Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different addresses on my driver license and my vehicle registration?
It is possible to hold different addresses on your driver’s license and your car registration card. As the procedure to change address is simple and user-friendly, you can do the changes on all documents quickly by submitting the same address change request form.

To check if you can use one form for multiple changes get in touch with DMV at:

MVD Data Entry Unit

P.O. Box 630

Santa Fe, New Mexico

87504-0630

The official address change will be only made in the electronic database. To change address on the hard copies, you must submit applications for new documents.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my address on my car insurance?
The best place to get information about how to change an address on your New Mexico car insurance is if you talk to your car insurance agent. A reputable car insurance company will be able to provide this information.

A proof of car insurance must be presented at the time of car registration. If the car registration and the car insurance proof are conflicted, your registration request may not be processed as fast as necessary. You may be asked to provide additional documents or update address on all personal documents beforehand.

Make sure to update all car insurance documents that can be submitted as proof of car insurance in New Mexico:

  • Car insurance card
  • Car insurance policy
  • A letter from your auto insurance company (on company letterhead)

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my address on my car registration?
Address changing in New Mexico is done with the same form for all documents related to drivers and their vehicles. The address change request form can be processed in person, by mail or fax, or it can be scanned and send by email. To change address on your car registration complete the following information in the Change of Address Request Form:
  • Drivers’ personal information
  • Vehicle license plates number
  • Vehicle make
  • Year of manufacturing
  • VIN number

Provide information about the new address at the bottom of the form, sign and deliver the form to MVD. The change will only be made in the electronic database of MVD.

If you want the change to be seen on your car registration card you submit the full documentation for car registration and pay the relevant fees.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my address on my commercial drivers license?
You can change the address on your New Mexico commercial driver’s license by filling out the Change of Address Request Form and submitting it to a nearby MVD office in one of the following ways:
  • In person
  • By mail
  • By fax

Address change requests for CDL licenses cannot be submitted online via the MVD eservices system. The official address change on a CDL license must be made within 10 days from the moment the actual change occurred. Only the electronic database will reflect the address change after the address change request form is received. If you want to get a new license with your new address, you must finish the application for new commercial driver’s license.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my address on my drivers license?
Each change of your place of residence must be reflected on your personal documents, including your New Mexico drivers license. To change an address on a drivers license, drivers need to complete the Change of Address Request Form and submit it to the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) within 10 days.

You can submit the change of address form in one of five ways:

  • Mail
  • Fax
  • Email
  • Online
  • In person

Following this procedure will only change the electronic records at the MVD.

Then you must apply for a new drivers license, including paying the relevant fee. Current MVD fees are $18 for a four-year license and $34 for and eight-year license. Make sure to sign the form so that the change will take place.

DMV.COM Note: CDL owners cannot change their address online.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my address on my ID card?
The New Mexico ID card is a crucial document that serves as an owner s proof of identity and residency in official transactions.

To change your address on MVD ID cards, you must complete the Change of Address Request Form and submit it by mail, fax, email, online, or in person to a nearby MVD office within 10 days.

If you only send out the form, the change of address will only take place in MVD’s electronic database. To get a secure ID card or an alternative ID card, you must file an application for a new card and include the necessary supporting documents and relevant fees:

  • For secure ID cards:

â—¦ One proof of identification number (SSN)

â—¦ One proof of identity

â—¦ Two proofs of residency

â—¦ Proof of date of birth

  • For alternative ID cards

â—¦ Two proofs of identity for persons not eligible for a social security number

â—¦ Proof of residency

  • Replacement fee of:

â—¦ $10 fee for four-year ID cards

â—¦ $18 fee for eight-year ID cards

Do not forget to sign the form, as forms without a signature are not valid.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

How do I change my name on my car insurance?
When you make an official name change at the SSA office and the New Mexico DMV office, you will need to update your personal information with all agencies and organizations. This includes your New Mexico car insurance company. After notifying your insurance company of your official name change, your records will be updated and a new ID card mailed. Depending on your situation, you be asked to go in person to verify the validity of your name change.
How do I change my name on my car registration?
To change names on car registration documentation, New Mexico vehicle owners first need an updated driver’s license.

Once in possession, visit any New Mexico DMV office with the following documents:

  • Proof of legal name change:

â—¦ Marriage certificate

â—¦ Court order

â—¦ Divorce decree

  • Current car registration
  • Current certificate of car title, or lien certificate

Once your application is received and the changes are made, you may ask for a duplicate vehicle registration certificate which reflects your new name.

How do I change my name on my driver’s license?
There are two steps for performing a name change on your drivers license in New Mexico.

The first step is to submit a name change request to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The NM DMV verifies your personal information through the SSA before processing your name change request. Give the SSA at least 72 hours to update your Social Security records with your new name.

Bring the following documents with you to the SSA office:

â—¦ ID card

â—¦ New Mexico driver’s license

â—¦ U.S. passport

â—¦ Military ID

  • Proof of legal name change:

â—¦ Marriage certificate

â—¦ Court order

â—¦ Divorce decree

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or New Mexico residence:

â—¦ A permanent resident card

â—¦ U.S. birth certificate

The second step of the official name change process is submitting the aforementioned documentation at any local New Mexico MVD office in person. Also, you will be required to pay a fee for a replacement driver’s license:

  • $18 for a four-year driving license
  • $34 for an eight-year driver license
How do I change my name on my ID card?
The first step to changing names on your ID card is to submit a name change request at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You will be asked to present the following documentation:

â—¦ ID card

â—¦ New Mexico driver’s license

â—¦ U.S. passport

â—¦ Military ID

  • Proof of legal name change:

â—¦ Marriage certificate

â—¦ Court order

â—¦ Divorce decree

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or New Mexico residence:

â—¦ A permanent resident card

â—¦ U.S. birth certificate

The second step is to update your DMV records with an official name change at any local New Mexico DMV office. You will need to submit the aforementioned documentation and a payment for the duplicate ID card:

  • $10 for a four-year driving license
  • $18 for an eight-year driver license
How do I contact the Social Security Administration for my name change?
Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office, and submit the necessary documentation and the Application for a Social Security Card. The application for social security cards may also be submitted by mail. The SSA will process your application and will send you a new card within 10 business days. Fortunately, you can visit the DMV within three days’ time as your Social Security Number would be updated in the system.
How much does it cost to change my name on my car registration?
The cost for name changing is free; however, you must pay for a car registration duplicate if you wish to have your new name printed on the certificate. In New Mexico, a replacement car registration certificate costs $5.
How much does it cost to change my name on my car title?
Changing names on car titles is free in New Mexico. You are advised to order a duplicate car title though, so that your new name is reflected on your car title. A replacement car title costs $16.50.
How much does it cost to change my name with the DMV?
New Mexico residents first need to update their SSA records and then make an official name change request at a local New Mexico DMV office. The cost for a replacement driver’s license depends on the length of validity of your driver’s license:
  • $18 for a four-year driving license
  • $34 for an eight year driver’s license
What documents do I need to present for proof of residency?
Acceptable proofs of residency in New Mexico which will be considered as valid documents to change address on DMV records are originals of the following:
  • If you are over 18:

â—¦ Real property lease or purchase agreement

â—¦ Utility bill

â—¦ Insurance bill

â—¦ Bank or Credit Union statement

â—¦ Employment pay stub

â—¦ A local property tax statement or mortgage document

â—¦ Proof of minor child enrolled in school

â—¦ Current valid motor vehicle registration

â—¦ Original documents from a New Mexico authority confirming residency

â—¦ New Mexico medical or public assistance card

  • If you are under 18

â—¦ Proof of school enrollment

â—¦ Membership in a religious organization

â—¦ Membership in a sports organization

All of the above documents must be less than three months old.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

What documents do I need to present if I am a non-U.S. citizen changing address?
All New Mexico applicants who wish to change their address and do not have current proof of citizenship in the U.S. can use one the following documents to change address in MVD records:
  • Original or certified copy of a foreign birth certificate with a notarized English translation
  • Valid permanent resident card issued by the United States Government
  • Valid Passport issued by a country of citizenship
  • Matricula Consular card issued after February 1, 2005 by the Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque or El Paso

Documents must be originals and must confirm lawful presence in the country and the state. They must also contain the physical address to be able to serve as evidence of the official address change of the non-citizen.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

What penalties will I face if I do not change my address with the DMV?
There is no specific penalty in New Mexico for applicants who fail to complete the address changing process within the 10-day limit. The official address is a record used in transactions with official authorities and the conflict of address may have an impact in situations in which you must present official proof of residence. For example, you will not be able to use documents which are not updated in applications where two proofs of residency are required.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico

When must I change my address with the DMV?
All New Mexico address change requests must be submitted within 10 days of the moment the actual change took place.

The update is immediately put in the New Mexico MVD electronic system and you will get all your future official correspondence at your new address.

For more information: How to Handle a Change of Address in New Mexico