HOW TO GET A NM DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TCP:

All persons driving a motor vehicle on New Mexico highways and roadways are required to have a license.

TCP issues a secure driver license to help protect New Mexicans from identity theft. Persons applying for a first-time driver license, a license renewal or a license replacement are issued a temporary license while their regular license is being processed and mailed.

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If you have an out-of-state license or a prior New Mexico ID card, it will be hole-punched and may be used in conjunction with the temporary license, for up to 45 days from the date of issue. The temporary license and the hole-punched license or ID card are only valid for identification purposes when presented together.

You must come into our office to get your New Mexico driver license.

An overview of all documents needed to obtain a license or identification can be found on these tables:

All documents must be originals.

First-Time New Mexico Driver’s License Requirements

Once you have established residency in New Mexico, you are required to surrender your license from any other state and apply for a New Mexico license.

To obtain a REAL ID driver’s license, you will need to bring the following documents to TCP:
•   One (1) proof of identification number, and
•   One (1) proof of identity, and
•   Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.

To obtain a Standard Driver’s License, you will need to bring the following documents to TCP:
• One (1) proof of identity and age, and
• Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.

Please note, if you cannot provide proof of lawful status:
• you may only apply for the Standard License or ID card

PROTEST: Section 66-2-17 NMSA 1978 of the Motor Vehicle Code provides a formal process for resolving disputes. Protests must be submitted within 30 days of the mailing or verbal notification of the action proposed to be taken by the Department. The protest must be in writing. For further information on how to protest refer to Taxation and Revenue Department FYI-702. Click here for the form.

Call us at TCP at 575-935-8770 or schedule an appointment now!

Fees for a New Mexico Driver’s Licenses

The fee is $18.00 for four-years or $34.00 for eight-years. Drivers who are 79 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 Mexico from out-of-state. To pay for the records check, those drivers are charged an additional one-time $15.00 fee, increasing their total to $33.00 for four-years or $49.00 for eight-years.

You will also be required to take the following tests:

Eye Test – Persons with a current driver license from another state or country, or those applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, are required to pass an eye exam.
Written Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired for one year or more, must pass the required written test(s). This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. Persons with a current out-of-country license are required to take the written test. State offices typically do not allow the written test to be taken after 3pm to ensure the applicant has sufficient time to complete the test.
Road Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired over five years, must pass the required road test(s). This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. One will not be issued if your driving privileges are suspended, revoked or denied by this state or any other state. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation of licenses.

DWI-related Requirements

Any person, 25 years of age and over, who has ever been convicted of DWI and who is applying for his or her first New Mexico driver license, must also submit evidence of having successfully completed New Mexico’s approved DWI prevention and education program, None for the Road, or another state’s equivalent program.

The None for the Road class is administered by UNM Continuing Education, not by the TCP or the state MVD. Information about the class and a class application are available online or by calling 505-277-0051 (Albuquerque and surrounding areas) or call toll -free at 1-877- 663-7465. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also obtain a ‘None for the Road’ flyer and application directly from any local Motor Vehicle Field Office.

ID CARDS

How to Get or Renew an Identification Card

TCP issues secure identification cards to help protect New Mexicans from identity theft. Persons applying for a New Mexico identification card are issued a temporary ID card while their regular ID card is being processed and mailed.

If you have an old New Mexico driver license or an old ID card, it will be voided and may be used in conjunction with the temporary ID card, for up to 45 days from the date of issue.

You must go into TCP to get your New Mexico identification card. Staff can issue your temporary identification card.

Documents Required for a REAL ID Identification Card

To obtain a REAL ID identification card, you will need to bring the following documents to TCP:

•   One (1) proof of identification number, and
•   One (1) proof of identity, and
•   Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.

To obtain a non-compliant Standard ID Card, you will need to bring the following documents to TCP:
• One (1) proof of identity and identify number, and
• Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.

Please note, if you cannot provide proof of lawful status:
• you may only apply for the non-compliant Standard Identification card

Renew a New Mexico Identification Card

Please note: If you are renewing your current New Mexico identification card to obtain a REAL ID identification card or a non-compliant identification card for the first time, please follow the requirements for REAL ID and Standard identification card above.

Driver License and Identification Card

Affidavit of New Mexico Residency | Download PDF
Affidavit of New Mexico Residency (under 18) | Download PDF
Affidavit of New Mexico Residency (REAL ID) | Download PDF
Certificate of Facts Form | MVD10077 | Download PDF
Certification of Employment, Self-employment or School Attendance Form | Download PDF
Driver License Surrender Form | Download PDF
Driver License Restoration Packet (Form & Instructions) | Download PDF
Driver License Reinstatement Affidavit Form | Download PDF
Driver Point System Regulations and Schedule | Download PDF
Driving School Record of Completion (Form & Instructions) | Download PDF
Medical Report Form | Download PDF
Medical – Request for Ophthalmologic or Optometric Information Form | Download PDF
Request for Hearing Form | Download PDF
Gender Designation Change Request | Download PDF

Access to Motor Vehicle Records

Confidential Records Release Form | Download PDF | Request Record Online

Ignition Interlock

Ignition Interlock License Affidavit Form | Download PDF
Review of 10-Year Revocation Interlock Compliance Form | Download PDF
State of Indigency (Form & Instructions)

Commercial

Driver Certification for Issuance of a Commercial Driver’s Permit or License | Download PDF