How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a New Mexico DUI Conviction

 

If you are facing a New Mexico DUI conviction, as part of the penalties you will be given a driver’s license suspension. This can severely impact your work and home life, so understanding the steps you must take to get your driver’s license restored is important. If you have questions about the process, you can contact a qualified Next Mexico DUI attorney with a knowledge of the system.

 

The Process for Driver’s License Reinstatement after Revocation in New Mexico

 

First, you will need to have a current copy of your driving record, which you can get by contacting your local Motor Vehicle Division or by calling 1-888-683-4636. Check the record to see if your revocation period is over and if you are eligible for restoration. Then you will need to fill out the Petition for Order of Restoration of Driver’s License. You will be assigned a case number and a judge by the court clerk, and the judge will set a hearing. You will need to provide proof that you have addressed your substance abuse issues and no longer pose a risk to the public if driving. The petition must be filed with the Department, along with any necessary attachments:

Taxation and Revenue Department
Legal Services Bureau
DWI-Legal Section
Post Office Box 630
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0630
 

If the judge grants your Petition, the judge will sign the order and file it on your behalf. You will need to get a filed copy of the order from the clerk’s office and take that to a Motor Vehicle Division office to apply for a driver’s license. You will be required to pay the reinstatement fee, any other fees you owe, and a driver’s license fee. You also must have used an ignition interlock device for at least six months during the revocation period. You must also pass a written test, a vision test, and possibly a driving test.

 

If you have been convicted of three DWIs and your driving privileges are revoked for 10 years, in some cases you can get a full driver’s license before that period is over. You will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car for at least 3 years and cannot have had any violations on the device for the previous six months. If you think you would qualify, you can complete the Review of 10-Year Revocation Interlock Compliance form.

 

Limited Driver’s License

 

You may be eligible for a limited driver’s license before your suspension or revocation period ends, in order to drive to and from work, school, or court-ordered treatment programs. If you have been convicted of vehicular homicide, you will not be eligible for a limited driver’s license. The cost is $45.

 

Ignition Interlock Device

 

If you are required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car, you will be responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance. You can see a list of approved providers here.

 

More Information about Driver’s License Reinstatement

 

You can see more information in the step-by-step guide from the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. If you have further concerns, it is recommended that you talk to a qualified New Mexico DUI lawyer. In some cases, it can be more difficult to prove “good cause,” meaning that you have dealt with your substance abuse problem and no longer pose a risk to the public. For example, if you have multiple DUIs or your case involved very high blood content, it can be helpful to have an experienced New Mexico DUI lawyer work with you on the case.