Understanding and accessing your New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) driving record is crucial for maintaining your legal standing, securing favorable insurance rates, and clearing background checks for employment. This comprehensive guide details the types of records available, the methods of acquisition, associated fees, and the specific information these documents contain. Whether you need a quick personal review or an official certified document for court, knowing the correct process ensures a smooth and efficient experience.
What is a New Mexico Driving Record?
A New Mexico driving record, also known as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), is an official document issued by the New Mexico MVD that summarizes an individual’s driving history within the state. This record serves as a critical document for various entities, including insurance companies assessing risk, employers conducting background checks, and individuals monitoring their own driving status. It typically includes information such as traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and revocations.
Types of New Mexico Driving Records
The New Mexico MVD offers two primary types of driving records, each serving different purposes and available at different price points.
| Record Type | Cost | Best For |
| Non-Certified Driver Record | $6.63 | Personal review, checking for accuracy, or informal verification. |
| Certified Driver Record | $9.99 | Official use by employers, courts, or insurance agencies requiring a legally recognized copy. |
The non-certified version provides a standard summary of your driving history for the past three years . In contrast, the certified record is accompanied by a formal letter of certification from the MVD, verifying its authenticity for legal or professional requirements.
How to Get Your New Mexico Driving Record
The New Mexico MVD provides several convenient methods for individuals to obtain their driving records, ranging from immediate online access to traditional mail-in requests.
Method 1: Get Your New Mexico Driving Record Online
The quickest way to access your driving history is through the MVD’s online portal. This service provides immediate access to your record, typically covering the past three years . To use this service, you will need a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover), your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and your 9-digit New Mexico driver’s license number.
To begin, follow these steps to obtain your driving record online:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the New Mexico MVD’s Online Driver History Records Service .
- Select Record Type: Choose between a Non-Certified Driver Record ($6.63) or a Certified Driver Record ($9.99), depending on your needs.
- Provide Required Information: Enter your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and your 9-digit New Mexico driver’s license number.
- Make Payment: Use a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) to pay the associated fee.
- Download and Print: After successful payment, your driving record will be available for immediate download and printing. A confirmation receipt will also be sent to your provided email address.
- Retrieve if Needed: If you are unable to download or print immediately, you can retrieve your purchased record within 30 days using the “Retrieve a Previously Purchased Record” option on the website .
If you find that your license is nearing expiration while checking your record, you may also want to renew your New Mexico driver’s license to ensure your driving privileges remain uninterrupted.
In-Person, Mail, or Fax Acquisition
For those who prefer or require alternative methods, the MVD also facilitates requests via in-person visits, mail, or fax. These methods typically involve completing the Confidential Records Release Form (MVD-11260) .
- In-Person: You can visit any MVD office to request your record. To save time and avoid long queues, it is highly recommended to schedule a New Mexico DMV appointment before your visit.
- Mail: Complete the MVD-11260 form and send it to the MVD headquarters in Santa Fe. This is often necessary if you need a record but are currently out of state.
- Fax: The completed form can also be faxed to 505-827-2792 for processing .
If you have recently moved, ensure your information is current by completing a New Mexico MVD change of address before requesting your record to avoid any delivery issues.
What Information Does Your Driving Record Contain?
Your New Mexico driving record provides a detailed snapshot of your history on the road. The information is used to calculate your risk level and determine your eligibility for certain driving privileges.
| Information Category | Details Included |
| Traffic Violations | Moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or failure to yield. |
| Accidents | Records of accidents you have been involved in, including fault determination. |
| License Status | Current status (valid, suspended, revoked) and any specific restrictions. |
| Points System | Current points assessed against your license; 12 points in 12 months leads to suspension . |
Maintaining a clean record is essential. For individuals with disabilities, ensuring your nm mvd handicap placard is up to date is another part of maintaining proper driving documentation. Similarly, if you notice an incorrect address on your record, you should initiate an nm mvd address change immediately to keep your official file accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The online service typically provides a history for the past three years . If you require a more extensive history, you may need to submit a formal request via the MVD-11260 form or contact the MVD directly for older records.
Due to privacy laws, access to driving records containing personal information is strictly restricted. Generally, you can only obtain your own record. However, authorized entities like employers or insurance companies can access these records with your written consent or under specific legal exemptions.
If you spot an inaccuracy, such as a violation you didn’t commit or an incorrect accident report, contact the New Mexico MVD immediately. You may need to provide supporting documentation, such as court records or police reports, to have the error corrected.
New Mexico allows drivers to remove points from their record by completing an approved defensive driving course. Eligibility requirements apply, and points typically remain “active” for 12 months for suspension calculation purposes . Completing such a course can prevent license suspension and may help with insurance rates.
Yes, CDL holders face stricter regulations. Certain violations, which might be eligible for point reduction or removal for standard license holders, may not be for CDL drivers. Commercial drivers should be aware that their driving record is subject to federal regulations in addition to state laws, and violations can have significant impacts on their livelihood.
While the MVD typically considers points for suspension purposes for 12 months, insurance companies often look back further, usually 3 to 5 years, when calculating your premiums. A clean driving record over a longer period can significantly impact your insurance rates positively.
Expungement or sealing of driving records in New Mexico is a complex legal process and is generally not guaranteed. It is typically reserved for specific circumstances and may require a court order. If you are considering expungement, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand your eligibility and the process involved.
Conclusion
Accessing your New Mexico MVD driving record is a vital part of responsible vehicle ownership and professional readiness. Whether you choose the speed of the online portal or the formality of a mail-in request, having this document allows you to verify your status and ensure your insurance and employment opportunities remain protected. By staying proactive—whether that means checking your points or ensuring your New Mexico MVD change of address is processed—you can navigate the roads of New Mexico with confidence.
Add Comment