Drivers license renewals in New Mexico must be submitted in person or online. Depending on your age and eligibility, your license may be valid for one, two, four or eight years. Similarly, your age and the type of license being purchased will affect the cost of the card.
DMV license renewals may be completed several months before the expiration date and up to 30 days afterwards. Additional tests and fees may be applied to late renewals. New Mexico issues REAL ID cards to eligible applicants. Residents must provide the correct documentation to qualify for a REAL ID license and apply in person.
Note: To find out your driver’s license expiration date, locate it on the front of your card. Your driver’s license expiration date is also your date of birth.
Drivers license renewal cards are only available to eligible applicants. If you are renewing your license and purchasing a REAL ID card or a driving authorization card, you must follow the same steps as if you are applying for the first time. Residents looking to renew drivers licenses online must meet all of the state’s requirements listed below:
All DMV license renewal documents must be in English or translated into English before being submitted in person. Applications for REAL ID cards and driving authorization cards may require different identification documents.
Residents cannot submit a NM DMV license renewal application if they fail to provide the correct documentation. Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be renewed in the state of New Mexico.
Furthermore, a license cannot be renewed without taking additional testing if it has been expired for more than one year.
You may renew your current driver’s license up to 90 days before the expiration date. Alternatively, you are allowed to renew an expired drivers license up to 30 days after the expiration date. However, additional documents and fees may be applied.
The state of New Mexico allows DMV license renewals to be processed online or at a DMV office. NM DMV hours of operation vary between locations.
Applications to renew drivers licenses online must be completed through the state’s DMV website. Follow the below steps if you are eligible to renew your license online:
Once processed, your new license will be sent to the address on file at the DMV.
Drivers license renewal applications may be processed in person at a local DMV office. If you are renewing a valid NM license, you are required to bring your current license and identifying documents with you to the DMV. However, if you are renewing an expired drivers license, you must complete additional steps. Follow the below guidelines to submit a renewal application in person.
NOTE: If you cannot prove your legal status, your license will be valid for two years.
Active members of the military may submit a drivers license renewal application by mail if they are stationed outside of New Mexico. However, licenses held by active military members remain valid for the duration of their service. Therefore, you do not need to submit a renewal until 31 days after you have been discharged. If you wish to renew your drivers license by mail while out-of-state, complete the following steps.
REAL ID cards may be purchased during a DMV license renewal application if additional documentation is provided. REAL ID cards will be the only form of license accepted on domestic flights after 2020. Follow the below steps to submit a license renewal application in person and receive a new REAL ID card:
REAL ID cards do not cost more than a standard renewal. Once a DMV license renewal has been processed, you may use the state’s online system to track your order. All documents must be the original version or certified copies.
Drivers license renewal fees must be paid for in full. Fees vary and are based on the length of the license. A four-year license costs $18, while an eight-year license costs $34. Applicants over the age of 79 will not be charged a renewal fee. However, they must renew their licenses every year.
Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.