How to Get a New Mexico Driver’s License

Getting a driver’s license in the Land of Enchantment involves different processes and paperwork, but don’t get discouraged! This article will teach you everything you need to know to obtain an NM driver’s license, commercial license, motorcycle license, and REAL ID. It’s time to discuss some important info. Let’s get started!

Types of New Mexico Driver’s Licenses

In New Mexico, there are different driver’s available licenses, such as the following:

Instructional Permit
Provisional License
Motorcycle License
Non-Commercial Driver’s License
Commercial Driver’s License (Class A, B, or C)

New Mexico Driver’s License Requirements

To apply for an NM driver’s license, you can NOT have any suspensions, revocations, denials, or driving privileges from ANY state. Other driving requirements in New Mexico are based on your age and previous driving history.

Drivers Who Are 18-24 Years Old

If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 and applying for your initial New Mexico driver’s license, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department (NM MVD) requires you to complete the “None for the Road” DWI prevention class. This course is a self-study course that is administered by the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center. For more information and an application, you can call (505) 277-0051 if you are in or around Albuquerque or (505) 277-0051 for statewide access.

Drivers Who Are at Least 25 Years Old

As long as you have NOT been convicted of a DWI, there are no extra requirements for drivers who are at least 25 years when you are applying for a new NM driver’s license. You will follow the same steps required to apply for an NM driver’s license.

Applying for Your New Mexico Driver’s License

If you have never been licensed in ANY state, you first need to get a learner’s permit to practice driving while supervised BEFORE completing the road test.

When you’re ready, you need to do the following:

Bring the appropriate documents:
- 1 document that proves your social security number
- 1 document proving your identity
- 2 documents that prove your NM residency (do not bring highlighted documents, the NM MVD will reject them) You can only use one residency document from each listed category
Provide proof that you have met the NM DWI course requirements (if you are between 18 and 24 years old, or if you are over 25 years old and have been convicted of a DWI).
Pass the NM written permit test (you can NOT take the test after 3 PM)
Take and pass the NM:
- Vision test
- Written permit test
- Driving test (you must schedule an appointment to take the road test)
Pay the applicable fees (fees are based on your license validity:
- 4 years: $18
- 8 years: $34
- New residents pay an additional one-time $15 fee for a DWI record check

After you meet the above requirements, the NM MVD will issue you a temporary driver’s license. Your permanent driver’s license will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on the application.

All documents that are in a foreign language are required to be translated into English and be certified as fully translated by the translator. You will also need to submit the original documents with the translated versions.

Drivers who are at least 79 years old must renew their licenses every year. However, no renewal fees will apply.

Acceptable Identification Documents in New Mexico

When you’re applying for your New Mexico driver’s license, there are different documents you can use to prove your identity, such as:

Birth certificate
Passport
Armed forces ID cards
Certificate of Naturalization
Permanent resident card
Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)

Examples of true full-name verification documents can include the following:

Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after the name change
Marriage certificate
Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order

Examples of acceptable residency documents can include the following:

Resident utility bills (this includes cell phone bills)
Insurance documents
New Mexico vehicle or vessel title or registration
A record of a financial institution (bank statement)

Obtaining a New Mexico Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

The NM MVD requires drivers who are younger than 18 years of age to adhere to the rules and requirements of the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program to receive their driver’s license.

You will need to complete a Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) course and obtain your New Mexico learner’s permit.

Teenage Drivers Who Are New Residents of New Mexico

If you recently moved to NM, you are required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license after you establish residency in this state.

You need to visit your local NM MVD branch and do the following:

Provide:
- 1 document that proves your Social Security number
- 1 document that proves your identity
- 2 documents that prove your NM residency

DO NOT bring highlighted documents because the NM MVD will reject them.

Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license
Pass the vision exam
Pass the written knowledge test (if your out-of-state driver’s license has expired for at least 1 year)
Pass the road skills test (if your out-of-state driver’s license has expired for more than 5 years)
Pay the $15 DWI record check fee
Pay the NM licensing fee:
- 4 years: $18
- 8 years: $34

The New Mexico Graduated Licensing Program

The New Mexico MVD requires all new drivers who are under 18 years old to complete each phase of the GDL program BEFORE obtaining a full, unrestricted New Mexico driver’s license.

The NM GDL program is designed to expose teenagers to common traffic situations and help them improve their driving skills to safely operate a motor vehicle. The GDL program consists of the following phases:

Instructional permit
Provisional driver’s license
Full, unrestricted driver’s license

You will also be required to complete a Driver’s Ed course as a part of the GDL process.

New Mexico Age Requirements

The NM GDL program has age requirements for each of its 2 stages, such as:

Instructional permit: 15 years old
Provisional driver’s license: 15 ½ years old
Full, unrestricted driver’s license: Eligible after attaining your provisional driver’s license for 12 months

New Mexico Learner’s Permit

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a New Mexico instructional permit. To apply, you need to visit your local NM MVD branch and do the following:

Provide proof of enrollment in an approved Driver’s Ed program (with a referral card)
Show proof of your:
- Identity
- Social Security number
- NM residency
Pass the NM vision test
Pass the NM MVD knowledge exam
Pay the $10 NM learner’s permit fee

Your parent or guardian must sign your application. Do NOT submit highlighted documents because the NM MVD will NOT accept them.

New Mexico Instructional Permit Restrictions and Driving Practice

While you have your NM instructional permit, you are ONLY allowed to operate a motor vehicle while you are accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old and has attained their driver’s license for at least 3 years.

Before you can proceed to the provisional license stage of the NM GDL program, you are required to do the following:

Attain your NM instructional permit for at least 6 months
Complete an approved Driver’s Ed course in New Mexico
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of these hours must be driven at night)
Be violation-free for 90 days before you apply for your provisional license

The NM MVD will add 30 days to the 6 months you’re required to attain your NM learner’s permit for each traffic violation you receive.

New Mexico Provisional License

To be eligible to receive an NM provisional driver’s license, you must:

Be at least 15 ½ years old
Completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (including 10 hours of night driving)
Attained your NM instructional permit for at least 6 months
Not received a conviction for a traffic violation within the last 90 days

You will need to visit your local NM MVD branch and provide the following:

Your Driver’s Ed Certificate of Completion (your Driver’s Ed course must include the DWI component that lasts 3 hours)
A GDL driving log that shows you have completed the required driving practice
Pass the NM MVD driving test (if you passed an NM MVD-approved Driver’s Ed course with an NM MVD road skills exam or driving test, you can provide a record of completion with passing scores)
Pay the $18 NM provisional license fee

You are required to attain your provisional license for at least 12 months before you will be eligible to receive your full, unrestricted New Mexico driver’s license.

Also, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the provisional license application. Again, highlighted documents are NOT accepted by the NM MVD.

New Mexico Provisional License Restrictions

With an NM provisional driver’s license, you are required to follow these restrictions:

You may NOT transport more than 1 passenger who is under 21 years old unless they are an immediate family member
You may NOT operate a vehicle between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM

These restrictions are waived if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old accompanies you.

The NM MVD allows exceptions to this rule under specific circumstances that are related to school, employment, family, medical needs, or religious functions. However, you must carry a letter from your school, employer, parent or guardian, doctor, or religious official.

Full, Unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License

To apply for a full, unrestricted NM driver’s license, you need to have completed the requirements of obtaining an NM provisional driver’s license and NOT received ANY traffic violation within 90 days of your application.

Once you’ve had your provisional driver’s license for at least 12 months, you will be eligible to apply for an NM unrestricted driver’s license.

To apply, you must visit your local NM MVD branch and do the following:

Complete an NM driver’s license application (your parent or legal guardian must sign your application if you’re younger than 18 years old)
Pay the unrestricted driver’s license application fee:
- 4 years: $18
- 8 years: $34

The New Mexico Written Exam and Road Test

New Mexico residents are required to pass a written exam and a road test to be eligible to receive their driver’s license.

The New Mexico written exam

The New Mexico written exam consists of 25 questions, 18 of which you must answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 72%. The minimum age to apply for this test is 15.

Taking the New Mexico Road Test

The New Mexico road test is designed to ensure you can safely operate a motor vehicle. During this exam, you will be tested on your ability to turn, park, obey traffic laws, and perform standard maneuvers to operate a motor vehicle.

New Mexico Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses

There are three non-commercial driver’s license classes in New Mexico. We’ll explore each one.

Class D – allows you to operate ANY single vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) that does NOT exceed 26,001 lbs. You can also tow a vehicle that does NOT weigh more than 10,000 lbs. Also with a Class D driver’s license, you are allowed to operate a motorcycle if you have a “W”, “Y”, or “Z” endorsement.

Class E – earned by individuals who are exempt from the New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, which includes operators of the following:

Recreational vehicles
Firefighting vehicles
Farm or ranch vehicles

Class M – authorizes individuals to operate two or three-wheeled motorcycles. You MUST have one of the following endorsements for the Class M license to be valid:

New Mexico Non-Commercial Driver’s License Endorsements

An endorsement allows you to operate or drive a specific type of motor vehicle.

“W” Endorsement – a vehicle with an engine of at least 100 cubic centimeters or more piston displacement
“Y” Endorsement – an engine of 50 but less than 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement
“Z” Endorsement – an engine of less than 50 cubic centimeters or more piston displacement

If you would like to add an endorsement to your New Mexico driver’s license, you can apply at your local NM MVD office.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

Have you changed your name? If so, you will be required to provide documents that prove the name change is legal to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification (ID) card in your true full name.

If the name that appears on your ID card is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit documentation that established your true full name. Acceptable documents you can provide include the following:

A marriage certificate
Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of New Mexico?

There’s a lot of talk about REAL IDs and their purpose. The REAL ID was passed by Congress in 2005. This Act established the minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that can be used for official federal purposes.

Does New Mexico Meet Federal REAL ID Requirements?

Yes! New Mexico’s driver’s licenses and ID cards that are issued after November 14, 2016, will be REAL ID-compliant and bear a gold star.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in New Mexico?

No. Obtaining a REAL ID is OPTIONAL in New Mexico. However, if you plan on traveling by plane or entering certain facilities, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to enter.

If you have valid documents that are accepted by the TSA, you can use them to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installation at any time.

If you will NOT be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. Also, you are NOT required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following actions:

Operate a motor vehicle
Vote
Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

To apply for your REAL ID card in New Mexico, you need to do the following:

Provide proof of identity (certified birth certificate or passport) – click here for a list of acceptable documents
Provide 2 New Mexico residency documents – click here for a list of acceptable documents
Present proof of your Social Security number (SSN) – click here for a list of acceptable documents

Although these IDs are not required, they are good to have in many situations.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in New Mexico

If you’re wanting to enjoy the thousands of miles of highway throughout New Mexico and other states while driving an 18-wheeler, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

To receive your CDL in New Mexico, you’ll have to endure the licensing process that is overseen by the NM MVD and follow the national regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Important Federal Training Requirements Update

Per the new federal entry-level driver training requirements effective February 7, 2022, the New Mexico MVD now mandates new CDL applicants complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider.

You must complete this training before you can apply for your initial CDL, upgrade your existing CDL class, or apply for a HAZMAT, school bus, or passenger endorsement.

Eligibility Requirements for New Mexico CDLs

To qualify for a CDL, you must have a valid, non-commercial New Mexico driver’s license and meet the federally outlined age requirements. You can check these age requirements in the NM MVD CDL Manual found here.

You will also need documents that prove the following:

Social Security number (SSN)
Identity
U.S. Citizenship or permanent legal residency
NM residency

Highlighted documents are NOT accepted at ANY NM MVD branch.

New Mexico Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can receive your CDL, you must obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This process can be somewhat complicated, so you may want to complete a commercial driving education course first. Be advised that completing a commercial driving education course is NOT required by the FMCSA or the NM MVD.

When you’re ready, you can schedule an appointment with your local NM MVD office and prepare to do the following:

Have your medical paperwork ready to submit
Bring the appropriate identification documents (Do NOT bring highlighted documents)
Bring your current, valid NM driver’s license
Pay all applicable fees

You will also be required to take the written exams for the license classification you want, plus any endorsements you want to add to your license.

Once you meet the above requirements, you will be issued your CLP. Hooray!

New Mexico CLP Restrictions

While you have your CLP, you must follow a slightly different set of rules. Drivers who have a CLP will ONLY be allowed to operate commercial vehicles on public roads, and ONLY while they are accompanied by a full CDL holder who is licensed to operate the same type of commercial vehicle, per the FMCSA regulations.

You will also have to wait 14 days after receiving your CLP to schedule a skills test to earn your full CDL. If you’re not ready to complete the skills test at this time, no worries! Your CLP will be valid for 1 year.

Obtaining Your New Mexico CDL

The only step that stands between you and your CDL is the skills test. After at least 14 days have passed and you’re ready, you can schedule an appointment to complete the skills exam. All New Mexico skills exams are administered through third-party testers. You can check out this list of third-party providers on the FMCSA website here.

Make sure you ask if the tester provides a vehicle for you to complete the exam. If not, you must make arrangements to obtain a vehicle. The commercial vehicle must be the same type of vehicle you plan to operate with your CDL. If not, you could have a restriction placed on your license.

Make sure you bring the following:

Commercial learner’s permit
New Mexico license
Medical information (highlighted documents are NOT accepted)

The fees for taking the skills exam vary by the third-party tester. Make sure you ask how much you will be required to pay before leaving the branch.

When you arrive, you will complete the skills exam, which includes a:

Pre-trip inspection
Basic vehicle control test
On-road test

Once you pass the test, you will receive a sealed envelope with your results. DO NOT open the envelope. You must return to your local NM MVD branch and bring the following:

Sealed results
Driver’s license
Commercial learner’s permit
Payment for all applicable fees

Once you complete these steps, you will be an official New Mexico CDL holder. You did it! Congratulations!

New Mexico CDL Fees

The NM MVD currently charges the following for CDLs:

Valid for 4 years: $18
Valid for 8 years: $34

Be advised that the NM MVD may charge additional fees for processing your CLP. You can ask about any additional fees you may be required to pay when you schedule your CLP appointment.

Medical Requirements and Certification

All NM CDL applicants must be deemed physically fit BEFORE they can apply for the job. To meet the NM MVDs medical qualifications, you must complete the following:

A Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) – this form must be completed by an FMCSA-approved physician
A Driver Certification for Issuance of a Commercial Driver’s Permit or License (Form MVD11222) – click here. The form is listed under the Commercial Driver’s License forms.

New Mexico Military CDL Testing Waivers

If you are currently enlisted in the military or have recently been discharged, you may be eligible to have your skills test waived through the NM MVD program “Heroes to Highways”.

You may be eligible for a Military CDL Testing waiver if the following applies:

You’re an NM resident
You’re currently enlisted in a military position driving commercial vehicles, or you’ve been discharged from the position within 90 days of applying for your CDL

AND

You have experience driving commercial vehicles or the military equivalent for at least 2 years BEFORE applying for your NM CDL.

To apply, you must fill out the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form MVD-11198) click here to download the form. This form must be signed by your commanding officer. You will send the signed and completed form to the e-mail, fax, or mailing address that is provided on the form. As a reminder, highlighted documents are NOT accepted.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you plan on operating with the NM MVD by self-certifying one of the following driving categories:

Non-excepted interstate
Excepted interstate
Non-excepted intrastate
Excepted intrastate

Commercial Driver’s License Endorsements

You can add endorsements to your CDL to operate a variety of commercial vehicles.

Endorsements:

“H” – authorizes drivers to operate ANY vehicle that is used to transport hazardous materials. For renewal or replacement, re-testing will be required.
“N” – authorizes drivers to operate a tank vehicle with a capacity of at least 1,000 gallons used for hauling liquids in bulk
“P” – authorizes you to operate ANY vehicle that is intended to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver
“T” – authorizes the driver to operate combination vehicles that have double or triple trailers
“X” – authorizes the driver to operate ANY tank vehicle that is used to transport hazardous materials

Applying for a New Mexico Motorcycle License

New Mexico is full of natural wonders that seem perfect for a motorcycle ride. Before you can enjoy these scenic views on your motorcycle license, you must have a motorcycle license.

New Residents of New Mexico

Welcome! We’re glad to have you here! As a new resident, if you already have a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement from your previous state, you can transfer your credentials by visiting your local NM MVD branch and submitting the following:

Out-of-state license
Documents that prove the following:
- Identity
- NM residency
- Social Security number (SSN)
Payment for all applicable NM motorcycle licensing fees

Types of New Mexico Motorcycle Endorsements

The Class M driver’s license is the standard license for operating a motorcycle. A Class M motorcycle can also include the following endorsements:

“W” – allows you to ride any motorcycle that has 2 or 3 wheels and displaces at least 100cc
“Y” – allows you to operate a motorcycle that has 2 or 3 wheels and displaces between 50cc and 100cc
“Z” – allows you to operate ANY motorcycle that has 2 or 3 wheels and displaces less than 50cc

New Mexico Motorcycle License Eligibility

To qualify for a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your standard New Mexico driver’s license or permit, you must:

Meet the minimum age requirements:
- 13 years old: eligible to apply for a Class M license with a “Y” or “Z” endorsement
- 15 years old: Eligible to apply for a Class M license with a “W”, “Y”, or “Z” endorsement or the above endorsements added to your standard license or permit
Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course
- This course is OPTIONAL for riders who are at least 18 years old. However, anyone who chooses NOT to complete the course MUST pass the written and basic skills test.

Obtaining Your New Mexico Motorcycle License

Once you’ve met NMs motorcycle license eligibility requirements, you can visit your local NM MVD branch and present the following:

Either your:
- MSF course completion certificate or written proof that you’ve passed the NM MVD motorcycle written and road tests (if your age allows)
Proof of the following:
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Identity
- NM residency
Payment for all applicable NM motorcycle licensing fees

New Mexico Motorcycle Education

Completion of the Basic Rider Course is MANDATORY for motorcycle license and endorsement applicants, EXCEPT for riders who are at least 18 years old. If you are at least 18 years old, the Basic Rider Course is OPTIONAL.

Regardless of age, when you pass the course, you will be exempt from the written and basic skills test requirements with the NM MVD.

The Basic Rider Course teaches the following skills:

Strategizing the safest path for riding
Communicating with other drivers on the road
Making smooth turns and stops
Dealing with emergencies

You can sign up for an MSF course that is approved by the NM MVD through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website here.

New Mexico Motorcycle License Fees

The fees for motorcycle endorsements and licenses in New Mexico vary and are currently only available by contacting the NM MVD. You can contact your local NM MVD office for more information regarding motorcycle endorsements and licensing fees.

New Mexico MVD Locations

As you are probably aware, there are multiple Motor Vehicle Division branches across New Mexico where you can handle all of your driver’s license applications and transactions. Check out our list below to find an MVD near you.

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division – Albuquerque Branch
5565 4^th St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 341-2683
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 6 PM)
Saturday (9 AM – 3 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division – Santa Fe Branch
1100 S St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(888) 683-4636
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division – Alamogordo Branch
263 C Robert H. Bradley Dr.
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 437-9226
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)