The most important thing to have if you’re going to drive? Your license! For a lot of people, the prospect of renewing your driver’s license can be a little intimidating. Nobody wants to deal with the DMV or have to make sense of the process because it’s just… well, it’s just a lot. Luckily for you, we’ve simplified it for you so that the process can be as stress-free as possible!

First off, your license is valid for four or eight years, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about! You’ll even get a renewal reminder from the DMV telling you it’s almost time to renew (which you can do up to 90 days before it expires) so that you don’t have to remember and then worry about forgetting to do it. If you have had an expired license for over 5 years, then you will have to take the driver’s exam again.

You can renew your license online if you’re eligible to do so, but you can also renew in person! To be eligible to renew online, you must:

• Be 18 to 75 years old.

• Have conducted your last renewal in person.

• Have a non-commercial driver’s license.

• Have your Social Security number (SSN) on file with the NM Motor Vehicle Division.

• Not have any changes to your vision or medical condition since your last renewal.

• Not have any outstanding traffic tickets or arrest warrants.

• Have a driver’s license that is expiring within 1 year or has been expired for less than 1 year.

When you go online to renew, make sure that you have your NM license number, the last 4 digits of your social security number, payment for the renewal fee, and a printer to print your temporary license to use until your real one comes in the mail.

If you’re not eligible for online renewal, you’ll need to visit your local New Mexico MVD office and:

• Make sure to have your current NM driver’s license.

• Bring proof of your identity.

• Pay the appropriate fee.

• Take a vision exam.

• Pass both the written and driving tests, if applicable.