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A New Mexico vehicle registration is documentation that links the Land of Enchantment residents to the vehicles they own or lease.

Vehicle registration in New Mexico must be handled in person. Residents should bring their vehicle’s title, proof of insurance, driver’s license, proof of residency, and payment for their registration fees.

Depending on where residents live, or if they are new residents to New Mexico, they may also need to have an inspection performed.

Registering a Vehicle in New Mexico

New to New Mexico?

After establishing residency in New Mexico, new residents need to register their vehicle with the MVD.

All out-of-state vehicles require a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. Most MVD field offices provide this service, and some require appointments, while others don’t offer inspections at all. If an MVD office does not offer VIN inspections, NM residents can take their vehicle to a state-approved VIN Inspection station before beginning the registration application process.

To apply for a New Mexico car registration certificate, visit any MVD field office and present:

  • The vehicle’s title.
  • A completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MVD10002).
  • Proof of New Mexico car insurance.
  • Proof of identity (NM driver’s license, marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • The state provides a detailed list of acceptable forms of identification.

An Emission Certificate of Inspection (if the resident resides or primarily works in Bernalillo County).

  • 2 documents proving residency in New Mexico (utility bill, pay stub, bank or credit union statement, mortgage document).
  • The state offers a full list of acceptable proof of residency documents.
  • Payment for registration fees (see “NM Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

New Mexico residents will also be given the choice of applying for an NM vehicle registration certificate good for 1 year or 2 years.

How to Register a Car in New Mexico

NM residents need to make sure they have an active car insurance policy when registering their vehicle. New Mexico residents who buy a vehicle from a dealership, do not have to worry about the registration process because the dealer will submit the registration and title forms to the Motor Vehicle Division.

NM residents who purchase a vehicle from a private party must register in person at any MVD field office. Residents of the state of New Mexico cannot register by mail or online.

Residents need to bring:

  • A completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MVD10002).
  • The vehicle’s title.
  • Proof of NM auto insurance.
  • Proof of identity (NM driver’s license, photo ID, birth certificate).
  • The state provides a detailed list of acceptable forms of identification.
  • 2 documents of residency in NM (bank statement, pay stub, NM car registration certificate).
  • A completed Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle or Boat (Form MVD10018), only if the vehicle was obtained as a gift.
  • An Emission Certificate of Registration, if applicable (please see “Vehicle Inspections” below).
  • Power of Attorney, if someone other than the resident applies.
  • A release of lien, if applicable. The lienholder can do this by:
    • Completing the “Release of Lien” section found on your title.
    • Presenting on company letterhead a notarized release of lien. The letter must be signed by the lienholder.
  • Submitting a completed Release of Lien (Form MVD10041).
  • Payment to cover registration fees (see “NM Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

When applying, NM residents have the choice between a vehicle registration certificate good for 1 year or 2 years.

DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

NOTE: If a New Mexico resident bought the vehicle out-of-state, they’ll also need a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. Please see “Vehicle Inspections” below for further details, including requirements and appointments.

Residents Who Recently Moved to New Mexico

NM residents will find all the information they need to finish their moving requirements with the DMV.

Transferring an NM Vehicle Registration

New Mexico residents who wish to transfer their existing license plates to their new vehicle have 30 days to do so. The vehicle must be of the same type (e.g. residents cannot transfer motorcycle plates to a passenger vehicle).

To complete the process, visit any MVD field office and present:

  • The existing license plates.
  • The new vehicle’s signed-over title (see our Title Transfers page for information on signing over a title).
  • Proof of NM car insurance.
  • The New Mexico driver’s license.
  • An Emission Certificate of Registration and/or VIN inspection, if applicable (see “Vehicle Inspections” below).
  • Payment for registration fees (see “NM Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

NOTE: NM residents who are transferring the plates from a trade-in vehicle with a dealership need to make sure they notify the dealer. If not, the dealer will submit the registration and title documents to the MVD, and the resident will be issued new plates.

Out-of-State Transportation Permit

Non-residents of New Mexico who purchase a vehicle in New Mexico may apply for a transportation permit to get the vehicle back to their home state. These permits are good for up to 10 business days.

To apply, visit any MVD field office and provide:

  • Proof of auto insurance.
  • A valid driver’s license.
  • Payment to cover the permit fee (fee varies by length of permit).

Non-Resident Students and Workers

Non-resident students attending a New Mexico college or university full-time do not have to register with New Mexico’s MVD. Non-residents of NM are allowed to drive with their home state plates, provided that:

  • The plates are current.
  • Individuals display a non-resident sticker on their vehicle. These can be obtained from their college.
  • Non-resident workers who accept permanent employment in the state must apply for a New Mexico registration certificate within 30 days. This registration mandate will be waived if individuals can prove their job will not last more than 180 days.

Vehicle Registration Fees

NM vehicle registration fees are based on a vehicle’s model year and weight*.

Passenger vehicles:

  • Registered for 1 year: $27 to $62.
  • Registered for 2 years: $54 to $124.
  • Trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,000 lbs. or less:
  • Registered for 1 year: $38 to $207.
  • Registered for 2 years: $76 to $414.

Late registration renewal fee:

  • Less than 31 days late: $10.
  • Late 31 days or more: 75% of registration fee.
  • Late title transfer fee: 50%. of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET): 4% of vehicle’s sale price (paid during title application).

Obtain a Duplicate NM Vehicle Registration

If an NM vehicle registration certificate becomes lost or illegible, it’s the resident’s responsibility to replace it as soon as possible.

To order a duplicate NM car registration certificate, residents can visit any MVD office with:

  • Proof of auto insurance.
  • The license plate number.
  • Payment to cover any required replacement fee.

Vehicle Inspections in New Mexico

New Residents & Out-of-State Vehicles

Out-of-state vehicles being registered in New Mexico must have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection performed. This can typically happen simultaneously with the registration at the Motor Vehicle Division office, but some require VIN inspection appointments. NM residents can contact their local MVD office for details on whether they need an appointment or not.

If a local MVD office does not offer VIN inspections, residents can take their vehicle to a state-approved VIN Inspection station before beginning the registration application process.

New Mexico Residents & In-State Vehicles

First-time vehicle registrations for cars purchased in the state may require an emission test. These emission checks are limited to:

  • Residents of Bernalillo County.
  • People who commute to work inside Bernalillo County 60 days or more a year.
  • Emission tests are required every 2 years or when a vehicle changes ownership.

New Mexico License Plates

During registration, the MVD will present residents of the state of New Mexico with a wealth of license plate options. Residents can opt for a standard-issued plate; or, for an extra fee, order one of the state’s many specialized plates.

Replace a Lost New Mexico License Plate

Is the license plate missing? Or is it damaged to the extent of being illegible? If so, NM residents need to order a duplicate license plate.

To order, visit a local MVD branch office with:

  • The NM vehicle registration certificate.
  • A New Mexico driver’s license.

There may be a fee to replace a license plate.

NM Registration for Non-Operational Vehicles

New Mexico residents who plan to take their vehicle off the road need to complete an Affidavit of Non-Use of Vehicle (form MVD11268) and mail it to the address located at the bottom of the application. Submitting this form protects residents in this state from any possible registration renewal late fees when they resume driving the vehicle again.

DO NOT highlight the document—the MVD will reject it.

When the time comes to return the vehicle to the road, NM residents can visit a local Motor Vehicle Division office and follow the same steps as if they were renewing the vehicle’s registration.

Motorcycle Registration in New Mexico

All New Mexico residents must register their motorcycles with the Motor Vehicle Division before hitting the desert roads. This guide will help simplify the process both for new residents and after buying a new bike.

New Residents to New Mexico

Upon establishing New Mexico residency, new residents need to both title and register their motorcycle with the MVD.

BEFORE doing so, NM residents must:

  • Complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.
  • These are NOT offered at every MVD branch. Check with your local field office to see if this service is offered there.

Get an emissions inspection IF:

  • You now live in or commute to Bernalillo County.

AND

  • Your motorcycle is model year 1986 or newer AND weighs up to 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight.

Once these steps are complete, NM residents can visit their local MVD field office with:

  • The out-of-state title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
  • A dealer invoice, if the motorcycle is brand new.
  • A completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MVD10002).
  • An odometer statement—this can be written on any of the following:
  • The title or MCO.
  • An Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10187).
  • The registration application.

Proof of:

  • New Mexico motorcycle insurance.
  • New Mexico residency (2 documents).
  • Lienholder name and address, if applicable.

The MVD must obtain a copy of the title from the lienholder. Payment for all applicable registration fees (see below for details).

DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

Registering a NM Motorcycle

While generally the same process, some steps required for New Mexico motorcycle registration vary depending on whether the resident bought a bike new or used.

Regardless, NM residents need to register it with the MVD within 30 days of purchase.

Visit the closest NM field office and submit:

EITHER:

  • The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), for new motorcycles.
  • The completed and signed title, for used motorcycles.
  • A Bill of Sale (Form MVD10009).

Needed if the title assignment is incomplete, or there isn’t room on the title to do so.

  • A dealer’s invoice (original or certified copy), if purchased from a dealership.
  • A completed Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD10002).
  • An odometer statement, written on any of the following:
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10187).

The back of the MCO, if space is provided.

  • The registration application form.

Proof of:

  • New Mexico motorcycle insurance.
  • Vehicle trade-in, if applicable.

This can be a copy of either the title or registration for the vehicle you traded in.

  • New Mexico residency (2 documents).
  • Emissions inspection, if applicable (see “Emissions Inspections” below).
  • VIN inspection, if the bike was previously titled in a different state.
  • The lienholder’s contact info, if applicable.
  • Payment for the applicable registration fee—see below for details.

Additionally, if the motorcycle is used and the previous owner had a lien, residents need to provide proof of a lien release before being able to register.

DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

Emissions Inspections

For affected residents of commuters to Bernalillo County, the emissions inspection requirement will differ based on whether the motorcycle is new or used.

When purchasing a motorcycle brand new, NM residents are exempt from the emissions testing requirement for the bike’s first 2 years. After that, the motorcycle is subject to all standard county inspection requirements.

If the motorcycle is used, individuals need to ensure it has passed its most recently required inspection. The MVD will typically have this information stored electronically from the testing center, but still make sure to ask for a copy from the seller or dealer.

Motorcycle Registration Fees in NM

Registration fees vary in New Mexico, depending on the vehicle’s weight, model year, and registration period:

Motorcycle registration:

  • 1 year: Between $27 to $62.
  • 2 years: Between $54 to $124.
  • Excise tax: 4% of the vehicle price.

Registering a Boat in New Mexico

The NM State Parks Division (SPD) enforces all boating rules and regulations. For NM residents who recently purchased a vessel, the SPD may require residents to have it titled and/or registered through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Residents will find a range of information about titling and registering a vessel in NM, as well as the requirements to legally operate watercraft on the Land of Enchantment’s waters.

Vessels to Title & Register in NM

The New Mexico SPD requires ALL watercraft propelled by motors OR sails to be registered, with the following exemptions:

  • Canoes, kayaks, and rafts powered only by paddles or oars.
  • Sailboards.
  • Windsurf boards.
  • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Boats registered in other states AND not kept in New Mexico for more than 90 consecutive days.

New Mexico residents also need to title any boat powered by a motor (gas or electric) OR sail that’s more than 10 feet.

Boat Registration in New Mexico

Residents of this state must title and/or register their boat with the NM Motor Vehicle Division within 30 days of the purchasing the vessel. To do so, residents can begin by calling the MVD office they’re planning on visiting to confirm there’s an agent who can process vessel titles and registrations.

New Mexico residents who are titling/registering a used vessel need to bring the boat to the MVD office to have its hull identification number inspected by an agent at the time of registration.

Submit the following items at a local MVD agency to complete the title and/or registration application:

  • A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title (Form MVD10003). Include the name and address of any lien holders.
  • The resident’s valid New Mexico driver’s license OR identification card.

Proof of ownership:

  • New vessels: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.

Used vessels:

  • Requiring a title: Boat title assigned in your name.
  • Exempt from titling: Previous owner’s registration.
  • For used boats, a completed Bill of Sale (Form MVD10009) that includes the boat’s sale price.
  • Dealer invoice, if applicable.
  • If applicable, a lien release.
  • Payment for the applicable boat titling and registration fees.

All NM boat registrations are valid for 3 years and expire on December 31st of the final registration year.

NM Boat Title & Registration Fees

The fees New Mexico residents are required to pay to title and register their boat with the NM Motor Vehicle Division are as follows:

Initial and renewal boat registration (depends on your vessel’s length):

  • Class A (less than 16 ft): $28.50.
  • Class 1 (16 ft to 26 ft): $36.
  • Class 2 (26 ft to 40 ft): $43.50.
  • Class 3 (40 ft to 65 ft): $51.
  • Longer than 65 ft: $66.
  • Vessel title: $10.

Duplicate:

  • Title: $10.
  • Registration: $5.
  • Excise Tax: 5% of the sales price.

Renew a New Mexico Boat Registration

When the NM vessel registration expires, the MVD will not send a renewal reminder, so residents need to make sure they mark the expiration date on the calendar! NM residents need to renew their registration within the 60 days following the registration’s expiration date by providing:

  • Information about the vessel AND the required renewal fees, using the NM Motor Vehicle Division’s online renewal system.

OR

  • A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title (Form MVD10003) AND the applicable renewal fees, in person at your local MVD office branch.

Duplicate NM Title & Registration

New Mexico residents who lose or damage their boat registration or title can apply for a replacement copy at any MVD office by providing:

  • A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title (Form MVD10003).
  • A valid NM driver’s license OR state ID card.
  • The appropriate fees for duplicate titles and/or registrations.

For more information on requesting a replacement vessel title and/or registration, call the NM Motor Vehicle Division’s main line at (888) 683-4636.

New Mexico Boater Requirements

NM residents who were born on or after January 1, 1989, MUST complete a boat safety course approved by the New Mexico State Parks Division to legally operate motorboats and sailboats. Residents of this state can fulfill the SPD’s education requirement by completing a course online OR in the classroom.

Additionally, boaters younger than 13 years old CANNOT operate vessels with motors OR sails without adult supervision.

Accepted Forms of Payment

The New Mexico DMV accepts these forms of payment:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • American Express
  • VISA
  • MasterCard
  • Discover

Online renewals can only be paid using a VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card only. Before heading to a New Mexico DMV, residents need to make sure they have the necessary documentation and payment to pay the necessary fees.

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