New Mexico driver's license
Get your first license in New Mexico after moving to the US.
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to New Mexico and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
$18 driver license, $34 driver license, $15 out-of-state mover DWI-records check, $10 instructional permit, $0 annual renewal
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
Foreign documents with no expiry date
A license the office cannot read and verify — name, date of birth, class, expiry date, restrictions — does not block your application; it routes you into the written and road tests instead, unless a certified translation supplies that data. With an out-of-country license the written test is required either way.
If your license from another state has expired
One year is the line: expired that long or more, you count as a first-time applicant and take both the written test and the road test.
One year or more of expiry brings back the written test.
The written test applies from one year of expiry; a still-current out-of-state license waives it. With a current out-of-country license the written test is still required.
New Mexico law sets that line at one year without a valid license; no published state regulation sets any other threshold.
New Mexico does not renew another state's license — you surrender it and apply for a New Mexico license. A still-current out-of-state license waives the written and road tests; one expired a year or more waives nothing, and the eye exam applies either way.
If you have no license to transfer
With nothing to transfer, you follow the ordinary first-time applicant path: one examination covering road signs, New Mexico traffic law and an actual driving demonstration. No license is issued while your driving privilege is suspended, revoked or denied by New Mexico or any other state.
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validA driver's license from a US state, a US territory or Canada proves your identity if it has a photograph and has not been expired for more than one year.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
A REAL ID license application asks for your social security number if you have one, and the state verifies it through a federally approved method; a standard license application does not collect the number at all. If you are not eligible for a number, an unexpired foreign passport with a valid US visa and approved I-94 stands in for it.
Tests you take
Eye test
You need 20/40 or better in at least one eye.
Every applicant takes it — the standard is 20/40 or better in at least one eye — unless renewing by mail, telephone or electronic means. Failing does not end the application by itself: the division can evaluate the impairment and issue a license restricted to daylight hours.
Drive test
The driving demonstration is part of the one examination New Mexico law requires of a first-time applicant, together with the sign and traffic-law tests. It comes back at the same one-year line as the written test.
Tries you get on the written test
Passing takes a score of 80% or higher. After a fail you wait at least one week to retake that test.
Three failures of the written or road test bring a six-month wait, counted from the date of your application, not from the third failure. A new application, with a new fee, starts a fresh set of attempts.
You can retake a failed written test as soon as you want, even the same day, but no more than twice in a single week.
One application and its fee covers up to three attempts within six months of the application date. The three attempts are a single pool shared between the written test and the road test.
Practice questions for the written test
MVD's list of driver forms contains no handbook or study manual.
The official New Mexico driver manual lives on the Manuals page in the driver-license section of MVD's site.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
The adult must be 21 or older and have been licensed for at least three years.
The minimum is 21 years of age and three years of being licensed.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
While you drive on an instruction permit, a licensed driver aged 21 or older, who has been licensed for at least three years in New Mexico or another state, must occupy the seat beside you. On a motorcycle permit no supervisor can sit beside you, and you cannot carry any passenger at all.
On an instruction permit, the person beside you must be a licensed driver aged 21 or over who has held a license for at least three years, in New Mexico or another state. This rule does not apply when you are riding a motorcycle.
The car and its insurance
You must provide the vehicle for the test. It must be the same type of vehicle you are applying to drive, have a current registration and insurance certificate inside, and be in good working condition.
The car does not have to be yours: nothing requires you to be the registered owner or the named insured, so a borrowed car qualifies. The current registration certificate must be in the car, and you must hold a current insurance certificate.
The examiner inspects the car first, and you must show how to adjust the mirrors and use the parking brake, horn, wipers, headlamps, taillamps, hazard flashers and indicators. Not being able to work these controls ends the test before it starts.
The road skills exam can also be taken through an MVD-contracted driver education school; you then bring the completed MVD record of completion with your passing scores.
Children and pets are not allowed in the car during the driving test, and any other passenger is strongly discouraged. No exception is stated for an interpreter or a carer.
The Motor Vehicle Code itself says nothing about the test vehicle: whose car it is, its registration, its insurance, an inspection, and who rides along are all left unstated by statute.
Where to go
Booking an appointment
You can book an appointment at eservices.mvd.newmexico.gov.
Office locations
You can find MVD offices at mvd.newmexico.gov/maps-and-locations.
Other states
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Every source, quoted31 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“The fee is $18.00 for a four-year license or $34.00 for an eight-year license. Drivers who are 79 years old or older must renew their licenses yearly, but they are not charged renewal fees.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-licenseChecked August 1, 2026
“Any foreign language driver’s license that cannot be translated in your office for verification of name, date of birth, class of license, expiration date and restrictions/endorsements (if listed), must take the written and road test, unless a certified translation is provided. In any case the written test is required.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“All driver’s licenses, in state or out of state, expired over 5 years require a written test.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“**Written Test**– Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired for one year or more, must pass the required written test(s).”
r.jina.ai/https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-licenseChecked August 11, 2026
“**Written Test**– Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those with licenses expired for one year or more, must pass the required written test(s). This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. Persons with a current out-of-country license are required to take the written test.”
r.jina.ai/https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-licenseChecked August 2, 2026
“SCOPE: Holders of and applicants for any type of New Mexico driver's license or permit; employers of individuals holding commercial driver's licenses; persons whose driving license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked; uninsured motorists. ... OBJECTIVE: The objective of this part is to interpret, exemplify, implement and enforce the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code, including compliance with regulations for the REAL ID Act of 2005, Title 6 C.F.R. Chapter 1, Section 37.”
srca.nm.gov/parts/title18/18.019.0005.htmlChecked August 1, 2026
“Once you have established residency in New Mexico, you are required to surrender your license from any other state and apply for a New Mexico license.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-licenseChecked August 11, 2026
“D. For purposes of this section, a "first-time applicant" means an applicant other than a person who: (1) holds a currently valid driver's license issued by New Mexico or any other jurisdiction at the time of application; or (2) does not hold a currently valid driver's license issued by New Mexico or any other jurisdiction at the time of application but who held a valid driver's license issued by New Mexico or any other jurisdiction within one year prior to the date of application if that driver's license was not revoked under any provision of the Motor Vehicle Code or suspended, canceled or revoked under the laws of any other jurisdiction for reasons similar to those for which revocation is authorized under the Motor Vehicle Code.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 11, 2026
“a state issued driver's license, a driver’s license issued by a territory of the United States, or by jurisdiction of Canada, as long as it has a photograph and has not been expired more than one year;”
srca.nm.gov/parts/title18/18.019.0005.htmlChecked August 6, 2026
“E. The secretary shall establish by regulation documents that may be accepted as evidence of the residency of the applicant. A person applying for or renewing a REAL ID-compliant driver's license shall provide documentation required by the federal government of the applicant's identity; date of birth; social security number, if applicable; address of current residence; and lawful status. For an applicant for a REAL ID- compliant driver's license or a renewal of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, the department shall verify the applicant's lawful status and social security number, if applicable, through a method approved by the federal government.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“vision screening 20/40 or better in at least one eye”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-2-non-commercial-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
“B. Regardless of whether an applicant is examined under Subsection A of this section, the department shall test the eyesight of every applicant for a driver's license or motorcycle endorsement unless the application is for renewal of a license or endorsement and is made by mail or telephonic or electronic means.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“The examination shall include a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state and an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle except as provided in Section 66-5-7 NMSA 1978 and any further physical and mental examination as the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle safely upon the highways. ... The division, in issuing the driver's license for certain types or general classes of vehicles, may waive any on-the-road examination for applicants except as provided in Section 66-5-6 NMSA 1978 [repealed].”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“Any driver who does not achieve a score of eighty percent or higher on any knowledge or skill test may retake a test on that subject after one week or more has intervened since the date last tested.”
srca.nm.gov/parts/title18/18.019.0005.htmlChecked August 6, 2026
“An applicant who fails the written or road test three times must wait six months from date of application before retesting. (§66-5-9(A))”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-2-non-commercial-licenseChecked August 11, 2026
“An applicant who fails the non-commercial written/knowledge test may retake the test as soon as they want to, even the same day, but may not take the test more than twice in a single week.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-2-non-commercial-licenseChecked August 11, 2026
“submission of a complete application with payment of the fee entitles the applicant to not more than three attempts to pass the examination within a period of six months from the date of application.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“Driving School Record of Completion (Form & Instructions) | MVD10273 | Download PDF”
mvd.newmexico.gov/forms/most-popular-formsChecked July 26, 2026
“REAL ID INFO / Driving Credentials / Apply for a Learner’s Permit / Drivers Education Info / Apply for a New Driving Credential / Commercial Drivers / List of Acceptable Documents for Real ID Issuance / List of Acceptable Documents for Standard Driver’s License / Reinstate a Suspended License / Replace a Lost or Stolen Driving Credential / Renew a Driving Credential / Where’s My License? / ID Cards / Mobile ID / Manuals / Military / Veteran Designation / Heroes to Highways / Change Your Address / DWI Information / Drivers Forms / Report Fraud / Resources, Forms & Information / Vulnerable Road Users”
“Once the teen gets the instructional permit, the teen must: Hold the instructional permit for at least six months; Complete and pass a TSB “approved” ‘driver education’ program which includes a 3-hour DWI component Complete and pass a state-approved driver education program; Drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years; Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night; Maintain a clean driving record for the 90 days preceding application for Stage 2; and Not drink and drive. Even a .02 percent concentration of alcohol – barely one drink – could result in a 6-month license revocation for drivers under age 21.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-license/apply-for-a-learners-permitChecked August 1, 2026
“Hold the instructional permit for at least six months; Complete and pass a TSB “approved” ‘driver education’ program which includes a 3-hour DWI component Complete and pass a state-approved driver education program; Drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years; Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night;”
mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-license/apply-for-a-learners-permitChecked August 1, 2026
“This permit entitles the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant's immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle upon the public highways when accompanied by a licensed driver who is twenty-one years of age or older, who has been licensed for at least three years in this state or in another state and who is occupying a seat beside the driver except in the event the permittee is operating a motorcycle.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4373/index.doChecked August 15, 2026
“to drive a motor vehicle upon the public highways when accompanied by a licensed driver who is twenty-one years of age or older, who has been licensed for at least three years in this state or in another state and who is occupying a seat beside the driver except in the event the permittee is operating a motorcycle.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“The vehicle must be of the same class as the license application and must be properly registered, insured and in good working condition before a road test will be administered in that vehicle.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“Applicants for a New Mexico driver license or permit, who are required to take the road test as a part of the examination process, are also required to provide the vehicle in which the road test will be taken. ... The vehicle must be of the same class as the license application and must be properly registered, insured and in good working condition before a road test will be administered in that vehicle. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the vehicle and its equipment are in good working order. ... The current certificate of registration must be in the vehicle, and the applicant must have proof of financial responsibility (a current insurance certificate).”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“Do not begin any road test unless you have performed the pre-road test vehicle. inspection and the vehicle has passed the inspection. ... If the applicant cannot perform all the pre-road test vehicle equipment inspection requirements to include how to; ... adjust the rear-view mirrors or how to use them; ... use the parking brake, horn, wipers, headlamps, taillamps, emergency flashers, or signals.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“Pass the MVD Road Skills Exam. If the teen has taken the “approved” MVD Road Skills Exam with an MVD “contracted” ‘Driver Education School,’ the teen must provide the completed MVD Record of Completion with the passing test scores.”
“Children or pets should not be allowed in the vehicle during the driving test. It is strongly recommended that no other passengers be taken.”
mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-11-road-and-written-test-requirementsChecked August 11, 2026
“A. The department shall examine every first-time applicant for a driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement and may examine other applicants for a driver's license or motorcycle endorsement. The examination shall include a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, the applicant's knowledge of the traffic laws of this state and an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle except as provided in Section 66-5-7 NMSA 1978 and any further physical and mental examination as the department finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle safely upon the highways.”
nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4422/1/document.doChecked August 2, 2026
“Schedule Appointment”
eservices.mvd.newmexico.gov/eTapestry/_Checked July 26, 2026
“Maps & Locations”
mvd.newmexico.gov/maps-and-locationsChecked July 26, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in New Mexico?
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