How To Do a New Mexico DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of New Mexico then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your New Mexico DMV change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since New Mexico requires that you file your change of address paperwork as soon as you have established residency, there really isn’t much time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your New Mexico DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office to get started.

If You’re Moving to New Mexico from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if you’re moving to New Mexico from another state?

Yes, unless you are a student who will not be permanently moving to the state or an active member of the U.S. military (or a dependent of either).

How do you get a new driver’s license in New Mexico?

To get a New Mexico driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a New Mexico DMV change of address online or over the phone.

Per the rules in most states, expect that a New Mexico driver’s license for a new resident to the state is only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the New Mexico DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office:

    • Proof of identity and age (examples include: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a military I.D. card)
    • Proof of New Mexico residency (two documents required; examples include: your rental or mortgage agreement, a utility bill dated in the last 60 days (cellphone bill excluded), or a bank statement dated in the last 60 days)

    See a full list of accepted documents here.

    Note that if your name on your primary proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license then you will also have to bring along proof of a legal name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

    Does a New Mexico DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, provided you have a current and valid out-of-state driver’s license, though you will have to take a vision test. If your out-of-state license is expired by one year or more you will also be required to take a written test, and if it has been expired for five years or more, you will be required to take a driving test.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a new non-commercial driver’s license in New Mexico is $18 for a license valid for four years or $34 for a license valid for eight years. Add on $2 for a knowledge test if you will be required to take one. You will also need to pay a $15 fee for a DWI records check, which is required for all new residents to the state who apply for a driver’s license.

    How long do you have to get a New Mexico driver’s license or ID card?

    New Mexico requires that you complete your New Mexico DMV change of address information immediately upon establishing residency in the state.

    So how do you know if you’re officially a resident of New Mexico? Head to a NM Motor Vehicle Division office if you plan to:

      • Live in New Mexico for at least 7 months out of the year
      • Register to vote in New Mexico
      • Work in New Mexico
      • Run a business out of New Mexico
      • Send your children to school in New Mexico

      Do you need to register your out-of-state vehicle?

      How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

      New Mexico requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle as soon as possible after establishing residency.

      How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of New Mexico?

      You’ll need to visit a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office in person to register your out-of-state vehicle. Your first step is going to be getting a VIN inspection, so call your local field office ahead of time to ensure availability.

      Once you have a date and time to get your VIN inspection done, head to the field office with the following documents:

        • Certificate of title (original only)
        • Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MVD10002)
        • Proof of New Mexico car insurance
        • Proof of identity
        • Proof of New Mexico residency (two documents)

        What is the registration fee?

        Registration fees range from $27.00 to $62.00 for a one year registration or $54.00 to $124.00 for a two year registration, depending on the weight and model year of your vehicle.

        If You’re Moving Within New Mexico

        New Mexico requires that you update your driver’s license within just 10 days with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it). With little time to waste, make sure to keep this at the top of your post-moving to do list.

        How do you do a New Mexico change of address?

        You have multiple options for completing and filing your New Mexico DMV change of address paperwork.

          • Fill out your Change of Address request form and mail it to MVD Data Entry Unit, P.O. Box 630, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0630
          • Fill out your application and bring it to a SC DMV branch location
          • Fill out your application and fax it to (505) 827-0977
          • Change your address online

          Will New Mexico issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

          No, not unless you want one.

          How much does a New Mexico change of address cost?

          A New Mexico DMV change of address is free, but you’ll need to pay an $18 fee if you would like a duplicate license with your new address on it (or $34, if you’d prefer an eight year license).

          Do you need to update your address on your vehicle registration?

          How long do you have to update your vehicle registration with your new address?

          There is no set time limit for updating your address on your vehicle’s registration, however you do need to do it prior to renewing your registration. You can do so on the renewal notification that you receive from the NM DMV in the mail.

          If You’re Moving From New Mexico to Another State

          Do you need to notify the state of New Mexico if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

          No. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency New Mexico will automatically cancel your ID driver’s license, so there’s nothing specific for you to do on your end.

          Do you need to notify the state of New Mexico if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

          Yes. To do so, send a brief note expressing your wish to cancel your NM vehicle registration to Motor Vehicle Division, Joseph Montoya Building, P.O. Box 1028, 1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87504.

          Do you need to return your New Mexico license plates?

          Nope, feel free to keep them.

          Have any questions?

          If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of New Mexico, contact the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4636 or fill out the online contact form if you’d prefer to communicate via email. If you are going to be reaching out by phone, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.

          Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of New Mexico?

          We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your New Mexico move will cost, and happy moving.