NM REAL ID

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID ACT establishes minimum security standards for state-issued Driver’s Licenses (DL) and Identification (ID) cards that can be used for official federal purposes.

REAL ID COMPLIANT =

REAL ID Fully Compliant Driver

Does New Mexico meet Federal REAL ID requirements?

Yes. New Mexico’s DL and ID cards bearing the gold star, issued after November 14, 2016 are REAL ID compliant.

Have what you need to get a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Companion (RIC) will help you identify the documents you need to get a REAL ID. Click on the Start RIC button, answer a few brief questions and print your results.

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REAL ID Videos

WHAT IS REAL ID? WHY DO I NEED A REAL ID? HOW CAN I GET A REAL ID? WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

What is REAL ID?

Why do I need a REAL ID? How can I get a REAL ID? What else do I need to know? Is there an alternative to REAL ID? REAL ID - INTRODUCTION A video for the deaf and hard of hearing WHAT IS REAL ID? A video for the deaf and hard of hearing WHY DO I NEED A REAL ID? A video for the deaf and hard of hearing HOW CAN I GET A REAL ID? A video for the deaf and hard of hearing A video for the deaf and hard of hearing WHAT IF MY NAME IS NOT THE SAME? A video for the deaf and hard of hearing WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? A video for the deaf and hard of hearing Introduction

What is REAL ID?

Why do I need a REAL ID? How can I get a REAL ID? Is there an alternative to REAL ID? What if my name is not the same? What else do I need to know?

Have what you need to get a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Companion (RIC) will help you identify the documents you need to get a REAL ID. Click on the Start RIC button, answer a few brief questions and print your results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Official Federal Purposes Print Page

Q:

What are official federal purposes?

Official federal purposes include, but are not limited to, boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, military base or nuclear facility.

Q:

Will I always need a REAL ID to enter a federal building?

No, some federal facilities do not require a person to present identification. Please inquire with those entities before visiting their facility.

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 alternative documents can I use for official federal purposes?

You may use a valid U.S. Passport, Military ID or another federally approved identification.

Each agency that requires identity documents such as TSA, military bases, federal buildings, etc., has defined what documents it will accept. Please inquire with those entities before visiting their facility.

Standard Driver’s License and ID Card – Alternatives to REAL ID

Q:

What if I am unable to provide proof of Legal Status or I don't want or need a REAL ID for official federal purposes?

New Mexico offers two DL/ID options.

  1. REAL ID
  2. Standard Driver’s License and ID Card

Q:

What are the requirements for getting a Standard Driver’s License or ID Card?

REAL ID Fully Compliant Driver

No fingerprints and no social security number are ever needed. You can choose the Standard license for 4 or 8 years.

Q:

Do I have to go into an office to get one?

No, you may be eligible to get one online. Just click here and click on Renew/Replace License or ID.

Q:

What is it good for?

Both types of licenses are valid for driving.

A Real ID License can be used for boarding domestic commercial flights and entering certain federal facilities after Oct. 1, 2021; the Standard License will not be accepted for those purposes.

Under New Mexico law, Standard Licenses and Identification Cards must be accepted for all other identification purposes in New Mexico on the same terms as a Real ID credential. This includes transactions like cashing a check or obtaining state and local government services.

Q:

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

MVD agents may not accept a document in a language other than English without a full and complete translation that is certified 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.

When and Where to Get a REAL ID

Q:

When do I need to get a REAL ID?

Effective May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant DL/ID or another acceptable form of identification for official federal purposes.

Q:

Where do I get a REAL ID?

You must come into an MVD office for your next license renewal. See MVD Office Maps & Locations.

Q:

Can I use my current non-compliant DL/ID for Official Federal Purposes?

Yes, until 9/30/2021. Effective May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant DL/ID or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, military base or nuclear facility.

Required Documents

Q:

What requirements do I need to meet to get a REAL ID-Compliant DL/ID?

To obtain a REAL ID DL/ID, provide your local MVD office with proof of the following:

Q:

Can my documents be copies of the original document?

No, your documents must be original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a copy of a primary document that is endorsed by the entity that issued the original document. Photocopies, notarized photocopies and non-certified copies are NOT acceptable.

Q:

Will the MVD verify that my documents are authentic?

Yes, a REAL ID can only be issued after MVD has electronically verified the Legal Status and Identification Number documents using these sources:

Q:

What documents are most commonly accepted to meet REAL ID requirements?

A – Lawful Identity and Age:
B – Identification Number: