On Monday, June 2, 2008 the Rio Rancho Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) field office will begin implementing changes to the way driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards are issued. To minimize identity theft, changes will include the use of a temporary extension, new cards sent through the mail, and a new card design.

This past April, MVD began using a process where those applying for a New Mexico driver’s license or ID card received a temporary extension that is valid for 45 days from the date of issue. This applies for first-time applicants, transfers from out of state, and those seeking renewal or replacement of a driver’s license or ID. Transfers from out of state and individuals seeking a renewal have their old licenses and IDs hole-punched and returned along with temporary extension documentation. This paperwork is used until the regular card arrives via mail in approximately two weeks. Individuals are not required to get a new driver’s license or ID card until their current card / license expires.

The new, high-tech driver’s license and ID cards have twelve security features and use biometric facial recognition technology. This will allow new photos to be compared with an individual’s most recent photo and every other photo in the MVD database. This new photo verification process and enhanced security feature does not allow licenses and ID cards to be generated and issued by MVD field offices any longer.

For additional information or questions please contact MVD, part of the State of New Mexico’s Taxation and Revenue Department, at 1-888-683-4636 or online at www.idnm.us. By mid-June all MVD offices statewide will be utilizing this new system.