General Driver's License Information

New Mexico Driver Licensing Requirements

Frequently asked Questions

  NM Driver's Ed Programs 
  NM Laws and information

  NM MVD Home Page

  NM Online registration renewal

 

 

Getting Your New Mexico Driver's License (Non-Commercial)

   Age 15-17, See Graduated Licensing Requirements

  Age 18-24

  Age 25-44

  Age 45 or over

  New/Returning resident in New Mexico

  I lost my License from another State

  Find the appropriate MVD field office

  License Categories

  Tests you will have to pass

  What will the road test cover?

  Things your vehicle must have for the road test

  Fees

  To access MVD information 24 hours a day, using the MVD Integrated Voice Response system call: In Santa Fe, NM: 827-4636 or Toll-Free: 1-888-MVD-INFO (1-888-683-4636) 

 

   The DWI Awareness Program, " None for the Road" Call 1-800-621-5755 to enroll or obtain more information. In Albuquerque, dial 277-0051 or call toll free, 1-877-NO-DRINK (1-877-663-7465). 

  Online registration renewal

  New Mexico Laws and information

  New Mexico MVD Home Page

  Frequently asked Questions

 

Age 18-24:

First time license applicants between the ages of 18-24 must take a class on DWI awareness, "None for the Road". Call 1-800-621-5755 to enroll or obtain more information. In Albuquerque, dial 277-0051 or call toll free, 1-877-NO-DRINK (1-877-663-7465). 

 

Bring these items to the MVD:

 

 

Completion certificate from the DWI awareness class "None for the Road"

Proof of age and identification:
Birth Certificate

Church record

Passport

Military ID Card

Indian Census Card

or certified copies of above

 

Social Security Card

 

Required Tests you can expect:

Vision test 

Written test

Road test

If you take the road test in your vehicle, it needs to have:

A current vehicle registration certificate

Evidence of automobile liability insurance

Seat belts

Turn signals

Parking lights

Headlights

Tail lights

Stop lights

Backing lights

Windshield wipers

One rear-view mirror

Windshield and rear glass clear of vision impairing cracks

Tire tread thickness of 2/32"

No leaks in exhaust system

Horn

Emergency and foot brakes

Speedometer

 

 

1

Age 25-44 (first-time applicants)

Bring these items to the MVD:

Proof of age and identification:
Birth Certificate

Church record

Passport

Military ID Card

Indian Census Card

or certified copies of above

 

Social Security Card

 

Required Tests you can expect:

Vision test 

Written test (in certain cases only)

Road test

 

If you take the road test in your vehicle, it needs to have:

A current vehicle registration certificate

Evidence of automobile liability insurance

Seat belts

Turn signals

Parking lights

Headlights

Tail lights

Stop lights

Backing lights

Windshield wipers

One rear-view mirror

Windshield and rear glass clear of vision impairing cracks

Tire tread thickness of 2/32"

No leaks in exhaust system

Horn

Emergency and foot brakes

Speedometer

 

Age 45 or over (first-time applicants):

No class on DWI awareness is required of applicants over 45. 

Bring these items to the MVD:

Proof of age and identification:

Birth Certificate

Church record

Passport

Military ID Card

Indian Census Card

(or certified copies of above)

 

Social Security Card

 

Required Tests you can expect:

Vision test 

Written test

Road test

 

If you take the road test in your vehicle, it needs to have:

A current vehicle registration certificate

Evidence of automobile liability insurance

Seat belts

Turn signals

Parking lights

Headlights

Tail lights

Stop lights

Backing lights

Windshield wipers

One rear-view mirror

Windshield and rear glass clear of vision impairing cracks

Tire tread thickness of 2/32"

No leaks in exhaust system

Horn

Emergency and foot brakes

Speedometer

 

New/Returning Resident in New Mexico

If you are a new resident, you must  apply for a New Mexico license within 30 days of moving to New Mexico. 

 

Bring these items to the MVD:

 

 

If you are 18-24, bring a completion certificate from the DWI awareness class "None for the Road" (If you are 25 or over, no DWI awareness class is required if you have been licensed in another state for ten years or have never been convicted of DUI.) 

Bring your driver's license from another state. If it is lost, call your local MVD office for instructions. 

If your out-of-state driver's license is expired, you must take a written exam as well as a  road test and vision test. 

If your driving privileges have been suspended, revoked, or denied by this state or any other state, you cannot get a license in New Mexico.
 
Bring proof of age and identification:
Birth Certificate

Church record

Passport

Military ID Card

Indian Census Card

or certified copies of above

Bring your Social Security Card

 

Required Tests you can expect:

Vision test 

Required road test

If you take the road test in your vehicle, it needs to have:

A current vehicle registration certificate

Current emissions test certificate (Albuquerque only)

Evidence of automobile liability insurance

Seat belts

Turn signals

Parking lights

Headlights

Tail lights

Stop lights

Backing lights

Windshield wipers

One rear-view mirror

Windshield and rear glass clear of vision impairing cracks

Tire tread thickness of 2/32"

No leaks in exhaust system

Horn

Emergency and foot brakes

Speedometer

 

I lost my License from another State

Call your local MVD office for instructions.

 

Find the appropriate MVD field office

 

Types of  New Mexico Licenses:

Class A, commercial driver license, GVWR over 26,000 lbs, towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs.

Class B, commercial driver license, GVWR over 26,000 lbs, towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs.

Class C, commercial. Hazmat or 16 or more passengers

Class D, non commercial, less than 26,001 lbs and tow under 10,000 lbs.

Class E, non commercial, GCWR of 26, 001 towed vehicle in excess of 10,000 lbs.

Class M, two or three wheel motorcycle

Tests you will have to pass:
Vision test

Written test (certain cases only)

Road test

 

What will the road test cover?
Stop and start

Making left and right turns

Using turning indicators/hand signals

Parking properly

Making lane changes

Proper backing

Maneuvering through an intersection

Things your vehicle must have for the road test:

A current vehicle registration certificate

Evidence of automobile liability insurance

Seat belts

Turn signals

Parking lights

Headlights

Tail lights

Stop lights

Backing lights

Windshield wipers

One rear-view mirror

Windshield and rear glass clear of vision impairing cracks

Tire tread thickness of 2/32"

No leaks in exhaust system

Horn

Emergency and foot brakes

Speedometer

 

Fees:

What is the fee for a driver's license?

$16.00 for a four-year license or $32.00 for an eight-year license. 

What is the fee for registering my vehicle? 

Registration fees range from $18.00 to $88.00.  For further information, please contact your local MVD office.

The DWI Awareness Program

If you are 18-24 years old, you must first take a class on DWI awareness and bring the certificate of completion with you when applying for a license. Call 1-800-621-5755 to enroll or obtain more information.

This information provided by:

  • New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau
  • New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
  • AAA New Mexico

For More Information Contact:

Fred Cabbage, Driver Services Bureau Chief - MVD  (505)827-0519

Franklin Garcia,  Traffic Safety Program Manager  (505)827-3200

This Web Page produced and maintained by the Division of Government Research, University of New Mexico, Under contract C03744

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