New Mexico DMV Services

🕐 When You Must Title & Register

• You should complete your title and registration transaction promptly after purchase — typically within 30 days of buying a car to avoid late fees.
• If you move to New Mexico with an out‑of‑state vehicle, you must title and register it within 60 days of establishing residency.

🧾 1. Proof of Ownership (Title Docs)

🚗 New Cars

If the car was never previously titled:

• Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) (from the manufacturer/dealer; photocopies aren’t accepted).
• Dealer purchase agreement or invoice showing sale price and buyer.
• Odometer statement — either printed on the back of the MCO or using MVD Form 10187 or the title application (Form 10002).
• Proof of insurance with New Mexico minimum liability coverage.

🚘 Used Cars

• Current Certificate of Title with the seller’s assignments fully completed (buyer information, signatures, sale date, and price). Photocopies aren’t accepted.
• If there’s not enough room on the title for assignments, a Bill of Sale (MVD Form 10009) showing seller/buyer info and sale price is required.
• Odometer disclosure signed by both buyer and seller — can be on the title, a separate odometer statement form, or the title application.

🪪 2. Identification & Residency

When applying in person at an MVD Field Office, bring:

• Proof of identity (e.g., New Mexico driver’s license or other acceptable ID).
• Proof of New Mexico residency — typically 2 documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or other accepted residency documents.
• If ownership is transferred or processed by someone else, a Power of Attorney may be required.

🛡️ 4. Insurance Requirements

Before registration, you must have New Mexico auto liability insurance that meets state minimums:

• At least $25,000 bodily injury/death per person,
• $50,000 bodily injury/death per accident,
• $10,000 property damage.

Bring insurance proof (card, policy copy, or insurer letter) to your MVD visit.

💵 5. Taxes

• 4% sales tax based on purchase price + accessories + shipping + Service contract. Will go up to 6% if title and registered after 60 days of the purchase date
• Reciprocal with CA but will need a dealer letterhead that states the sales tax collected, notarized
• If lease vehicle sales tax is paid monthly
• Trade in credit allowed

🪪 6. Additional Notes

• Emissions testing: Required for Bernalillo County residents in certain areas, not statewide.
• VIN inspection is required for used vehicles

📋 Quick Checklist 

✔ Original title or MCO
✔ Original odometer
✔ Copy of contract
✔ Bill of Sale or Purchase order
✔ Copy of NM Driver’s License or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Proof of NM auto insurance
✔ Original VIN inspection, if used vehicle
✔ Power of attorney
✔ Vehicle color
✔ Emissions, if applicable
✔ Fees