Is it time to renew your New Mexico driver’s license?
If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’re going to walk you through a complete guide on New Mexico driver’s license renewal. We’ll talk about the different renewal methods, the eligibility requirements, and all the steps.
We won’t skip anything — in turn, you won’t be left with any questions.
So let’s get started!
How to Renew A Driver’s License in New Mexico
Unlike most states that offer 3 renewal methods, New Mexico only has 2:
- Online
- In Person
Thankfully, both are super easy to complete.
Let’s walk you through the steps.
How to Renew A New Mexico Driver’s License Online
Everyone’s after convenience nowadays — and there’s nothing more convenient than an online renewal.
Imagine — you can renew your driver’s license without leaving the house.
However, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. See which items on the list below apply to you:
- You’re between 18 and 75 years old.
- You don’t have any pending traffic violations. It also applies to arrest warrants connected to traffic violations.
- Your license has expired less than a year ago (if it’s past its expiration date)
- You had your picture taken at an MVD office after 2008
If you checked everything off, then you’re qualified for online renewal.
Here are the steps:
- Prepare the following information:
- The number of your New Mexico driver’s license or ID Card
- Last four digits of an ID (you can use your SSN, Matricula, or Passport)
- Go to MyMVD Online Services.
- Follow all the prompts and encode all the necessary information.
- Pay for the appropriate free:
- $18 for a 4-year license
- $34 for an 8-year license
- $10 for a 4-year ID card
- $18 for an 8-year ID card
- Wait for your new license to arrive through the mail. However, you can print a temporary one and use that to drive.
Easy peasy!
How to Renew A New Mexico Driver’s License In-Person
If you don’t qualify for online renewal – don’t fret.
Renewing your New Mexico driver’s license in person is pretty simple, too.
Just follow these steps:
- Gather the following:
- Your New Mexico-issued driver’s license
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in New Mexico
- Proof of valid Social Security Number (for REAL ID-compliant licenses)
NOTE: You don’t have to provide the proof documents mentioned above IF your driver’s license was issued AFTER November 15, 2016, AND you are renewing the same type of license (REAL ID or non-REAL ID).
- Schedule a visit to an MVD office.
- On your appointment, submit the necessary documents.
- Pass a vision screening.
- Pass the written test (if your license expired more than a year ago).
- Pass the driving test (if your license expired more than 5 years ago).
- Pay the necessary fees:
- $18 for a 4-year license
- $34 for an 8-year license
- $10 for a 4-year ID card
- $18 for an 8-year ID card
- Surrender your current driver’s license
- Receive your temporary license. Your new credential will arrive by mail.
Sure, the steps are a lot more — but, as you can see, it isn’t complicated at all.
FAQs
Need to know more? Then let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about New Mexico driver’s license renewal.
When does my driver’s license expire in New Mexico?
Most driver’s licenses in New Mexico expire after 4 or 8 years.
However, those who are 79 and older receive 1-year licenses. That means they’ll have to undergo the renewal process annually.
When can you renew your driver’s license in New Mexico?
Remember, New Mexico’s MVD does not send a renewal notice. It’s your responsibility to mark the date when your license expires.
Fortunately, New Mexico allows you to begin your driver’s license renewal early. The MVD will process your request if it’s within 90 days of your credential’s expiry date.
Is there a grace period for expired driver’s licenses in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico is one of the states that provides drivers with a grace period. It means you can drive for a period (in this case, 30 days) with an expired license without worrying about a law enforcement officer pulling you over.
However, once the 30 days pass, driving with an expired license becomes a misdemeanor. For that, you may have to pay a fine of up to $300 and spend some time behind bars.
What documents do I need to renew my NM driver’s license?
Usually, you only need to bring your current New Mexico driver’s license and another form of ID.
However, if you want to ensure that your renewal goes through, you can bring several documents. These must prove the following:
- Your identity
- A federal identification number (like your Social Security Number)
- Your residence in New Mexico
Can I renew my NM driver’s license by mail?
Unfortunately, New Mexico doesn’t offer a renewal-by-mail option. If you prefer a convenient approach, see if you can complete the process online.
Can NM seniors renew a driver’s license online?
Yes, you can renew your New Mexico driver’s license online even after turning the big 60. However, this option only remains available until you turn 75 years old. Afterward, you’ll have to do it in person.
How much does it cost to renew your driver’s license in New Mexico?
The renewal fee will depend on what type of license you hold and how long its validity is.
Here is a breakdown of all the fees:
- For a 4-year license – $18
- For an 8-year license – $34
- For a 4-year ID card – $10
- For an 8-year ID card – $18
The Wrap Up
And there you have it — your complete guide to New Mexico driver’s license renewal.
Now, if your NM driver’s license is about to expire, see first whether you are eligible for online renewal. If you are, then GREAT!
If not, don’t worry — we listed all the steps to renewing your NM driver’s license in person. And you’ll be glad to know that it’s very easy, too.
So go ahead and get renewing!