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NEW MEXICO REAL ID & STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD

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REAL ID & State Identification Cards

New Deadline: May 3, 2023

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In response to the COVID-19 virus, The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it is extending the REAL ID Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-13) deadline until May 3, 2023.

New Mexico changed the documentation requirements for issuing driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards in order to be in line with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. MVD Now can help you get your REAL ID or Standard State ID card. If you apply for a New Mexico identification card, you will be issued a temporary ID card printout while your actual ID card is being processed and mailed. Your old New Mexico driver’s license or an old ID card may be used in conjunction with the temporary ID card, for up to 45 days from the date of issue.

Please view the “New Mexico REAL ID – Help Sheet & Resource Guide”

To obtain a REAL ID identification card, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD Now:

For a standard ID (non real-id), you will need to bring these documents to any MVD Now:

Note: If you cannot provide proof of lawful status you will need to get a standard ID instead of a REAL ID.

    Renewing New Mexico ID Card

    The instructions above also apply if you are renewing your current New Mexico Standard ID  and wish to upgrade to a REAL ID identification card. If you do not wish to upgrade to a REAL ID identification card, you will not need to bring in any documentation. Just make sure that your Standard ID has not expired for more than 1 year.

    FAQ’s About NM State REAL ID Cards

    Q: What is REAL ID?

    The Real ID Act of 2005 is legislation passed by Congress and signed into law on May 11, 2005, by former President George Bush due to the terrorist attacks of 2001. REAL ID helps to validate people’s documentation that proves their identity, age, and place of residence for security and safety reasons. These REAL IDs follow federal requirements established by the Secretary of Homeland Security to board airplanes, enter federal buildings, military bases, etc.

    Q: When did the law go into effect?

    January 2013

    Q: Do I need a REAL ID? 

    Yes, If you intend to use your driver’s license or identification for official federal purposes.

    Q: What are official federal purposes?

    Some examples of official federal purposes include boarding an airplane domestically, entering a federal building, military grounds, or nuclear facility. 

    Q: What if I can’t provide proof of legal status or I don’t want or need a REAL ID for official federal purposes?

    New Mexico offers two driver’s licenses and ID options: REAL ID or Standard ID. So, you can get a Standard License or ID instead. 

    Q: Will my documents be accepted if they are not written in English?

    The state does not allow us to accept a document in a language other than English without a full and complete translation that is certified and notarized by a translator. Documents not in English must be submitted with written translations of those documents in English. The translation must be certified by the translator as a full and complete translation of the document.

    Q: Do I need to get a REAL ID right away?

    You don’t have to. Your New Mexico Driver’s License will be sufficient until May 2023. If you are renewing, replacing, or transferring your driver’s license; you will either receive a REAL ID or a Standard/Non-Compliant Card.

    Swing By!

    If you’re wanting to get your REAL ID or Standard ID card, come by MVD Now today. Call your MVD experts at 505-341-2MVD or visit any of our 7 MVD Now locations if you have any questions regarding the NM state ID card process. Our MVD specialists are happy to help! We are here to answer every question and help you make “One Quick Trip”. Contact us today!

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