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How to Apply for a New Mexico Identification Card

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

The State of New Mexico and Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues non-driver identification cards to State residents who don't have a valid ID card, driver license or instruction permits from the State or any other jurisdiction. The ID card can be used to prove your identity, age, physical appearance, organ donor status and residence in a variety of situations. The identification card is valid for eight years, and expires on your birthday four or eight years after it was issued.

APPLYING FOR A NEW MEXICO ID CARD

  1. Locate the local field office of Motor Vehicles Division nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person. You cannot apply online.
  2. Bring proof of identity, especially a notarized copy of the original birth certificate.
  3. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). If you have never been issued a SSN, you may be required to obtain one, or else sign a Statement of Not Eligible for Social Security Number form.
  4. Provide proof of identity.
  5. An Alternate Identification Card is issued by the MVD but that is not necessarily a viable alternative for a New Mexico identification card, driving permit, provisional driver's license or driver's license. In this case too, the social security number as well as the original notarized birth certificate is required.
  6. You must also surrender any valid driver license or instruction permit issued by the state of New Mexico or any other jurisdiction.

RENEWING A NEW MEXICO ID CARD

  1. Locate the local field office of Motor Vehicles Division nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person within 30 days of the expiry date, otherwise there is a penalty for late renewal. You cannot apply online.
  2. Bring proof of identity.
  3. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). If you have never been issued a SSN, you may be required to obtain one, or else sign a Statement of Not Eligible for Social Security Number form.
  4. Provide proof of identity, in the event that your address has changed.
  5. Pay the ID card renewal fee, currently $5 for four years and $10 for eight years, by cash or check only.

REPLACING A LOST, STOLEN, OR DESTROYED ID CARD

You may be issued a replacement identification card if your original ID card has been lost, stolen or destroyed, or if you have had a name or address change.
  1. Locate the local field office of Motor Vehicles Division nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person. You cannot apply online.
  2. Bring proof of identity.
  3. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). If you have never been issued a SSN, you may be required to obtain one, or else sign a Statement of Not Eligible for Social Security Number form.
  4. Provide proof of identity, in the event that your address has changed.
  5. Pay the ID card replacement fee, currently $5 for four years and $10 for eight years, by cash or check only.
  6. For people 75 years of age and over, this fee is waived.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Former State residents moving back to New Mexico may be eligible to apply for a renewal or replacement ID card, depending on the validity of their original identification card.
  • See also Applying for a New License.
  • See also Change of Address.