License Renewal in New Mexico

In New Mexico, your driver's license will be valid for a specific period of time. You'll need to make sure you renew your driver's license with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before it expires to continue driving legally in the state.

REAL ID UPDATE

The New Mexico MVD has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in place of standard driver’s licenses. To receive one, you'll need to renew in person—your required documents upon renewal are still the same. See Renewing Your NM Driver's License below for details.

For information about other types of driver's licenses or permits, please visit our following pages:

Check Your NM Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in New Mexico? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

If you've already renewed you license, you can check the renewal status by contacting the NM MVD.

When to Renew

Depending on when you first applied or last renewed your driver's license, it will expire in either 4 years or 8 years. If you're 79 years old or older, you'll have to renew your driver's license every year.

You can renew your NM driver's license up to 90 days before it expires, and the NM MVD gives you a “grace period" of 30 days after it expires. After that, you can't drive legally until you renew.

Expired Driver's License

If you let your NM driver's license remain expired for 5 years or longer, you will be required to re-take a written test when you eventually renew. If your driver's license has been expired for 5 years or longer, the New Mexico MVD will require you to re-take your driving exam.

To get specific details about your driver's license status, you can obtain a copy of your New Mexico driving record.

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Renewing Your NM Driver's License

You can renew your New Mexico driver's license online, if eligible, or in person at an MVD field office. After you complete the process, you can expect to receive your driver's license in the mail.

REAL ID REQUIREMENTS

If you do not yet have a REAL ID license, you must apply in person. The required documents are the same as applying for a new driver's license.

Online

To be eligible for online renewal of your NM driver's license, you must:

  • Be 18 years old.
  • Have conducted your last renewal in person.
  • Have a non-commercial driver's license.
  • Have your Social Security number (SSN) on file with the NM Motor Vehicle Division.
  • Not have any changes to your vision or medical condition since your last renewal.
  • Not have any outstanding traffic tickets or arrest warrants.
  • Have a driver's license that is expiring within 1 year or has been expired for less than 1 year, and issued AFTER November 12, 2016.

If you're eligible, visit the MVD's online services page. Make sure you have:

  • Your NM driver's license number.
  • The last 4 digits of your SSN.
  • Payment for your renewal fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your NM Driver's License" below.
  • A printer for your temporary driver's license.

NOTE: You can also sign up as an organ donor and register to vote during this process.

When you're finished, you will be able to print a temporary license that is valid for 45 days. Your driver's license will arrive by mail.

In Person

If you're not eligible for online renewal, you'll need to visit your local New Mexico MVD office and:

  • Make sure to have your current NM driver's license.
  • Bring proof of your identity.*
  • Pay the appropriate fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your NM Driver's License" below.
  • Take a vision exam.
  • Pass both the written and driving tests, if applicable.

The MVD will mail you your hard copy driver's license. Until you receive it, they'll give you a temporary license to use for 45 days. If you don't receive your driver's license during this time, contact the NM MVD directly.

*NOTE: DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

Out-of-State Residents & Military Members

If you're out of state temporarily and need to renew your New Mexico driver's license, you can simply renew online (if eligible). See “ Renew Your New Mexico Driver's License" above.

If you are not eligible to renew your driver's license online, you'll need to wait until you return to NM to renew it in person.

Out-of-State Military Members

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're an active-duty military member stationed out of state—or a spouse or dependent of one—your NM driver's license will remain valid until the 31st day after your discharge or return to New Mexico. This also applies if you are in NM temporarily on leave status.

Once you return to New Mexico, visit your local MVD office in person with:

  • Your NM driver's license.
  • Your NM driver's license and discharge papers.

For more information, please see our Drivers in the Military page.

Fees to Renew Your NM Driver's License

The amount you must pay to renew your Class O driver's license in New Mexico will depend on the length of your renewal:

  • 4 years: $18.
  • 8 years: $34.

NOTE: If you are 79 years old or older, you won't need to pay a renewal fee.

Acceptable Payment Methods

New Mexico MVD offices accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover).

Online renewals must be paid by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card only.

We recommend you contact your local New Mexico MVD office for specific details on how to pay your driver's license renewal fees.

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