State of digital ID in New Mexico
Status: Live for both Apple and Android users
In February 2024, after being approved by state lawmakers, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 88 into law, allowing the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to issue mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards. Backed by the state MVD, and introduced by Senator Bobby J. Gonzales, the bill passed unanimously in the state senate and in a 53 to 8 vote in the state house of representatives.
As of December 2024, the New Mexico mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards have officially gone live inside both the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet for New Mexico residents. The digital ID format displays a simplified version of the physical IDs and more detailed data is encrypted in the barcode which can be presented for age and identity verification purposes if needed. A representative for the Taxation and Revenue Department, which includes the Motor Vehicle Division, stated that users will not have to pay any additional costs for mobile IDs.
While the New Mexico digital ID acts as a companion to the physical drivers license, residents must still carry physical IDs when operating motor vehicles, as New Mexico police departments are currently unable to accept digital IDs.
The New Mexico mobile ID can be used at participating TSA checkpoints, as well as participating businesses and venues and Apple Store locations in the U.S.. Mobile ID acceptance can be achieved via NFC or by scanning a QR code generated by the respective Wallet applications.
Other New Mexico mDL resources
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division asks lawmakers for electronic driver’s licenses