New to New Mexico

SUMMARY: New Residents to New Mexico

To obtain a New Mexico driver's license/ID card and register your car in the state, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. You'll need to provide some documentation as well as payment for the required fees. As a new resident to New Mexico, you can also register as an organ donor and register to vote.

This guide will help you find all the information you need to complete your New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) transactions.

New Mexico State Departments

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the state's vehicle and licensing agency. Through the MVD, you can complete numerous tasks that include, but are not limited to:

  • Applying for a driver's license or state ID card.
  • Registering your vehicle.
  • Obtaining a handicapped parking permit or license plate.
  • Ordering your driver history record.
  • Changing your address.

You may also interact with the Office of the Secretary of State, should you choose to register to vote in any New Mexico elections.

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

NM Driver's License/ID Card

Once you move to New Mexico, you must surrender your out-of-state driver's license and obtain a NM driver's license immediately. You will need to visit your local MVD office in person and provide various documents. Depending on whether your have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you may need to pass the written and/or driving tests.

For more information, visit our Applying for a New License page.

Teen Drivers

If you're a teenager, you can transfer your driver's license over as long as you've had driving training in your previous state that meets the NM graduated driver licensing (GDL) program requirements. See our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) page for more information.

NOTE: If you need a New Mexico commercial driver's license (CDL), you can find application instructions on our Applying for a New CDL page.

Identification Cards

If you don't plan on driving in NM, you can apply for an identification card from the MVD instead. This can be used to prove your age, name, and address. For application instructions, see our Identification Cards page.

Register Your Car in New Mexico

If you're bringing your out-of-state car to New Mexico with you, you must have it registered with the NM MVD within 30 days of becoming a resident.

You will need to have your car inspected and take all required documents—including your certificate of title and proof of car insurance—to your local NM MVD office. For complete instructions, see our Car Registration in New Mexico page.

Special Vehicles

If you own a motorhome, moped, or other unique vehicle, your registration process and licensing requirements may differ. See our Special Vehicles page for more information.

Required Car Insurance

Before the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will register your car, you will need to show proof that you have car insurance in the state. To compare quotes and find the best policy for you, visit our Car Insurance page.

Required Inspections

Depending on what New Mexico county you live in, you may be required to undergo an emissions inspection. Check whether your car must be inspected before registration by reading our Car Inspections in NM page.

Organ Donation & Voter Registration

If you were a registered organ donor in your previous state, you will need to re-register in New Mexico to remain on the organ donor registry. If you weren't registered and would like more information about how organ donations help many lives, you can find out more on our Organ Donation page.

If you'd like to be able to vote in any upcoming elections in NM, you'll need to register to vote in the state. Learn how on our Voter Registration page.

Military Members Stationed in New Mexico

If you're an active-duty military member in NM temporarily to fulfill your duties, you may be exempt from some of the state's licensing and registration requirements. Our Military Drivers page has more information about what benefits you and your spouse and/or dependents may have.

DMV Office Locations & Resources

Our DMV Office Finder will help you locate any MVD office in New Mexico. All you have to do is enter your zip.

You may like to get to know the state's road rules before you hit the road by reading the MVD's driving manuals:

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