State of New Mexico
House of Representatives
Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
Ken Martinez, House Majority Leader
Sheryl Williams Stapleton, House Majority Whip
                                                                                  
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                              Contact: Victoria Chávez 646-241-5335
Feb. 12, 2010                                                                                    Bailey Sachs 505-261-2419

Rep. Cote’s Bill on Renewing Driver’s Licenses Passes the House

Santa Fe, NM – A bill that would allow for driver’s licenses to be renewed over the phone or by electronic means was passed by the House of Representatives today by a vote of 58-0. Rep. Nathan Cote sponsored House Bill 25, which also addresses the expiration of driver’s licenses.

Rep. Cote says, “This is one step in the direction of making the Motor Vehicle Department more efficient and customer friendly.  This legislation should be an example to other state departments to look at similar efficiencies that could improve their programs. This bill is an effective effort in cutting costs to taxpayers.

House Bill 25 gives the MVD authority to develop a process to renew driver’s licenses through telephone or electronic means. The MVD already has the authority to renew driver’s licenses through the mail.

The bill would change the vision test requirement for driver’s license renewals being made through the mail, telephone or electronically. Vision tests and new photos would be required every 16 years.

The MVD is also required, under HB 25, to expire any driver’s license 30 days after the applicant’s 21st birthday if it was issued to a person under 21 years of age.

Fees would be issued for driver’s licenses issued for shorter or longer periods than the standard 4 or 8 year time periods for people under 21 years-old and those approaching age 75.

House Bill 25 now goes to the Senate for consideration.