New Mexico Driver's License

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs)

These licenses are designed for heavy, large, or passenger-carrying vehicle operators. The CDLs are divided into three classes: A, B, and C. The classes are tailored to different vehicle sizes and types of loads, adequately qualifying drivers for their specific vehicles.

Class A

It allows the driver to operate any vehicle combination with a gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the towed vehicle(s) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds.

Class B

This class grants the license holder the ability to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or such a vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C

A Class C license authorizes driving any single vehicle with a GVWR below 26,001 pounds or towing a vehicle that does not exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.

Non-Commercial License

Unlike the CDL, this license covers private passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. This category permits the holder to operate personal vehicles that do not require special endorsements.

Class D

Holders of this regular or standard license are authorized to drive any non-commercial vehicle with a gross weight under 26,001 pounds and tow another vehicle weighing no more than 10,000 pounds, provided the towing vehicle is as heavy or heavier than the vehicle being towed.

Class E (CDL Exempt)

This license is issued exclusively to individuals exempted from the requirements stipulated in the NM CDL Act, such as drivers of recreational vehicles, farm and ranch vehicles, and firefighting vehicles.

Class M (Motorcycle)

Drivers of this license type can operate a two or three-wheel motorcycle in the state. It is explicitly issued to those who only drive motorcycles and requires an endorsement to be valid. These endorsements are indicated below:

• W: It permits the operation of any two or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine displacement of 100 cubic centimeters or more.
• Y: Individuals given this endorsement are authorized to drive two or three-wheeled motorcycles with engine sizes ranging from 50 to 100 cubic centimeters.
• Z: This endorsement allows the operation of two or three-wheeled motorcycles with engines under 50 cubic centimeters in displacement.

Instructional Permit

Holders of this permit are authorized to drive on public highways if accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older who has had their license for at least three years and is seated beside the permit holder. This does not apply if the permit holder is riding a motorcycle.

Provisional Driver's License

With a provisional license, the holder can operate a vehicle on public roads from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, so long as they carry the license. Moreover, they can drive at any hour when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.

Eligibility and Documentation

Individuals seeking a standard driver's license (Class D) in New Mexico must present specific documentation at any MVD Field Office, including one document for proof of identity and age, along with two documents to verify residency within the state.

To determine the specific documents being sought, refer to the list of acceptable documents for a standard driver's license prepared by the NE MVD.

Testing Requirements

After gathering all the necessary documentation for a driver's license application, an individual must undergo several tests to assess their eligibility and competence. These tests typically include an eye examination, a written test, a practical road test, and a none-for-the-road test.

Drivers may refer to the provided descriptions below for a brief explanation of each test involved:

Eye Test

Drivers with a current license from another state or country and first-time applicants for a New Mexico driver's license are mandated to pass an eye exam.

Written Test

Those seeking a first-time New Mexico driver's license or those with expired licenses for over a year must pass the required written test. This requirement is waived for holders of a current out-of-state driver's license. However, individuals with a current out-of-country license are required to take this test.

Road Test

Individuals applying for a first-time state driver's license, or those with licenses expired for over five years, must pass the required road test. Meanwhile, if drivers hold a current out-of-state driver's license, they are not obliged to have this test.

None-For-The-Road Test

All first-time license applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 must provide a Certificate of Completion for the "None for the Road" DWI (driving while intoxicated) awareness class, regardless of when they completed it.

This requirement is mandated by NMS Section 66-5-9E, and the class is offered through the University of New Mexico (UNM) Continuing Education program. Details about the class and application forms can be accessed online or by calling the main campus at 505-277-0051. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Driver Education Requirements (Under Age 18)

Individuals who are new drivers under 18 will need to secure specific permits or licenses before receiving a full license. The procedures are outlined in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Graduated Driver Licensing

The GDL system gradually introduces new drivers to traffic by restricting their exposure to unsafe conditions. This process consists of three stages.

Instructional Permit

In obtaining this permit, the applicant must have reached the age of 15 and visit an MVD Field Office with the documents including:

• Certificate of completion or document from a state-approved program for driver education that shows that the applicant is currently enrolled
• Credentials with identification number and New Mexico residency.

At the MVD Field Office, the parent or guardian must assist the applicant in completing the application for this permit and submitting the other requirements. In applying for this permit, tests for visual efficiency and a theoretical exam provided by a recognized Driver Education School will be required.

The instructional permit requires a $10 fee. After obtaining the permit, applicants must wait for six months to pass before applying for the provisional license. During this time, they must also complete and succeed in the driver education program, which includes a three-hour DWI component.

Additionally, applicants are required to secure a supervised driving of at least 50 hours, with 10 hours of driving at night. It is crucial that applicants avoid getting involved in an accident or traffic violations for 90 days before applying for the second stage. To prevent any delays, they must avoid drinking and driving even if the alcohol has only 0.02% concentration.

Provisional License

Drivers applying for this license are strictly for 15 and a half years old and above. They must have also accomplished the previous stage before the application. By filling out the application under this category, the driver and their parent or guardian confirm that the applicant has:

• No pending traffic violation citations
• Submitted a record of their GDL driving course, which indicates 50 hours of driving practice and includes 10 hours at night, with the parent's or guardian's signature
• Passed the road skills test provided by the MVD (if the exam was conducted through an MVD-approved school for driver education, they must present the succeeded MVD completion record with passing scores)

After paying the applicable fee, the license will be issued, and several conditions must be followed. Specifically, the applicant must have the license within 12 months to be qualified for a full license application. The driver must be aware that each finding of a traffic infringement will extend the 12 month period by 30 days.

Moreover, they are prohibited from operating any vehicle from midnight to 5 in the morning, except if the applicant is assisted by a license holder aged 21 and above.

Considerations are given to this curfew if they drive for work, school, relatives, medical needs, or religious matters, provided the licensee carries a statement from the relevant school, reverent official, company, medical practitioner, or guardian.

Full License

Applicants for this license must complete the driver's license application together with their parent or guardian. By signing this application, they confirm that the applicant has:

• Successfully worked out the second stage, and
• Not been found guilty of traffic violations, nor has any pending offenses related to the use of alcohol or drugs during the provisional period.

New Mexico Driver's License Fees

When applying for a driver's license in the state, individuals must consider the costs, which vary depending on the type and duration of the license.

The fee for obtaining a standard driver's license is $18 for a 4-year license or $34 for an 8-year license.

Additionally, state law mandates a DWI records check for all drivers relocating to New Mexico from another state. This record verification incurs a one-time additional fee of $15.

As a result, drivers will be required to pay $33 for a 4-year license or $49 for an 8-year license.

Drivers seeking comprehensive instructions on acquiring a driver's license must read the state Driver Procedures Manual.

Renewal Process

In New Mexico, drivers who need to renew their standard license can do so by completing the online process on MyMVD Online Services. This convenient option is available for full licenses that have been either valid or expired for less than one year. The online renewal process is accessible to drivers over 18 years old.

To complete the renewal, drivers need their New Mexico driver's license number and the last four digits of their identification (such as SSN, Matricula, or Passport).

The renewal fees vary based on the duration and the driver's age. For ages 18 to 79, a 4-year license costs $18, while an 8-year license is $34. Drivers aged 79 or older can renew their licenses without any fees.

According to state law, individuals can renew their license within 90 days of expiration.

Replacement Process

When a driver's license is lost or stolen and a different license number is sought for replacement, the individual must notify the police department and file a report. They must present the following at an MVD Field Office, along with all required documents including:

• Photocopy of the police report
• A Signed statement requesting that MVD issue a new driver's license number due to the loss or theft of the old license

In addition to replacing their driver's license in person, individuals can complete the replacement online through MyMVD Online Services, just as they would for a renewal.

The replacement fee is identical to the renewal fee.