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: Bailey Sachs 505-261-2419
Feb. 16, 2010      

Rep. Cote’s Bill On Renewing Driver’s Licenses Passes the Senate

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 Senate today by a vote of 31-2 and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. Rep. Nathan Cote sponsored House Bill 25, which also addresses the expiration of driver’s licenses at ages 21 and 75.

Rep. Cote stated, “I’m very pleased. This is my first bill to make it through the entire process this session. Now we will only have to go to the MVD in person for license renewal every 16 years because it may now be renewed via the internet or over the phone during the intervening 8 year renewal period. This should improve efficiencies and relieve New Mexicans of one more potential frustration ."

House Bill 25 gives the Motor Vehicle Department (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.