How to get a driver's license in New Mexico

This page explains, step by step, how to get a New Mexico driver’s license for a regular car and which documents to bring. In New Mexico, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues driver licenses and ID cards at its Field Offices and publishes the New Mexico Driver Manual in English and Spanish. The steps for under-18s are the instructional permit, the provisional license and the unrestricted license. This guide is based on the MVD web pages and the New Mexico Driver Manual (file version 11.19.19). Where the manual and the web pages do not say the same thing, this guide leaves the point out or tells you to check with the MVD. Requirements change, so check the MVD website before you go. This site is independent and is not a government agency.

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-27. Requirements can change: always confirm with New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before you go.

How it works

Who does what
In New Mexico, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues driver licenses and ID cards. You must go into an MVD Field Office to get your New Mexico driver license or ID card. The MVD publishes the New Mexico Driver Manual in English and Spanish as study material for the knowledge test.
Source: [9] [11] [15]
Who needs a license
Anyone driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle on New Mexico public roads must have a driver license. If you are a New Mexico resident, you must have a New Mexico driver license.
Source: [1] [11]
Under 18 or 18 and older
If you are under 18, you must go through the New Mexico graduated driver license system until you meet the requirements for an unrestricted license. It has three stages: the instructional permit, the provisional license and the unrestricted license. The Under 18 section explains the steps in order. First-time applicants who are 18 or older follow the rules in the Age 18 and older section.
Source: [1] [3]
Two kinds of license
New Mexico offers a REAL ID driver license and a Standard driver license. Both are valid for driving. The Documents to bring and REAL ID sections explain the difference.
Source: [5] [12]

Under 18: the steps to a license

The three stages
If you are applying for your first New Mexico driver license and are under 18, you must go through the graduated licensing system. The stages are the instructional permit, the provisional license and then the unrestricted license. You can start at 15.
Source: [1] [3]
Step 1: apply for the instructional permit
The minimum age for an instructional permit (also called a learner’s permit) is 15. You go into an MVD Field Office with the required documents. You and a parent or guardian complete and sign the permit application there. A consent form signed by a parent or guardian is required if you are under 18. You must pass the knowledge test and the vision test; the Tests section explains them.
Source: [1] [3]
Step 1: driver education
A person 15 or older must be enrolled in and attending a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB). The course includes DWI education and practice driving. You bring proof that you have completed or are enrolled in a state-approved driver education program, and a referral card from a TSB-approved driver education school is part of the application. The approved program includes a 3-hour DWI component. New Mexico driver education schools are licensed by the Traffic Safety Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual describes the driver education requirement as 30 hours of class instruction and 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Source: [1] [3] [4] [16]
Step 1: who rides with you
A permit allows you to drive when supervised by another driver who is at least 21 and who is licensed to drive that type of vehicle. That driver must have been licensed for at least three years in New Mexico or any other state. In all vehicles except motorcycles, the licensed driver must sit in the right front seat.
Source: [1] [3]
Step 1: how long you hold the permit
You must keep the instructional permit for at least six months. That six-month period is extended by 30 days for each traffic violation you commit while driving with the permit and are convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for. During this time you complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night.
Source: [1] [3]
Step 2: apply for the provisional license
To get a provisional license, you must be at least 15½ and have successfully completed Stage 1 (the permit stage). The manual says the minimum age is 15 years and 6 months if you have held the permit for 6 months. You and a parent or guardian sign the application at the Field Office. You must:
- provide a TSB Certificate of Completion showing a passing score from an approved driver education school, which includes the 3-hour DWI component;
- provide a driving log showing 50 hours of practice, at least 10 of them at night, signed by a parent or guardian;
- pass the MVD Road Skills Exam; and
- not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days before you apply.
Source: [1] [3]
Step 2: how long you hold the provisional license
You must hold the provisional license for at least 12 months. This period is extended by 30 days for each traffic violation you commit while driving with the provisional license and are convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for. The Rules for young drivers section lists the limits that apply meanwhile.
Source: [3]
Step 3: the unrestricted license
To get the full unrestricted license, you and a parent or guardian complete and sign a driver license application. If you are 18 or older, only you need to sign. You must:
- have held the provisional license for the 12 months right before you apply;
- not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days before you apply;
- not have any traffic violations pending when you apply; and
- not have been found guilty of, or have pending, an offense involving alcohol or drugs during the provisional period.
Source: [1] [3]

Rules for young drivers

Limits on the provisional license
A provisional license allows you to drive without another driver’s supervision, with these limits:
- You may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless a licensed driver 21 or older is with you, or an exception applies.
- Unless a licensed driver 21 or older is in the vehicle, you may not have more than one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member.
Source: [1] [3]
Exceptions to the night-driving limit
A provisional licensee may drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older, when it is required by family or medical necessity, when driving to or from work, school or a religious activity, or in a medical emergency. The exceptions for family or medical necessity, work, school and religious activity need a signed statement, which you carry.
Source: [1] [3]
What counts as a traffic violation
The 30-day extensions on the permit and provisional periods are for traffic violations. The MVD’s list includes seat-belt and child-restraint violations and using a mobile communication device while driving. It also includes speeding, reckless or careless driving, racing, failure to yield and DWI.
Source: [3]
Alcohol under 21
In New Mexico, if you are under 21, you can be arrested for a blood alcohol concentration of .02%. A .02 percent concentration of alcohol could result in a 6-month license revocation for drivers under 21.
Source: [1] [3]

Age 18 and older

Your first license
A first-time applicant who is 18 or older applies in person at an MVD Field Office. First-time applicants must pass an eye exam, the written test and the road test. The Tests section explains each one.
Source: [2] [5] [11]
Ages 18 to 24
If you are applying for your first New Mexico driver license and are 18 to 24, you must complete the "None for the Road" self-study DWI awareness class. You present the Certificate of Completion, regardless of the date you completed the class. The class is run by UNM Continuing Education, not by the MVD.
Source: [2] [3] [5]
Age 25 and older with a DWI conviction
A person 25 or older who has ever been convicted of DWI and is applying for a first New Mexico driver license must also show completion of New Mexico’s approved DWI prevention and education program, None for the Road, or another state’s equivalent program.
Source: [5]
If your driving privileges are suspended
No license is issued if your driving privileges are suspended, revoked or denied by New Mexico or any other state.
Source: [5]
Under 18
Applicants under 18 use the graduated licensing system instead. The Under 18 section explains it.
Source: [3]

Moving to New Mexico

New Resident Guide →

Your old license
Once you have established New Mexico residency, you must surrender your license from any other state and apply for a New Mexico license.
Source: [5]
Tests with an out-of-state license
Anyone with a current driver license from another state or country must pass an eye exam. The written test and the road test are not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. The MVD treats the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories as out-of-state.
Source: [5] [17]
DWI records check
State law requires a DWI records check on all drivers moving to New Mexico from out of state.
Source: [5]
If you were convicted of DWI in another state
The MVD may not issue a license to a person convicted on or after June 17, 2005 of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs in another state, unless the person obtains an ignition interlock license. You go to a field office and apply for a New Mexico license. During the transaction you get what the MVD calls a hard stop, and the agent emails the MVD’s DWI unit to learn what you must provide.
Source: [20]
A license from another country
A person with a current out-of-country license must take the written test. The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual adds that a foreign-language license that cannot be verified in the office means written and road tests, unless a certified translation is provided, and the written test is required in any case. A foreign license that is accepted for an application must be surrendered, and it is returned with a hole punched in it. A person who wants to keep it can apply for an ID card instead.
Source: [5] [16] [17]
If you are under 18
The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual says a person from out of state who has had a provisional or equivalent license for one year and has reached 16½ may be issued a regular Class D license if all other New Mexico requirements are met.
Source: [16]
Visitors
A visitor at least 15 who holds a valid license from the home state or country is exempt from New Mexico licensing, but must get a New Mexico license on becoming a resident and before being employed to drive. A foreign visitor who is here temporarily and will return home is not required to get a New Mexico license. This comes from the MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual.
Source: [16]

Documents to bring

Two kinds of license, two lists
The documents you bring depend on the license you want: a REAL ID driver license or a Standard driver license. The MVD publishes a list of acceptable documents for each, and both lists are in the links on this page. If you cannot prove lawful status, you may only apply for the Standard driver license or Standard ID.
Source: [5] [13] [14]
For a REAL ID license
To get a REAL ID driver license, bring these to any MVD Field Office:
- one proof of identification number;
- one proof of identity; and
- two proofs of New Mexico residency.
Source: [5]
For a Standard license
For a Standard driver license, bring one proof of identity and age and two proofs of New Mexico residency. All documents must be unexpired and valid. One document that shows your name and date of birth is enough to prove your identity and age. The two residency documents must show the same physical address and can come from the same category but not from the same entity.
Source: [5] [14]
Date of birth
At least one of the proof of identity or proof of identification number documents must also show your date of birth.
Source: [5]
Examples of what is accepted
For a REAL ID, a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, a pay stub showing the full number, or a foreign passport with a visa and I-94 can prove an identification number. A U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. birth certificate and certain DHS and USCIS documents can prove identity and age.
Source: [12]
Proof of residency
For a REAL ID, a utility bill (not a cell phone bill), a bank or credit card statement, a pay stub or a school document must be dated within 60 days. An insurance bill, card or binder must be dated within 6 months. Documents showing only a PO Box or HC address cannot be used as proof of residency.
Source: [12] [13]
Originals and translations
The REAL ID FAQ and the REAL ID document list say documents must be original or certified copies. Check the list for your license type. Documents not in English must come with a written English translation, certified by the translator as a full and complete translation.
Source: [5] [12] [13]
If your name changed
If the name on your identity document is not your current legal name, you must provide all the linking name change documents that show a clear trail of name changes. These can be marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption records or court orders.
Source: [12] [21]
If you are under 18
Applicants under 18 may use membership in a New Mexico religious or sports organization, or a parent or guardian affidavit of residency, as proof of residency. The MVD provides an Affidavit of New Mexico Residency form (MVD10021) for applicants under 18.
Source: [12] [22]

REAL ID

How to recognize it
New Mexico driver licenses and ID cards that bear the gold star and were issued after November 14, 2016 are REAL ID compliant.
Source: [12]
When you need one
A REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable ID, is needed for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, military base or nuclear facility. The Standard license will not be accepted for them. You need a REAL ID if you intend to use your license or ID for those purposes. For them you may also use a valid U.S. passport, a military ID or another federally approved identification.
Source: [12]
Standard or REAL ID
New Mexico offers two options, and both are valid for driving. For a Standard license, no fingerprints and no Social Security number are ever needed.
Source: [12]
How to get one
You must come into an MVD office for your next license renewal to get a REAL ID. If you renew your current license to get a REAL ID for the first time, follow the requirements for applying for a new driver license. The MVD can issue a REAL ID only after it has electronically verified the legal status and identification number documents. Your current legal name, not a nickname, is listed on a REAL ID. The REAL ID Companion tool helps you identify the documents you need.
Source: [6] [12]

At the MVD Field Office

Appointments and hours
The MVD’s Maps & Locations page says appointments are required for most offices. State field offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can use the MVD online services to schedule an appointment or to process a transaction online.
Source: [10]
Fees
This guide does not give fee amounts, because they change. Ask the MVD before you go. The links on this page lead to its locations page.
Source: [10]
The written test is not given late
State offices typically do not allow the written test to be taken after 3 p.m., so the applicant has enough time to finish it.
Source: [5]
Your photo
The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual says a customer who wears eyeglasses removes them for the driver license photo.
Source: [16]

The tests

Which tests you take
A first-time New Mexico applicant takes an eye exam, a written (knowledge) test and a road test. An applicant with a current license from another state or country takes the eye exam. The written test can also be required if a license has expired. The MVD’s pages do not give the same time period for this, so check with the MVD.
Source: [2] [5] [11]
The vision test
The eye exam measures that you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Source: [1]
The written (knowledge) test: passing score
The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual says the passing score on the Class D and M written tests is 70% or better.
Source: [17]
The written (knowledge) test: where and how
The test material is the New Mexico Driver Manual, which the MVD publishes in English and Spanish. For the instructional permit, the knowledge exam may also be given by an MVD-contracted driver education school. Scores on non-commercial knowledge exams are valid for five years, according to an MVD policy notice.
Source: [3] [15] [18]
If you fail
An applicant who fails the non-commercial knowledge test may retake it right away, even the same day, but may not take it more than twice in a single week. A waiting period applies after repeated failures. A road test cannot be retaken the same day; you must wait at least one week.
Source: [16] [17] [18]
The road test: who takes it
A first-time applicant, and anyone whose license has been expired over five years, must pass the road test. It is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license.
Source: [2] [5]
The road test: your vehicle
The MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual says you must provide the vehicle for the road test. The vehicle must:
- be of the same class as the license you are applying for;
- be properly registered, insured and in good working condition, with the current registration certificate in the vehicle and proof of insurance;
- pass the examiner’s pre-test inspection before the test begins.
Source: [17]
The road test: the day
Children or pets should not be in the vehicle during the test, and no other passengers is strongly recommended. Road tests are not given under hazardous road conditions.
Source: [17]
The road test: what ends or fails it
According to the MVD’s Driver Procedures Manual, more than 30 points deducted is a failing grade. The examiner also stops the road test if you:
- do not know how to start the vehicle;
- fail to connect the seat belt before putting the vehicle in gear;
- speed 15 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or run a red light or stop sign; or
- refuse to perform a maneuver that is part of the prescribed driving test.
Source: [17]

After you pass

Your temporary license
A first-time applicant is issued a temporary license while the regular license is made and mailed. Staff at any Field Office can issue your temporary driver license. The same goes for a license renewal or replacement.
Source: [11]
Your old license
An out-of-state license or a prior New Mexico ID card is hole-punched and may be used together with the temporary license, as identification only, for up to 45 days from the date of issue.
Source: [11]

Keeping your license

How long a license lasts
A New Mexico driver license is generally issued for 4 or 8 years. Older drivers must renew every year; the MVD’s pages do not give the same age for this, so check with the MVD.
Source: [1] [2] [16] [21]
Renewing
A license may be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. You may be required to take a vision test, a knowledge test and, in special cases, a driving test. If you apply earlier than 90 days before the expiration date, you get a replacement identical to your current license, so unless your license was lost or stolen, waiting for the 90-day window is recommended.
Source: [1] [6]
Renewing online
Renewing or replacing a REAL ID or Standard license can be done online. Some people may be eligible to get a Standard license online instead of in an office. Documents are required to renew a license that expired before November 15, 2016, or when you are going from a non-REAL ID license to a REAL ID.
Source: [6] [12] [21]
If your license has expired
An expired license can mean taking the written test again. The MVD’s pages do not give the same time period for this, so check with the MVD before you go.
Source: [5] [11]
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your New Mexico driver license is lost or stolen and you want your replacement to have a different driver license number, you must notify the police department and file a report, then bring a copy of the police report and a signed statement asking for a new number to an MVD Field Office. Otherwise, a license replacement can be done online. When you apply for a replacement, you are issued a temporary license while the regular one is made and mailed.
Source: [6] [7] [11]
Changing your address
A licensed driver who moves must notify the MVD of the new address within 10 days. The MVD offers an online address change, and a signed paper Change of Address form is the other option. The form must be signed for the update to occur. If you want your new address printed on your license or ID card, you must come into an MVD Field Office and get a new license or ID card.
Source: [8]
Changing your name
The MVD may accept these documents to verify a name change on a New Mexico driver license or ID card: a marriage license, a court order, a divorce decree, or a birth certificate (for name corrections only). The Documents to bring section has more on name-change documents.
Source: [12] [21]
Keeping your license safe from suspension
You must drive safely at all times to keep your driver license. Twelve or more points within a twelve-month period mean a one-year suspension. If a police or traffic officer asks you to take a blood alcohol test and you refuse, you can lose your license for one year.
Source: [1]
Online services
Some MVD business can be done without visiting a Field Office, through MVD Online Services.
Source: [21]

ID card

Getting an ID card
You must go into an MVD Field Office to get your New Mexico identification card. You are issued a temporary ID card while your regular card is processed and mailed.
Source: [9]
Which documents
A REAL ID card needs the same three groups of documents as a REAL ID license. A non-compliant Standard ID card needs a proof of identity and two proofs of New Mexico residency; the Standard document list says which documents count.
Source: [9] [14]
Mobile ID
An eligible ID can be added to a phone wallet as a Mobile ID. Adding it is optional and free of charge. New Mexico residents still need to carry a physical ID for law enforcement and for places that require proof of age but do not yet accept Mobile IDs.
Source: [19]

Official links

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Sources

New Mexico Driver Manual (file ver. 11.19.19) (realfile.tax.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Driver’s Licenses & IDs (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Apply for a Learner’s Permit (New Drivers: Graduated Driver Licensing) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Drivers Educational Info (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Apply for a New Driving Credential (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Renew a Driving Credential (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Replace a Lost or Stolen Driving Credential (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Change Your Address (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
ID Cards (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Maps & Locations (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Driver’s Licenses / IDs: How to get a New Mexico Driver License (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
NM REAL ID (REAL ID FAQ) (realid.mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
List of Acceptable Documents for REAL ID Issuance (version 8/12/2020) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
List of Acceptable Documents for Standard Driver’s License / ID Issuance (revised March 10, 2023) (realfile.tax.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
MVD Procedures Manuals (study materials for the knowledge test) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Driver Procedures Manual, Chapter 2: Non-Commercial License (revised December 2017; internal clerk procedures) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Driver Procedures Manual, Chapter 11: Road and Written Test Requirements (revised December 2017/September 2021; internal clerk procedures) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Knowledge (Written) Examination Changes (MVD policy, May 2016) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
New Mexico Mobile ID (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Transferring to New Mexico with DWI (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Frequently Asked Questions (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
Drivers Forms (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division

How to get a driver's license in New Mexico

How it works

Who does what

Who needs a license

Under 18 or 18 and older

Two kinds of license

Under 18: the steps to a license

The three stages

Step 1: apply for the instructional permit

Step 1: driver education

Step 1: who rides with you

Step 1: how long you hold the permit

Step 2: apply for the provisional license

Step 2: how long you hold the provisional license

Step 3: the unrestricted license

Rules for young drivers

Limits on the provisional license

Exceptions to the night-driving limit

What counts as a traffic violation

Alcohol under 21

Age 18 and older

Your first license

Ages 18 to 24

Age 25 and older with a DWI conviction

If your driving privileges are suspended

Under 18

Moving to New Mexico

Your old license

Tests with an out-of-state license

DWI records check

If you were convicted of DWI in another state

A license from another country

If you are under 18

Visitors

Documents to bring

Two kinds of license, two lists

For a REAL ID license

For a Standard license

Date of birth

Examples of what is accepted

Proof of residency

Originals and translations

If your name changed

If you are under 18

REAL ID

How to recognize it

When you need one

Standard or REAL ID

How to get one

At the MVD Field Office

Appointments and hours

Fees

The written test is not given late

Your photo

The tests

Which tests you take

The vision test

The written (knowledge) test: passing score

The written (knowledge) test: where and how

If you fail

The road test: who takes it

The road test: your vehicle

The road test: the day

The road test: what ends or fails it

After you pass

Your temporary license

Your old license

Keeping your license

How long a license lasts

Renewing

Renewing online

If your license has expired

Replacing a lost or stolen license

Changing your address

Changing your name

Keeping your license safe from suspension

Online services

ID card

Getting an ID card

Which documents