STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE

Make One Quick Trip At MVD Now!

WHAT IS A STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE?

A New Mexico Standard Driver’s License is an alternative to the New Mexico Real ID Driver’s License. If you do not have the required documents for a Real ID, or cannot find them, you can apply for a Standard Driver’s License. This license gives you the same driving privileges in all 50 states, just as a Real ID would. The only difference is that you can not use your Standard Drivers License as proof of federal identification. You will not be able to use this license to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities, military bases, or other places that require federally compliant proof of identification. A Standard Driver’s License looks identical to a Real ID, it’s the same size and shape, but there is one small difference. The Standard Driver’s License is missing a golden star on the top right corner of the credential. This indicator is only found on Real IDs.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING FOR A STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE

Anyone 18 years of age and older can apply for a Standard Drivers License. If you are applying for a first-time Standard Driver’s License, you will need to provide the required documents and complete some exams. We will go over the required documents and exams in detail in the next sections. A license will not be issued if your driving privileges are suspended, revoked, or denied by New Mexico or any other state. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation of your license, then you can apply for your license in New Mexico.

Once you apply for a Standard Driver’s License, you will receive a temporary printout of your license that is valid for 45 days. You will need to carry this printout until you receive your physical 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. We understand that many scenarios may impact your Standard Driver’s License application process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 505-341-2MVD, or email us. We will be more than happy to assist you in the process.

View Acceptable Documents List

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE

Our goal at MVD Now is to save you the headache and stress that comes with applying for your license. We understand that you are busy, that time is valuable and limited, and that the last thing you want to do is wait in line. That’s why we want to help you make one quick trip to the MVD. Here are the documents that you will need to provide to apply for your Standard Driver’s License.

You have the option of purchasing a 4yr or 8yr Standard Driver’s License. If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, your license will expire one month after you turn 21. At that point, you will need to renew your license to receive a horizontal license. If you are 79 years of age or older, your Standard Driver’s License will be issued for one year. At that point, you will need to renew your license every year.

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR A STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE

As we mentioned earlier, you have to complete some exams before you can apply for your Standard Driver’s License. Conveniently, some of these exams can be completed at any of our MVD Now offices, so you can take care of multiple things in one trip. Here are the exams that are required for your Standard 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 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 STANDARD DRIVER’S LICENSE?

We understand that your time is limited and valuable. That is why we strive to help you make one quick trip. We treat you like you would treat you! We invite you to come and experience our customer service, speed, and efficiency. We break the MVD stereotype!