Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
NM License CDL.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department • Commercial
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,360 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department~Commercial and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $48,360, Truck Driver (CDL)s in New Mexico earn 16% below the national median of $57,440. New Mexico ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median annual salary
$48,360Hourly estimate
$23.2516% below national median
Difference: -$9,080
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $48,360 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $60,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $51,920 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $53,070 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $53,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $59,580 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department • Commercial
2546 Camino Entrada, P.O. Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM, 87507
Phone: 8886834636
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $85,140 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $83,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $76,480 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $318,450 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in New Mexico?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New Mexico is $48,360. Salaries range from $38,250 (10th percentile) to $65,060 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in New Mexico earn 16% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $48,360.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 10,850 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to New Mexico from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department / Commercial. Review agency details at https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/commercial/commercial-drivers-licenses-cdl/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.