The Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip: Part II
Whether you’re new to New Mexico or you’ve lived here for years but never taking the opportunity to go see the sights, there’s never a wrong time to take a road trip to see some of the most beau…Read More
MVD Express: The Top Resource for New Residents of New Mexico
If you are new to the state of New Mexico, you are most likely still settling into the Land of Enchantment. Moving to a new state can bring the undue stresses that are so often associated with uprooting your life and trying to establish yourself in an unfamiliar area. To make matters worse, many of your priorities such as renewing your driver’s license are often time sensitive. In fact, you may not know what required documentation you will need to apply for a REAL ID, update your license plates and registration, or have your VIN inspected by professionals. Failing to update your vehicle’s information within a given period could result in having to pay a host of late fees that can accumulate to a considerable amount of money. That’s why we will be outlining some of the most important information that you will need when it comes time to update your vehicle’s credentials so that you can Get In, Get Done, and Get Going with MVD Express!
At MVD Express, we are New Mexico’s top resource for your vehicular needs. Why wait in line at an overcrowded MVD with impatient guests when you could be saving precious time while using our expedited services? We offer the same services you would expect to receive at your local MVD such as issuing motorcycle licenses, providing temporary tags, and getting new residents registered with the state of New Mexico. However, our guests typically spend less than 15 minutes waiting before having their needs met by one of our professional staff members. For this reason, MVD Express continues to be the best way that you can update your vehicle documentation without the large lines. To learn more about New Mexico and all of the required documents that you will need to present during your appointment at MVD Express, continue reading more below.
What You’ll Need
Depending on the services you require, you may need additional documentation to verify your identity. However, if you are applying for a New Mexico driver’s license, you will only be required to bring four items documenting your identity. Below, we will talk about which documents you should have on-hand so that your experience at MVD Express is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Social Security Card
This nine-digit number is given to permanent U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents. Its main purpose is to keep track of individuals for reasons pertaining to Social Security and taxation, however, it is also a useful card for verifying an individual’s’ true identity. For this reason, you will be required to present your Social Security card to an MVD Express representative before receiving your state driver’s license.
Birth Certificate
As an additional security precaution in verifying an individual’s identity, birth certificates can help to provide further information as to where you were born, which day you were born, and much more. This information is typically cross-referenced with a number of other security measures to ensure that your identity has not been compromised, whether unknowingly or purposefully.
Current Driver’s License
During the process of verifying your identity, it is important to determine where you are moving from for a number of reasons. However, the most important reason that you will be required to provide your current driver’s license is to verify that you actually possess a state driver’s license. Once you have been issued your New Mexico driver’s license, your old driver’s license will have a hole punched through it, deeming your previous license invalid.
Two Proofs of Your Current Physical Address
When you visit an MVD Express to update your driver’s license, it is important to come prepared with the proper documentation. As such, you should bring two proofs of your current physical address so that one of our representatives can verify that you do, in fact, live in New Mexico. Bank Statements and paycheck stubs are perfectly acceptable proofs of address, as are utility bills such as monthly electricity or waste management invoices.
None for the Road
None for the Road is a state-sponsored program that is designed to curb the accidents, citations, and deaths related to drunk driving. New Mexico has a longstanding history of fatal motor-vehicle accidents related to drunk driving, and, according to recent data released in 2015 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was found that, “drivers with a blood-alcohol content of 0.01 or higher were involved in 144 of the state’s 383 fatal accidents that year.” This is one of the main reasons why the None for the Road program is required to be completed by individuals ages 18 to 24 before receiving their driver’s license. However, this is not a required course if you are older than 24 and are applying for a driver’s license.
Find An MVD Express Near You
We know that not everyone may be able to find an MVD Express near them, which is why we have 10 convenient locations throughout the state of New Mexico. We make it easy for you to schedule your next appointment online, and all our customers usually experience less than 15-minute wait times before being seen by an MVD Express representative. We offer a wide variety of services to choose from such as titles and registration, applying for and receiving handicap placards, notary services, written tests for permits, receiving your license or ID, and so much more. Find the closest MVD Express near you by reading more below, or visiting our locations page today!
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the most populated area in all of New Mexico. This is why most of MVD Express’ locations can be found scattered throughout Albuquerque. In fact, we have six unique locations that can be found in Albuquerque, meaning that you won’t be stuck in long lines or having to wait for extended periods of time. Below, you will be able to see which specific streets each of our Albuquerque MVD Express locations can be found on.
- Paseo & Wyoming
- Menaul & Eubank
- Menaul & Washington
- Coors & Montano
- Eubank & Montgomery
- Alameda & Coors
Rio Rancho
If you reside in Rio Rancho, and are searching for the nearest MVD Express in your area, you’re in luck! We have one unique location in Rio Rancho that is located near Pat D’Arco Highway, and can be found right off of Southern Boulevard near 39th Street. Securing your next MVD Express appointment online has never been easier, as our online scheduling tool allows users to reserve an appointment during our normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Las Cruces
Nestled up against the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is home to a number of trails, wildlife, and museums. However, Las Cruces also features a conveniently located MVD Express along Lohman Avenue and Roadrunner Parkway! With consistently minimal wait times, and our convenient online scheduling tool, you’ll be able to Get In, Get Done, and Get Going with ease. Book your next MVD Express appointment online today!
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is New Mexico’s state capital, and was founded in 1610! As the fourth-largest city with a population of nearly 85,000 individuals, it is essential that the best motor-vehicle services are readily available for the convenience of Santa Fe residents. Thankfully, a conveniently located MVD Express can be found adjacent to St Michaels Drive, and is open during our normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm.
Gallup
Gallup features a number of historic museums and scenery, and is even located on Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America.” However, in order to be able to drive along this historic 2,448-mile road, you’ll need up-to-date registration, tags, as well as a driver’s license. That’s why MVD Express in Gallup is here to help you get back on the road! Located near US 491, we’re always available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your motor-vehicle credentials.
Receiving Your REAL ID
If you are expecting to renew your driver’s license in the near future, you may be surprised to learn that the federal government now requires all U.S. citizens to possess a REAL ID. You may be wondering what a REAL ID is and how it applies to New Mexico residents, which is why we will be outlining some of the reasons that REAL IDs are required, as well as the documentation needed in order to receive a REAL ID.
What Is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted as a means of improving national security after the catastrophic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. Not only is REAL ID used as a means to improve nationwide security, it is also used as a more efficient way of confirming one’s identity. What many are not aware of, however, is that after October 1, 2020, all states and individuals must be REAL ID compliant. There are many reasons why you will need a REAL ID, but most importantly, residents of non-compliant states will not be able to board federal aircrafts or enter federal facilities after January, 2018. You may, however, still present federally-issued identification while boarding an aircraft such as a United States Passport. Learn what documentation you will need to obtain a REAL ID by reading more on the subject below.
What You Will Need To Obtain A REAL ID
Unfortunately, the list of required documentation for receiving your REAL ID can be rather extensive. You will be required to present at least four documents in order to successfully verify your identity. These documents range from Social Security cards and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate to utility bills and official credit card statements. If you are interested in learning more about the full list of documents that can be accepted to receive your REAL ID, browse our REAL ID documentation requirements page now.
Other Services for New Mexico Residents
Along with issuing driver’s licenses and REAL IDs, MVD Express offers a number of additional services so that you can have all of your needs met at one single location. Below are just a few of the many value-add services we offer at each of our MVD Express locations throughout New Mexico.
VIN Inspection
When you arrive in New Mexico, you will be required to have your VIN inspected at an authorized location. This is a simple and quick process to ensure that your vehicle is not stolen, and can be completed from the comfort of your home. We know that not everyone can bring their car to an MVD Express location, which is why we will travel to you after you have scheduled an appointment for a VIN inspection. However, those that bring their vehicle to an MVD Express can expect special pricing for on-site VIN inspections.
Temporary Tags
We know that new residents to New Mexico are busy unpacking, getting their utilities in order, and tending to many different high-level priorities. For this reason, the state of New Mexico offers temporary tags and license plates so that you can settle into your new home without having to stress about registering your vehicle. Once you become a New Mexico resident, the state of New Mexico allows for 60 days until you are required to register your car.
Driver Authorization Card
If your driver’s license is valid for a number of years, and you aren’t ready to make the transition to a REAL ID, there is no need to worry! The state of New Mexico has been granted a REAL ID extension by the federal government until 2020, meaning that you can renew and use your state driver’s license without worry. To learn more about receiving your REAL ID alternative, visit our Driver Authorization Card page.
At MVD Express, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns that you might have. Not only do we offer the most in customer service, we also work hard to ensure that you are satisfied with your experience at your nearby MVD Express. That’s why we offer our handy online scheduling tool so that when you book your appointment with us, you can be confident that you won’t be left waiting hours on end to be seen by a representative. If you have any additional questions that we may be able to answer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of friendly professionals today. We look forward to hearing from you!
