, you'll have the choice between renewing it for four years or eight years. You can renew your license online as long as you previously renewed it in person and it will cost you either $17 or $34.

It can be easy to forget that your driver’s license expires, especially in New Mexico. Unlike other states, New Mexico does not send out a reminder when your license is set to expire, so the responsibility of renewing it falls entirely on you.

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

When to renew your driver’s license in New Mexico

Unlike many other states, which send a reminder to your address before your

New Mexico license

expires, it’s up to you to know when it's time to renew. Your license’s expiration date is located on the far right side of the card.

It is good practice to get your license renewed a couple of months before it expires. You are allowed to head to the New Mexico MVD office up to 90 days before your license expires to have it renewed.

If you wait too long after your license has expired, it may take more effort to get it renewed. If you wait an entire year after your license has expired, you’ll have to take a knowledge test to renew it.

MORE:

Driving without a license: What are the penalties?

How to renew your driver’s license in New Mexico

When it is time to renew your driver’s license

in New Mexico

, you can choose to do so for a four-year or eight-year period. Renewing it for four years will cost $17 while renewing it for eight years will cost $34.

If you’re 79 or older, you’ll have to renew your license every year. You will be exempt from paying the fee, so don’t worry about it too much.

Although some states allow you to renew your driver’s license by mail, New Mexico only allows you to renew your license online or in person.

Renew your license online

Many people prefer to renew their license online since it saves them a trip to the MVD. In New Mexico, you’re allowed to renew your license online every other time your license is set to expire. So if you renewed online last time, you’ll have to go in person the next time.

Some of the other reasons you may not be able to renew online include:

You are younger than 18 or older than 75

You have a

commercial driver’s license

You recently

changed your address

You have an unpaid traffic ticket

So long as you qualify, all you need to do to get started renewing your driver’s license online is to

click here

Renew your license in person

If you don’t qualify to renew your driver’s license online, or if you did so the last time you renewed it, you’ll have to head to the New Mexico MVD.

One of the reasons that you occasionally have to renew your driver’s license in person in New Mexico is so that they can administer a vision test. Although it is optional to reserve an appointment with the MVD, it may help you save time when you go.

MORE:

Replace lost New Mexico license

How long does it take to renew a New Mexico driver’s license?

Whether you renew your license in person or online, a new one will be mailed to you within 45 days. You’ll receive a temporary license that you can use in the meantime.

Keep in mind that the penalties for driving with an expired license are severe and doing so can also raise your insurance rates.

“I signed up for a new policy with Jerry’s help. I ended up saving $236 a month after my switch. Thank you, Jerry!” —Adelaide C.

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

FAQs

Is there a grace period for New Mexico driver’s license renewal?

You should never drive with an expired license in New Mexico. Be sure to renew your license as early as 90 days before it expires to avoid fines or other penalties.

Can I renew my New Mexico driver’s license online?

You are only permitted to renew your driver’s license online every other time you do so. If you previously renewed your license online you’ll have to renew it in person next time.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry