Apr 4, 2025 · Taxation & Revenue Department

Press Release: REAL ID needed to fly commercial or enter a federal facility beginning May 7

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Governor

Stephanie Schardin Clarke

Cabinet Secretary

Media Contact: Bobbie Marquez

bobbiej.marquez@tax.nm.gov

(505) 469-5830

April 4, 2025

REAL ID needed to fly commercial or enter a federal facility beginning May 7

SANTA FE—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID Act is May 7. New Mexico drivers who want to receive a REAL ID license should make an appointment with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

A REAL ID, Passport, or other documents specified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be required to board a commercial flight or enter certain federal facilities starting on May 7.

Currently, 80 percent of New Mexico credentials are REAL ID compliant. New Mexico driver's licenses that are REAL ID compliant have a gold star near the top right corner to distinguish them from standard licenses. MVD offers a standard license for New Mexicans who do not want or are ineligible to receive a REAL ID compliant license.

To get a REAL ID, the documents showing proof of lawful identity and age, identification number, and New Mexico residency need to be provided to the MVD during your appointment.

Documents needed include:

U.S. passport or card

Foreign passport + specified Department of Homeland Security issued forms

U.S. birth certificate

Affidavit of birth (issued by any Tribal Nation's vital records)

Certificate of birth abroad

Certain Department of Homeland Security issued forms

Certain U.S. citizenship and immigration services issued documents

Social Security number (SSN) card

Income tax forms:

W-2

1099 (SSA or non-SSA)

Pay stub (with current legal name and full SSN)

Foreign passport - with Visa & I-94

Further information on documents needed for a New Mexico REAL ID license is available at https://realid.mvd.newmexico.gov/ or a printable list can be located here https://realid.mvd.newmexico.gov/REALID-acceptable-docs.pdf .

New Mexico drivers who want to receive a REAL ID license should make an appointment with MVD online at https://eservices.mvd.newmexico.gov/eTapestry/ or by calling 1-888-683-4636.

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The Motor Vehicle Division strives to offer customers convenient channels to conduct their business. MVD regularly adds to services offered online and through convenient retail kiosks.

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