The issue date on a New Mexico driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. The Motor Vehicle Division issues licenses valid for 8 years for most adult drivers. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your New Mexico license means.

Where to find the issue date on a New Mexico driver's license

On the current New Mexico license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when Motor Vehicle Division issued your current card. Renewing your license resets the ISS date on the new card while keeping your license number the same.

Date fields on a New Mexico driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. New Mexico driver's licenses are valid for 8 years for most adult drivers.

When a form asks for your driver's license issue date, enter the date next to ISS. When it asks for date of birth, enter DOB. These appear near each other on the card and are easy to confuse.

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What does DD mean on a New Mexico driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, car rental agencies, and identity verification systems use the DD to confirm the card has not been altered.

Restrictions on a New Mexico driver's license

The restrictions field on New Mexico licenses is labeled RSTR or Restrictions. If it shows None, your license has no restrictions. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required while driving
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• F — Outside mirror required on driver's side

Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense in New Mexico.

New Mexico REAL ID

New Mexico offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID New Mexico license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and certain federal facilities. To get a New Mexico REAL ID, visit a New Mexico license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your New Mexico address.

How to renew a New Mexico driver's license

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offers online renewal at mvd.newmexico.gov for eligible drivers. New Mexico licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and CDL transactions.

How to find your original New Mexico licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your New Mexico driving record through the Motor Vehicle Division website or in person at a license office.