REAL ID DRIVER’S LICENSE

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Real ID Deadline: May 7, 2025

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.

WHAT IS A REAL ID DRIVERS LICENSE?

Real ID is a name given to this type of credential that is federally compliant across all 50 states. The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed after the 9/11 terror attacks, and it establishes minimum security standards for state-issued Driver’s Licenses and Identification cards that can be used for official federal purposes. It also verifies that the person applying for this type of credential is in fact who they claim they are. How does this benefit you? It improves homeland security, it will also make it less of a hassle to go through TSA and fly domestically. It will also help you enter federal buildings, military bases, and other locations that require you to have federally compliant identification.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING FOR A REAL ID DRIVER’S LICENSE

If you are applying for a first-time Real ID Drivers License, you will need to provide the required documents that are mentioned below. A Real ID Drivers License gives you the same driving privileges as a regular driver’s license. Keep in mind that all of your license endorsements and restrictions will carry over onto your Real ID. Once you apply for your Real ID Drivers License, we will give you back your original license with a “void” hole punched in it. You will also receive a temporary printout of your Real ID that is valid for 45 days. You will need to carry the original license and the paper printout until you receive your Real ID Drivers License in the mail. All licenses are printed and mailed by the State of New Mexico. Please allow up to 3 weeks for you to receive your new license in the mail.

Information Regarding Name Changes

If your proof of identity document does not contain your current full legal name, you must present official documents reflecting any name changes. This may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption records, or court order.
If you have had multiple name changes, you must present official documents for each name change. Divorce decrees must reference the maiden name or former name before marriage.

New Mexico Real ID Acceptable Documents List

View Acceptable Documents List

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A REAL ID DRIVER’S LICENSE

At MVD Now, we want to save you the headache. Our goal is for you to make one quick trip to the MVD. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. You can call us at (505) 341-2683 or email us directly through our contact form. Here are the documents that you will need to provide in order to apply for your REAL ID Driver’s License.

One (1) proof of identity │ View a list of acceptable documents
One (1) proof of federal identification number (SSN) │ View a list of acceptable documents
Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency │ View a list of acceptable documents

You have the option of purchasing a 4yr or 8yr Real ID Driver’s License. If you are 79 years old or greater, your Real ID Driver’s License will be issued for 1 year. We will return all of your original documents once we make copies of them. If you have your proofs of residency on your smartphone, we can gladly help you print them in our office. You will email your proof of residency to the agent that will be helping you.

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR A REAL ID DRIVER’S LICENSE

The following exams are only required if you are applying for your first-time driver’s license (never had a driver’s license before), if your license has expired for some time, or if you have been convicted of DUI/DWI. Each exam section below will explain the details of who needs to take these exams. Conveniently, some of these exams can be completed at any of our MVD Now offices so that you can take care of multiple things in one trip. Here are the exams that are required for your first-time driver’s license.

WRITTEN EXAM

This exam is required for everyone applying for a first-time driver’s license, anyone with a license that has expired for one year or more, or anyone with a current Out-Of-Country Driver’s License. You must pass the New Mexico Driver’s Knowledge Exam to receive a license. The knowledge exam is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Italian, German, French, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You must score a 70% or better to pass this test. In case you do not pass on your first try, you can re-take the test that same day. If you do not pass the second time, you will need to wait one week to re-take your exam. If you do not pass after your third exam, you will need to wait six months before you can re-test. One proof of identity is needed so that we can issue your written exam. You can use the same proof of identity that will be used for your Standard Driver’s License. Please give yourself up to 2 hours to complete the written test. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend that you schedule an appointment to take this test at any of our offices. This will ensure that the testing station is available for you. Once you complete and pass your written test, your score will be saved in the New Mexico MVD system for 5 years. This gives you enough time to apply for your license in case you need to wait to fulfill other requirements.

NONE-FOR-THE-ROAD EXAM

This is a DWI awareness exam that is required from everyone 24 years of age or younger, or anyone over 25 years of age who has been convicted of DUI/DWI. The None for the Road course material and class are administered by UNM Continuing Education, not by the Motor Vehicle Division. You can find more information here. Once you enroll in the class, you will receive a verification code. You will bring that code to any of our MVD Now offices so we can administer the official exam. This exam can be taken as many times as you need to pass. There is no testing limit like there is on the written exam.

ROAD TEST

This exam is required for everyone applying for a first-time license or anyone with a license that has expired for five years or more. This exam is not required if you will be surrendering your Out-Of-Country Driver’s License. MVD Now does not administer the road test, but we do partner with Premier School of Driving to help our customers meet the requirements for their Standard Driver’s License. You can find more information about their services here.

VISION EXAM

This is a simple eye exam that is administered to everyone applying for a driver’s license. This ensures that you meet the minimum eyesight requirement to operate a motor vehicle with or without the need for corrective lenses. This test is administered in all of our MVD Now offices.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MVD NOW

Here at MVD Now, we want to make your MVD visit as seamless as possible. Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to schedule an appointment so you can guarantee zero wait time. There are two ways you can schedule an appointment. You can call us at 505-341-2MVD and we can schedule your appointment and also verify your documents over the phone. You also have the option of scheduling your own appointment through our online scheduler. If you schedule online, one of our MVD agents will call you to verify your documents before your appointment date. This will ensure that you bring all the necessary documents and prevents the dreaded “multiple trip” headache.

When you arrive at any of our offices, you will be greeted by a friendly MVD agent at the front door. They will help you check in for your appointment, verify your documents, and answer any questions that you may have. One of our other MVD agents will promptly assist you and process your transaction. Once completed, we collect payment and you are on your way! MVD Now also partners with local charities throughout the year. Currently, we are working with Make-A-Wish New Mexico. You have the option of rounding your MVD total to the nearest dollar or donating any other amount to this great foundation. Our goal is to deliver the most secure, efficient, professional, and friendly MVD services in town.

WHY CHOOSE MVD NOW FOR YOUR REAL ID DRIVER’S LICENSE?

We understand that your time is valuable. That is why we strive to help you make one quick trip! You can walk into any of our 7 locations in Albuquerque or Bernalillo, or schedule an appointment. If you schedule an appointment, one of our friendly MVD agents will contact you to verify your documents and make sure that you have everything you need for a smooth transaction. Come experience our customer service, speed, and efficiency. We break the MVD stereotype!