Real ID Documentation Requirements

If you need to obtain your Real ID, stop by one of our convenient MVD locations in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Las Cruces today. New Mexico is moving toward full compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005, which requires specific documentation to establish proof of federal identification number, identity and age and New Mexico residency. Below is a list of eligible documents you may use.

Documentation You Need

LIST A
Documents that Establish Proof of Identification Number
One (1) of the following:
  1. Social Security Number Card
  2. W-2 Form
  3. SSA-1099
  4. Non-SSA-1099 form
  5. Pay stub that displays applicant’s name and Social Security Number
LIST B
Documents that Establish Proof of Identity and Age
 One (1) of the following:
  1. Current US Passport or US Passport Card
  2. Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp
  3. Original or Certified copy of birth certificate
  4. Consular report of birth abroad issued by the US Dept. of State form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545
  5. Permanent resident card (Form I-551) issued by US Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)
  6. Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (Form N-550 or Form N-570)
  7. Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS (Form N-560 or Form N-561)
  8. Employment authorization document issued by DHS (Form I-766 or Form I-688B) verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements System (SAVE)
  9. Foreign passport with unexpired U.S. Visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the U.S., verified by SAVE
  10. Foreign passport w/visa and I-94
  11. REAL ID act of 2005 driver’s license or ID card. If presented, see below for a list of additional documents required in conjunction with this form of ID.
  12. Affidavit of Indian Birth
LIST C
Documents that Establish Proof of New Mexico Residency
Two (2) of the following:
  1.  Current real property rental or purchase agreement
  2. Local property tax statement or mortgage documents
  3. Insurance bill, card or binder dated within 6 months
  4. A New Mexico medical or public assistance card with address, letter from issuing agency that came with card or profile printout from issuing
    agency
  5. Original documents from city, county, state, tribal, or federal government organization or community organization (dated within 60 days) attesting to the fact that the applicant is a New Mexico resident
The following documents must be dated within 60 days:
  1. Utility bill, except cell phone bills
  2. Bank or credit card statement
  3. Employment pay stub containing applicant’s name and address
  4. Documentation from an education institution
Applicants under 18 may also provide:
  1. Documents indicating membership in a NM religious or sports organization
  2. Affidavit of NM Residency (Form MVD-10021)

PO Box is not a Valid Address for Proof of Residency

If the applicant provides a REAL ID Act of 2005 driver’s license or ID card as Proof of Identity and Age from LIST B, the applicant must also present one (1) of the following documents issued by the US Federal Government verified through SAVE:

  • Unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States
  • Pending or approved application for asylum in the United States
  • Admission into the United States as a refugee
  • Pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States
  • Approved deferred action status
  • Pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident or conditional resident
  • Conditional permanent resident alien status
  • Other documents as DHS may designate by notice published in the Federal Register

If you have a question about whether a particular document or form of ID is acceptable for your New Mexico Real ID-compliant license or state identification card, please contact us.

Important Real ID Information Regarding Name Changes

  • If your proof of identity document (birth certificate, social security card, passport, etc.) does not contain your current full legal name, you must present official documents reflecting any name change(s). This may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption records or court order.
  • In a case of multiple name changes, you must present official documents for each name change. Divorce decrees must reference the maiden name or former name before marriage.
  • If your passport or identity document contains your current legal name, you do not need to provide proof of a name change.
    Please note: These documentation requirements are acceptable for the issuance of Real ID-compliant non-commercial driver’s licenses. Please see MVD Driver’s Manual for details about documentation required for CDLs.
View Our Real ID FAQ