office, submit the documents and pay the fees in person, you will get a temporary copy within 48 hours. The permanent copy will be mailed to you within 45 days. This drivers license replacement will have the same number as the original.

If you want a new number on your license, you must report the loss or theft to the police before submitting the application for a drivers license replacement at a DMV office.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

In New Mexico, violations that add up to six points may only receive a suspension warning. Violations that add to an amount between seven and ten points get a minimum three-month drivers license suspension.

Drivers who have collected more than 12 points can reinstate if they:

Wait for at least a year under license suspension
Submit an Affidavit for Reinstatement of Driver’s License
Surrender the drivers license to DMV
Attend a court hearing
Pay reinstatement fees
Pass drivers education course
Put ignition interlock device, if requested
Take appointed driver’s exams

In addition to the aforementioned, the court of jurisdiction will notify the offender of any additional action which they must complete to reinstate suspended drivers license.

When you provide all necessary proof and pay all relevant fees, you will be able to complete the reinstatement. Criminal prosecution is handled separately. You must also complete all criminal charge requirements and fines.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

In order to obtain drivers license reinstatement you must comply with strict court orders and meet requirements whose severity depends on the points you have accumulated on your driving record. Most cases of a suspended drivers license can be reinstated if you do the following:

Submit an Affidavit for Reinstatement of Driver’s License
Pay reinstatement fees
Complete an approved DWI prevention and education program
Complete approved 8-hour driving course
Pass a driver exam, if required

If you need to reinstate suspended driving licenses with commercial privileges, you may need to pass additional endorsement tests and/or pass medical exams.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are stationed abroad, use the DMV e-services for online drivers license renewal. In cases that you do not fulfill some of the criteria for online license renewal, you have a period of 30 days after the expiration date to renew license in person in a MVD office. You can complete this when you return to the country can drive with the old license until you get your new copy. Spouses can also use this privilege.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Residents of New Mexico who do not have United States citizenship can replace lost or stolen drivers licenses if they provide adequate evidence of their lawful status or presence in the country.

You must apply in person or online, present the relevant documents and pay appropriate fees. Acceptable evidence for your status in the country include:

Valid passport
Valid working or student card
Valid employment card

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

New Mexico drivers who have lost driver licenses out-of-state may use the online drivers license replacement option. Visit the link for e-services at New Mexico DMV and follow the steps to take you through the process. Proof of ID, proof of social security number, and an online payment is required.

You will only be able to apply for a drivers license copy which has your old license number on it. If you require a new number on your license, you must wait until you return home to file the mandatory police report with local or state law enforcement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

The New Mexico drivers license vision exam must determine 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. You are also required to take and pass the vision exam if you have a valid out-of-state license and you wish to obtain a new license in NM. For more information regarding how the NM MVD conducts the vision exam, you can contact them directly at their toll-free number 888-683-4636.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

In New Mexico if you are stopped by a traffic officer and asked to submit to a chemical test, you are legally compelled to comply. If you refuse, the law enforcement officer can confiscate the license under the New Mexico implied consent law. This is an administrative procedure separate from the drivers license suspension procedure.

Depending on the type of points you have previously accumulated, your refusal to submit to a chemical test will be charged according to the point-based system.

If you are found guilty of DWI for the first time, your license will be suspended for at least one year. Repeated unlawful behavior can result in:

Second offense: two-year suspension
Third offense: three-year suspension
Fourth or subsequent offense: lifetime suspension

If you own a commercial driving license and are found guilty of a DUI offense, the consequences are:

First offence: One year license suspension
Second offence: Lifetime license revocation

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

All expired drivers licenses can be renewed in person as early as 90 days before the expiration date and as late as 30 days after the expiration date.

Online drivers license renewal is done only within one year of the last renewal. If you fail to renew within that year, you must visit a MVD office to apply in person.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

Each applicant who applies for driving license replacement must pay the relevant fee at the MVD even if you file a report with the police.

The only fee waivers are for drivers over 75 who may get their duplicate license without incurring any fees.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

There is no age limit for drivers license renewal in New Mexico. You can renew your license as many times as you want, every four or each eight years, depending on the expiration date.

There is an exception for drivers over 75, who must renew their licenses annually and are exempt from renewal fees.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

In New Mexico your drivers license replacement will be mailed to the address you provided at the time of application.

If you have changed your address, you must complete a change of address request for your ID card or license with a MVD office. Applicants must check this requirement when applying to replace license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

If you are a senior who is 75 years of age or older, the state of New Mexico requires you to renew your drivers license every year. Renewing your drivers license can be done in-person or online and no renewal fees will be charged. If you choose to renew your license in person visit a MVD Field office and bring your current NM drivers license. You will need to inquire if you are eligible to renew your license online by visiting the NM MVD site. If the site determines that you are eligible for online renewal you can continue with the steps as instructed.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

Drivers license suspension is a result of driving actions which violates traffic regulations and other laws. Some infractions that may result in a suspended driving license are:

Driving while intoxicated
Refusal to submit to a chemical test
Driving with a suspended license or with no license
Speeding
Excessive moving violations
Failure to appear at a court hearing
Failure to pay child support
Reckless or careless driving
Illegally passing school buses
Making improper turns at intersections
Operating a vehicle without registration

The New Mexico MVD has established a point system to evaluate decisions about drivers license suspensions. Violations are given points which, when accumulated up to at least seven, may result in a suspended license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

If you drive with a suspended driving license and do not follow the instructions given by New Mexico magistrate’s court order, you may get additional points on your drivers license. The points will be collected and added up to your driving record. Depending on your previous convictions you may receive:

Three-month suspension
Twelve-month suspension
Three-year drivers license revocation

If the suspension was a result of receiving DUI conviction you will receive:

Imprisonment from seven days to one year
Fine from $300 to $1,000

Each of the aforementioned procedures requires that the violator take steps to restore legal driving privileges. Drivers with suspended licenses will need to pay fees for driver’s license reinstatement and an ignition interlock device, if applicable.

CDL license holders may receive a CDL disqualification, which means they will not be able to operate commercial vehicles.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

Fees associated with the application to replace driving licenses in New Mexico depend on the type of license and their validity:

â—¦ $18 for a license valid for four years

â—¦ $34 for a license valid for eight years

Senior citizens who are over 75 can get their drivers license replacement with no fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

To reinstate revoked drivers licenses in New Mexico, offenders need to pay the basic administrative amount for reinstatement.

Fees that may be charged to reinstate drivers license are:

$102 reinstatement fee
$20 returned check fee for child support
Car insurance fee
Remit penalty assessment fee
More points or certain unlawful behavior may require additional fees

Child support or bankruptcy convictions may ask that you provide court clearance, petition of bankruptcy or clearance of Form D51 for parental responsibility surcharge.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

A Hardship license is referred to as a limited license in New Mexico. It may be obtained under special circumstances for driving to school, to work or to church. This is under conditions in which you are not able to use your full-operator driving license in cases where it was suspended or revoked.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

If you do not pass your road skills test on your first attempt, you will be required to schedule a date and time to retake it. You must wait at least one week before you can attempt it again. A test can be re-scheduled through the NM MVD online appointment scheduling system.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

In order to apply for a NM drivers license, you must visit a MVD Field office and present the required documentation:

1 document proving Social Security number
1 document proving identity
2 documents proving NM residency

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

To renew driving license in person present the following at a MDV office:

You expired drivers license

Proof of ID, if you do not have your old license
Appropriate fee:

â—¦ $18 for a license valid for four years

â—¦ $34 for a license valid for eight years

Proof of vision exam
Proof of knowledge and driving test, if required

You can renew driving license online only if you have:

Submitted the last application in person
You do not need to submit documentation about changes in your eye vision
Have proof of your social security number
A clear driving record.

Online renewal is possible only if there has been maximum one year since the expiration date.

CDL s, learner’s permits and licenses for citizens over 75 cannot be renewed online.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

New Mexico drivers are not able to present proof of their current license for stolen drivers licenses and lost drivers licenses. If your previous license has been damaged, you must present the old copy at the time of application. The following is a list of documents which must be presented at MVD office or online if you are using e-services:

Proof of ID, if you do not have your old license
Proof of social security number for online license replacement
Appropriate fee:

â—¦ $18 for a duplicate license valid for four years

â—¦ $34 for a duplicate license valid for eight years

A copy of the police report for duplicate license with a new number
A signed statement for duplicate license with a new number

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

If you need to take the written knowledge test in another language other than English contact the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. You can call the NM MVD at their toll-free number 888-683-4636.

To pass the NM MVD written knowledge test, it is recommended to study the New Mexico Driver Manual. The NM Driver Manual is available in English and Spanish. 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 a MVD Field office. You can waive your requirement to take the written knowledge test by presenting a Certificate of Completion from a contracted driver education school.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

New Mexico does not give any specific penalties to applicants who have been late to renew expired drivers licenses.

You will not be able to renew driver’s license online if you are more than one year from the license expiration date. If you are over the 30-days grace period, you may be asked to present additional proof of passed knowledge, vision or driving tests.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

If you renewed your license in person, you should have received a temporary copy at the DMV office. The official license will be mailed to you within 45 days. If you have not received your drivers license with 45 days, visit the DMV e-services link and have the following information to submit in the online system:

Driver’s license or ID card number
Date of birth
Last four digits of your ID

The online system will take you through the procedure for drivers license renewal. You will be able to see how far has the procedure gone or submit an online inquiry. An MVD office can provide you with information pertaining to the status of your renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

In order to obtain a first-time New Mexico drivers license, you are required to pass the following tests:

Vision exam
Written knowledge test
Road skills test

You are not required to take the written knowledge test or the road-skills test if you have a valid out-of-state drivers license at the time you re applying for a NM drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

The state of New Mexico offers three different kinds of non-commercial drivers licenses:

Class D License: Allows drivers 18 years of age and older to operate vehicles less than 26,001 lbs. without any restrictions.
Class E License: An exemption license that authorizes a driver to operate a vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more such as recreational vehicles, certain farm and ranch vehicles, firefighting vehicles, and military vehicles owned or operated by the department of defense.
Class M License: Allows drivers to legally operate a motorcycle.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

If you are a New Mexico driver with a suspended drivers license, you may reinstate suspended driving license only after you have completed all requirements appointed by the court. These may include administrative actions, fees, as well as criminal penalties. Reinstating suspended driving licenses in New Mexico is possible only after you:

Pass approved drivers education 90 days prior to the reinstatement request
Pay reinstatement fees
Pass required driver’s exam, if required
Have an ignition interlock for at least six months
Complete all court appointed administrative actions

Once you fulfill all aforementioned conditions, you must present proof to the DMV for your suspended drivers license to be restored.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

When will I need to renew my license?

Depending on the type of license you own, you must renew your expired driving license within:

One year
Four years
Eight years

There is a window of four months to renew expired licenses. All expired drivers licenses can be renewed in person as early as 90 days before the expiration date and as late as 30 days after the expiration date.

Online drivers license renewal is possible within one year of the last renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

The New Mexico DMV delivers driving license replacements to applicants within 45 days from the application date. In the interim period, you will receive a temporary paper copy.

If you do not receive the duplicate within the 45 day period, you can do an online inquiry at DMV e-services, or check in person at a DMV office for the reason behind the delay.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Mexico Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

Information on your suspended drivers license can be obtained in a branch office of the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division.

Information about approved traffic schools and ignition interlock systems can be obtained at the subdivision of the New Mexico Department of Transport, called The Traffic Safety Bureau.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New Mexico

Where can I get a new drivers license?

In order to obtain a new NM drivers license, you will need to visit a NM Motor Vehicle Division office. You must complete the drivers license application and present documentation to prove your identity:

1 document proving Social Security number
1 document proving identity
2 documents proving NM residency

You will also be required to pay the applicable fee. The fee for a 4-year drivers license is $18.00 and the fee for an 8-year drivers license is $34.00.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Mexico

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

There is a requirement that you must present a proof of vision exam each time you renew driving license. If there is a special prescription made by a physician, than you must include directions in the proof of vision screening. The vision exam is valid as long as the license. The only exception is for citizens over 76 whose vision screening certificate is valid for six months, unlike their license which is valid for one year.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

There is no obligation for the DMV to send you a renewal reminder in the mail. Depending on the type of license you own, it is the responsibility of the license holder to renew within the stated period. There is only a 30-day grace period in which you can drive with an expired license. If you are late to renew for over one year, you will lose the option to renew driver’s license online.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New Mexico