Drivers license renewals in New Mexico must be submitted in person or online. Depending on your age and eligibility, your license may be valid for one, two, four or eight years. Similarly, your age and the type of license being purchased will affect the cost of the card.

DMV license renewals may be completed several months before the expiration date and up to 30 days afterwards. Additional tests and fees may be applied to late renewals. New Mexico issues REAL ID cards to eligible applicants. Residents must provide the correct documentation to qualify for a REAL ID license and apply in person.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in New Mexico

Drivers license renewal cards are only available to eligible applicants. If you are renewing your license and purchasing a REAL ID card or a driving authorization card, you must follow the same steps as if you are applying for the first time. Residents looking to renew drivers licenses online must meet all of the state’s requirements listed below:

• Residents cannot be renewing a commercial license.
• Residents must be between the ages of 18 and 75 years old.
• Residents must hold a valid license or one that has been expired for less than one year.
• Residents must hold credentials that were issued after November 12, 2006.

All DMV license renewal documents must be in English or translated into English before being submitted in person. Applications for REAL ID cards and driving authorization cards may require different identification documents.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Drivers Licenses in New Mexico

Residents cannot submit a NM DMV license renewal application if they fail to provide the correct documentation. Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be renewed in the state of New Mexico.

Furthermore, a license cannot be renewed without taking additional testing if it has been expired for more than one year.

How early can you renew your drivers license in New Mexico?

You may renew your current driver’s license up to 90 days before the expiration date. Alternatively, you are allowed to renew an expired drivers license up to 30 days after the expiration date. However, additional documents and fees may be applied.

New Mexico DMV License Renewal Options

The state of New Mexico allows DMV license renewals to be processed online or at a DMV office. NM DMV hours of operation vary between locations.

How do I renew my license online?

Applications to renew drivers licenses online must be completed through the state’s DMV website. Follow the below steps if you are eligible to renew your license online:

1. Enter your last name.
2. Enter your date of birth.
3. Enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number, Matricula number or passport number.
4. Follow the online prompts.
5. Pay the DMV license renewal fee.

Once processed, your new license will be sent to the address on file at the DMV.

What You Need to Renew Drivers Licenses in Person

Drivers license renewal applications may be processed in person at a local DMV office. If you are renewing a valid NM license, you are required to bring your current license and identifying documents with you to the DMV. However, if you are renewing an expired drivers license, you must complete additional steps. Follow the below guidelines to submit a renewal application in person.

1. Surrender your current license.
2. Provide proof of identity, such as a valid United States passport or your current driver’s license. The license cannot be expired for more than one year.
3. Take the written test, if applicable. This is only required if you are renewing an expired drivers license after one year.
4. Take the road test, if applicable. This is only required if you are renewing an expired license after five years.
5. Take and pass the eye test, if applicable.
6. Provide proof of residency in two forms, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
7. Provide your fingerprints, if applicable. This is only required if you hold an expired license and cannot provide proof of legal presence.
8. Pay the drivers license renewal fee.

NOTE: If you cannot prove your legal status, your license will be valid for two years.

Military & Out of State DMV License Renewal in New Mexico

Active members of the military may submit a drivers license renewal application by mail if they are stationed outside of New Mexico. However, licenses held by active military members remain valid for the duration of their service. Therefore, you do not need to submit a renewal until 31 days after you have been discharged. If you wish to renew your drivers license by mail while out-of-state, complete the following steps.

1. Complete the NM DMV license renewal
2. Complete the renewal affidavit. This must be signed by your Commanding Officer or First Sergeant.
3. Provide proof of your identity, such as a photocopy of your current drivers license or military ID card.
4. Include payment of $18 for the DMV license renewal. Do not send cash. Checks must be made payable to New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division.
5. Submit a new photograph clearly showing your face. The background must be white or blue and you cannot be wearing glasses.
6. Provide proof of a name change, such as a photocopy of your marriage certificate, if applicable.
7. Send the above items to the New Mexico DMV.

New Mexico REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

REAL ID cards may be purchased during a DMV license renewal application if additional documentation is provided. REAL ID cards will be the only form of license accepted on domestic flights after 2020. Follow the below steps to submit a license renewal application in person and receive a new REAL ID card:

1. Visit the New Mexico DMV.
2. Surrender your current license.
3. Provide proof of identity, such as a valid United States passport.
4. Provide proof of your Social Security Number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 tax form.
5. Provide two proofs of residency, such as a bank statement and utility bill.
6. Provide your fingerprints, if applicable.
7. Take and pass the eye test, written test and road test, if applicable.
8. Pay the drivers license renewal

REAL ID cards do not cost more than a standard renewal. Once a DMV license renewal has been processed, you may use the state’s online system to track your order. All documents must be the original version or certified copies.

New Mexico Drivers License Renewal Fees

Drivers license renewal fees must be paid for in full. Fees vary and are based on the length of the license. A four-year license costs $18, while an eight-year license costs $34. Applicants over the age of 79 will not be charged a renewal fee. However, they must renew their licenses every year.

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