New MexicoNew Mexico applicants could request Native American marks on state IDs
If enacted, the proposal would let New Mexico applicants request a Native American mark on a driver’s license or identification card using listed tribal documents.
What it does
If enacted, applicants could request a Native American mark on a New Mexico driver’s license by submitting one of four listed tribal documents. The mark could not identify a specific nation, tribe, or pueblo.
If enacted, applicants could request a Native American mark on a New Mexico identification card by submitting one of four listed tribal documents. The mark could not identify a specific nation, tribe, or pueblo.
Argument forThe mark could help applicants show they are Native American without displaying their specific nation, tribe, or pueblo or their membership documents’ personal information.
Argument againstApplicants who lack one of the listed tribal documents may be unable to get the mark, even if they identify as Native American.
More detail
Applicants may request a mark identifying them as Native American on a driver’s license. The applicant must submit an enhanced tribal card, tribal identification card, tribal certificate of Indian blood, or tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth. The mark cannot identify a specific Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo, or include personal information submitted to prove membership in a federally recognized one. The proposed effective date is October 1, 2026.
Applicants may request a mark identifying them as Native American on an identification card. This applies to New Mexico identification cards, including standard and REAL ID-compliant cards. The applicant must submit an enhanced tribal card, tribal identification card, tribal certificate of Indian blood, or tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth. The mark cannot identify a specific Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo, or include personal information submitted to prove membership in a federally recognized one. The proposed effective date is October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 24action postponed indefinitelyLatest
- Feb 18DO PASS committee report adoptedMinor
- Feb 15Sent to Senate Tax, Business and Transportation CommitteeMinor
- Feb 14passed HousePassed House
- Vote recorded house passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 11DO PASS committee report adoptedMinor
- Feb 6DO PASS committee report adoptedMinor
- Jan 30Sent to House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee & House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs CommitteeIntroduced
Government & Ethics