How to Renew a Commercial Drivers License in New Mexico

1.

Some states allow residents to renew a commercial drivers license (CDL) online. However, commercial drivers must be aware of any specific eligibility requirements for online CDL renewal. Even if your state does not offer online CDL renewal, you can still access valuable information online to help you renew your commercial drivers license. Our downloadable guide includes details on the forms you need to complete, the documents you need to present and the fees you need to pay in addition to any tests that your state’s DMV may require you to take. You will also discover important details on updating your CDL and what to do if you have lost your CDL.

2. By Mail

A limited number of states offer mail-in CDL renewal options. If your state has this option, it will usually require you to meet certain eligibility criteria before you can go forward with submitting your renewal application via mail. You should be aware of your state’s options and procedures before you attempt to renew your commercial drivers license via mail. You can download our comprehensive guide to get state-specific information about renewing your CDL in your state. Do not make the mistake of trying to renew by mail only to find out that your state’s DMV will not let you do that. Download our guide today.

3. In Person

Because a CDL requires the holder to successfully complete driving, knowledge and medical exams, many states require CDL holders to renew their licenses in person. In-person renewals might be especially necessary if you need to renew certain CDL endorsements, such as those for transporting hazardous wastes or for transporting elderly or underage passengers. Requirements for CDL renewals are often much more complex than those for non-commercial drivers licenses, so it is important for you to know exactly what you need to prepare before you make a trip to the DMV. Our downloadable guide includes all the information you need to know about forms, tests, documents and fees involved with renewing your CDL and any specific endorsements.

The New Mexico CDL renewal process is different than renewing your driver’s license or identification card. That is why you may be wondering, “What do you need to renew your CDL license?” When renewing your credentials at your local MVD, there a number of CDL renewal requirements you must satisfy. For instance, you must have proof of your residency in the state. If you do not have proper documentation, you will not be able to complete the renewal process.

Moreover, if you own a hazardous material endorsement, there are guidelines you need to satisfy to renew your endorsement. For example, endorsement holders must complete a background check before beginning the license renewal process. The sections below will give you an understanding of how to renew your commercial driver’s license.

When to Renew Your CDL License in New Mexico

The amount of time licenses are valid for depends on your age and the type of license you purchased. For instance, the New Mexico MVD offers a four and eight-year CDL. If you do not remember which license you purchased or how much longer until you need a CDL renewal, you can check your documentation. Your CDL license has details on when your license was issued and expires.

Additionally, if you are 75 years of age, you have to renew your commercial driver’s license on a yearly basis.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in New Mexico

In order to renew your CDL, you must pass the hearing and vision examination. The MVD does not offer medical waivers for any portion of the exam. There are no additional exams you have to take to renew your CDL documentation.

What do you need to renew your CDL license in New Mexico?

If you are completing a CDL license renewal for the first time, there are specific documentations you must have with you:

  • Proof of lawful presence in the United States:
    • State Birth Certificate
    • S. Passport
  • Social Security card
  • DOT Medical Certification
  • Two different forms of evidence of your physical residency in New Mexico

Furthermore, you need to have your current commercial driver’s license with you. Not only does it serve as a form of identification, but you also will surrender your license to the MVD.

CDL Renewal Process in New Mexico

You need to renew your commercial driver’s license at a MVD. There are a number of offices throughout New Mexico. This makes the renewal process simpler, as you can visit the facility nearest you.

Moreover, you should call the MVD location you are planning to visit before making the trip to the office. You may be able to make an appointment with the facility, which will save you time.

Additionally, before visiting your local office, it is vital to ensure you have all the documentation with you to renew your commercial driver’s license. The MVD will not allow you to obtain a CDL renewal without proper documentation.

New Mexico CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

“How long is a CDL permit good for?” is something you may be wondering about because you just received your first CDL permit. In New Mexico, your documentation is valid for six months. You only have the ability to complete a CDL permit renewal once.

Similar to renewing your CDL, a CDL permit renewal requires drivers to visit a MVD location. If permit holders do not have the following items, they will be unable to complete the renewal process:

  • Evidence of presence in the U.S.
  • Medical Certification
  • A valid New Mexico driver’s license/ CDL permit
  • Two verifiable proofs of residency in the state
  • Social Security Card

In addition, it is vital to ensure the medical examiner’s certification you have is valid. Your local facility will not accept a certification that has been altered or corrected. Also, the exam needs to be signed by the medical examiner that conducted the test.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in New Mexico

Under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act, the New Mexico MVD may not use a hazardous materials endorsement until the applicant has submitted to a fingerprint-based background check. This means that drivers will not be able to begin the CDL license renewal process until their background check has been completed.

The background check cannot be done at a local MVD. Instead, drivers need to make an appointment with TSA.

Moreover, with your fingerprints, TSA is able to look at various FBI, Interpol and terrorist databases. TSA checks these different databases to ensure you meet TSAs qualifications. Once the results of the background check are available, TSA will deliver the results to the MVD.

Additionally, you need to complete the knowledge test after your TSA assessment to renew your CDL. However, the knowledge test is completed at your local MVD.

CDL Renewal Fees in New Mexico

The CDL renewal cost for a four-year license is $18. If you qualify for an eight-year credential, the CDL renewal price is $34. If you are 75 years of age or older, you will not be charged with a renewal fee.

Moreover, New Mexico now requires a DWI records check on all drivers moving to New Mexico from another state. To pay for the records check, drivers are charged a one-time $15 fee. Additionally, if you are a hazardous material endorsement holder and are required to have a background check, the fee is $127.

New Mexico CDL Renewal Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 6 2019.

Sources

  1. Renewal Requirements from mvd.newmexico.gov
  2. Fee for Commercial Driver’s License from mvd.newmexico.gov

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