How to Get or Renew an Identification Card or an Alternative ID Card

The New Mexico MVD issues secure identification cards and alternative identification cards to help protect New Mexicans from identity theft. Persons applying for a New Mexico identification card or an alternative identification card are issued a temporary ID card while their regular ID card is being processed and mailed.

If you have an old New Mexico driver license or an old ID card, it will be hole-punched and may be used in conjunction with the temporary ID card, for up to 45 days from the date of issue.

If you do not have an old New Mexico license, an out-of-state license or an old ID card, you may need some other form of photo identification document to use with your temporary ID card, for identification purposes. Acceptable photo identification documents can be a passport or a Military ID.

You must go into a MVD Field Office to get your New Mexico identification card or alternative identification card. Staff at any Field Office can issue your temporary identification card or alternative identification card.

Documents Required for a New Mexico Identification Card

To get a New Mexico identification card, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD Field Office:

At least one of the ‘proof of identity’ or ‘proof of identification number’ documents must also show your date of birth.

Documents Required for a New Mexico Alternative Identification Card

If you are unable to meet the requirements for a New Mexico identification card, driving permit, provisional driver license or driver license, you can apply for an alternative identification card.

The alternative identification card does not necessarily meet federal identification requirements and is clearly identified as a restricted card that cannot be used for certain purposes. For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept an alternative ID card for identification purposes at the nation’s airports. The alternative ID card cannot be used to apply for a New Mexico identification card, a driving permit, a provisional driver license or a driver license.

To get an alternative identification card, you must bring the following documents to any MVD Field Office:

At least one of the ‘proof of identity’ documents must also show your date of birth.

Fees for a New Mexico Identification Card or Alternative Identification Card:

The fee is $10.00 for a four-year ID or alternative ID card or $18.00 for an eight-year ID or alternative ID card.
Persons who are 75 years old or older do not pay a fee for an identification card or alternative identification card.

Renew a New Mexico Identification Card or Alternative Identification Card

To renew your New Mexico identification card or alternative identification card, go to any MVD Field Office and take in your old ID or alternative ID card.

Fees for a Renewal New Mexico Identification Card or Alternative Identification Card:

The renewal fee is $10.00 for a four-year ID or alternative ID card or $18.00 for an eight-year ID or alternative ID card.
Persons who are 75 years old or older do not pay a fee for a renewal Identification card or alternative identification card.