I'm a new resident in New Mexico: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from New Mexico. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in New Mexico

Each rule comes from the New Mexico driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Tests when you transfer a license

  With a current out-of-state license: eye exam only; no written test or road test.

  What the manual says

  • 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.

  • 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: [1] [2]

• Liability insurance

  Liability insurance is required. Minimums: $25,000 injury to one person, $50,000 to two or more, $10,000 property.

  What the manual says

  • The law's minimum amount for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident is $25,000.
  • The law's minimum amount for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident is $50,000.
  • The law's minimum amount for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident is $10,000.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 35

• Change of address

  A licensed driver who moves must notify the MVD of the new address within 10 days.

  What the manual says

  • 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: [3]

• How long the license lasts

  A driver license is valid for either 4 or 8 years.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says a driver license is valid for either 4 or 8 years.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 2

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  Provisional license: no driving midnight-5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 21+, or to/from work (employer's signed statement).

  What the manual says

  • A provisional license allows driving without supervision except during the hours of midnight and 5:00 AM.
  • A provisional licensee may drive at any hour when accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one years or older.
  • Driving to and from work is allowed at any hour when shown by a signed statement from the licensee's employer.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 1, 2

• Passengers for teen drivers

  Provisional license: without a licensed driver 21+, at most one non-family passenger under 21.

  What the manual says

  • Without a licensed driver 21 or older in the vehicle, a provisional licensee may not have more than one other passenger under 21 who is not immediate family.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 1

• Alcohol limit under 21

  Drivers under 21 can be arrested at a BAC of .02%, which could mean a 6-month license revocation.

  What the manual says

  • In New Mexico, a driver under 21 also can be arrested for a BAC at .02%.

  • 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: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 29

  Source: [4] [5]

• Refusing a chemical test

  Refusing a BAC test when an officer asks can cost you your driver license for one year.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says that refusing a BAC test can cost you your driver license for one year.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 29

• Seat belts

  It is illegal to drive without wearing safety belts; all children under 12 need appropriate restraints.

  What the manual says

  • The manual states that in New Mexico it is illegal to drive without wearing safety belts.
  • The law requires all children under the age of 12 to wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3

• Child safety seats

  Under 12: safety restraints; under 24 months or 60 pounds: approved safety device; rear seat advised.

  What the manual says

  • The law requires all children under the age of 12 to wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Children under 24 months, or weighing less than 60 pounds, must be secured in an approved safety device.
  • The manual says children should be secured in the rear seat.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3

• Phone use while driving

  In some towns it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is hands-free.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says it is illegal in some towns to use a cell phone while driving unless you are using a hands-free device.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 30

• School buses

  Stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, either side or at intersections, unless oncoming beyond a median/barrier.

  What the manual says

  • You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side or at an intersection you are approaching.
  • You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you and a median or other physical barrier separates the roadway.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 12

• Headlights

  Turn headlights on when it begins to get dark, and whenever you turn on your windshield wipers.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says to turn on your headlights when it begins to get dark, and that turning them on a little early helps other drivers see you.
  • The manual says that if you turn on your wipers, you should turn on your headlights, because they make your vehicle easier to see in rain, snow or fog.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 18

• Right turn on red

  Right on red after a full stop if safe; left on red one-way to one-way; both unless prohibited.

  What the manual says

  • You may turn right on red after coming to a full stop if it is safe and no sign prohibits turning on red.
  • The manual says that, besides turning right on red, you may also turn left from a one-way street into another one-way street unless prohibited.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 4, 16

• Speed limits

  Unless posted: 30 mph business or residential areas, 55 mph public highways, 75 mph rural interstates.

  What the manual says

  • The maximum speed in business or residential areas is 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
  • The maximum speed on public highways is 55 mph unless posted otherwise.
  • The maximum speed on rural interstate highways is 75 mph unless posted otherwise.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 12

• Left lane and keeping right

  On roads with two or more same-direction lanes, stay in the right lane except to pass.

  What the manual says

  • On a road with two or more lanes in the same direction, you should stay in the right lane except to pass.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 10

• Points and suspension

  Twelve or more points within a twelve-month period mean a one-year license suspension.

  What the manual says

  • If a driver has twelve or more points within a twelve-month period, the driver's license will be suspended for one year.

  Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 14

Official steps for moving to New Mexico

• 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: [1]

• 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: [1] [2]

• DWI records check

  State law requires a DWI records check on all drivers moving to New Mexico from out of state.

  Source: [1]

• 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: [6]

• 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: [1] [7] [2]

• 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: [7]

• 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: [7]

Sources

1. Apply for a New Driving Credential (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
2. 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
3. Change Your Address (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
4. New Mexico Driver Manual (file ver. 11.19.19) (realfile.tax.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
5. Apply for a Learner’s Permit (New Drivers: Graduated Driver Licensing) (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
6. Transferring to New Mexico with DWI (mvd.newmexico.gov) — New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division
7. 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