Get your first driver's license in New Mexico

Online or in person

No, in personMVD says first-time applicants must visit an MVD Field Office in person with original documents. You can book an appointment online for the written test/learner's permit, a driver's license or a road test; not all appointment types are available at all locations. You pass an eye exam, the written test and the road test. State offices typically don't allow the written test to be taken after 3 p.m. Appointments can be booked online.

Cost

$18 (4 years) or $34 (8 years)License fee. Private MVD offices charge administrative fees on top of MVD fees.

You leave with

Driver's license

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and age
     All documents must be unexpired and valid. One document is enough if it shows your name and date of birth; otherwise two are required. The examples are from MVD's list for a Standard license; for a REAL ID you bring one proof of identification number, one proof of identity and two proofs of residency.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Birth certificate (original or certified copy filed with a state office of vital statistics)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • U.S. passport or passport card (verified through SAVE)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N560) or Naturalization (N550) (verified in SAVE)
     • Social Security card or other SSA document with your name and number
     • Valid identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or pueblo
   • Two proofs of New Mexico residency · 2 different documents
     Same physical address, not from the same entity. Utility bills (not cell phone), bank statements, pay stubs and school documents must be dated within 60 days.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Current rental or purchase agreement
     • Utility bill (not a cell phone bill)
     • Insurance bill, card or binder (dated within the past 6 months)
     • Bank or credit card statement
     • Pay stub with your name and address
     • Local property tax statement
     • Transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation from a school
     • Under 18: affidavit from a parent or guardian that you live with them (with the parent's New Mexico ID card or two proofs of their residency)
     • Under 18: documents showing membership in a NM religious or sports organization
   • Payment · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Permit or license fee

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our New Mexico Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the New Mexico practice test

3. Book an appointment

   Appointment types include Written Test/Learner's Permit, Driver's License/ID and Road Test Appointment Only. Not all appointment types are available at all locations.

   MVD appointments ↗

4. If you have a DWI conviction

   If you are 25 or older, have ever been convicted of DWI and are applying for your first New Mexico license, show completion of the "None for the Road" DWI program or an equivalent program from another state.

   Apply for a new driving credential ↗

5. Pass the eye, written and road tests

   First-time New Mexico applicants pass an eye exam, the written test and the road test. Bring your original documents to any MVD Field Office. State offices typically don't allow the written test after 3 p.m. The license is $18 for 4 years or $34 for 8 years.

   Apply for a new driving credential ↗