Interlock Driver’s License
If you’ve had a DWI or DUI offence in the past, there is no question that one of your main priorities should be to regain or maintain your legal driving status. This ability may be crucial in allowing you to retain employment, support yourself and your family as well as manage other important day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that may require driving to and from certain locations. Although the cost of installing and maintaining an interlock device may be substantial, the benefits of having one clearly outweigh the alternative potential court punishments and significant penalty fines. If you are ready to accomplish this important task, In & Out MVD is here to guide you and answer any questions you may have about this process.
General Interlock Info:
What is an Interlock Driver’s License?:
A special Driver’s License which allows a person to keep operating their vehicle with certain limited driving privileges and with an Ignition Interlock Device(IID) after their conviction of a DWI/DUI offense. Any person with this license pulled over by police in a non-interlock equipped vehicle may potentially be arrested, fined and face serious jail time.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device(IID)?:
An IID is a handheld breath testing device that is installed in vehicles to prevent users from being able to start their vehicle if it detects alcohol in your system. If the device detects alcohol in your breath, your vehicle will not start. Once your vehicle is started, an IID will require you to continue providing breath samples throughout the duration of your trip.
Who is required to have an IID in their vehicle?:
Any person in New Mexico convicted of DWI/DUI and whose driving privileges were revoked.
Reinstatement of a Driver’s License revoked for DWI
According to New Mexico Law, any individual whose license was revoked for DWI must meet the following requirements:
- The license revocation period must be completed
- All court ordered ignition interlock requirements must be satisfied
- Driver must have completed a minimum of six (6) months of driving with an interlock device and an ignition interlock license with no attempts to circumvent or tamper with the ignition interlock device.
***Note: MVD may reinstate the driving privileges of an out-of-state resident without meeting the above listed requirements if the license revocation period is completed, the license reinstatement fee is paid and satisfactory proof of out-of-state residence is provided.
Early Reinstatement for 10 year denial due to DWI
During a period of time prior to June 17, 2005, some drivers were subject to a mandatory 10-Year Denial of their driving privilege. Since June 17, 2005, a third DWI conviction results in a mandatory revocation of three years.
It is important to know that the New Mexico Legislature amended related laws effective June 15, 2007, that allow an individual subject to a 10-Year Denial to petition the New Mexico MVD to have the current, 3-Year mandatory revocation period apply instead. This provision applies exclusively to individuals on a 10-Year Denial with three and no more than three DWI convictions.
The application will be accepted provided that the applicant meets the following requirements:
- 3 years of the 10-Year Denial period must be completed
- The applicant has maintained an interlock device in their vehicle and an interlock license for 3 years
- Proof can be provided that there have been no violations of the ignition interlock device in the previous six months.
Any individual currently under a 10-Year Revocation can apply to reinstate early using MVD form 10454. This provision does not exempt a driver from also meeting other applicable reinstatement requirements.
To obtain an Interlock Driver’s License, you will need the following:
- Copy of the current contract with the ignition interlock provider
***Note: A receipt from the ignition interlock provider is not sufficient. A copy of the actual ignition interlock provider contract must be provided. The contract must:
- Be in effect and current on the date that the Ignition Interlock License is renewed
- Must be complete, including both the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the signature of the interlock provider It is not necessary that the current contract extend through the license renewal period, only that it be current when the license is renewed.
- Evidence of insurance showing that the individual is a covered driver of the same vehicle that is covered by the ignition interlock contract
- Notarized Ignition Interlock Affidavit (MVD-10456)
Additional Info:
- The Traffic Safety Division of the Department of Transportation administers a legislatively mandated ignition interlock program to provide a subsidy to indigent offenders who are required to install an interlock device on their vehicles. For additional information about this program click HERE.
- For information on Ignition Interlock Approved Providers and DWI Schools click HERE.
- Persons applying for an Interlock Driver’s License will be issued a temporary license valid for 45 days while their regular license is being processed. Please allow 2 – 3 weeks to receive your original Interlock Driver’s License over the mail.
We are always here for YOU!
We understand some requirements for an Interlock Driver’s License may be confusing but don’t worry, In & Out MVD is always just one call away to promptly answer any questions you may have. We understand scenarios and requirements may be different for some, this is why we are committed to giving you the best guidance and personal assistance in this process. Visit or call us today for the best MVD customer experience and service in New Mexico! We would love and always welcome the opportunity serve YOU!
