How To Get a Car Title in New Mexico 2026
New Mexico law requires owners to obtain a certificate of title for all motor vehicles subject to registration, including passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and trailers. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, operating within the Taxation and Revenue Department, serves as the state authority responsible for issuing certificates of title and maintaining vehicle ownership documentation throughout New Mexico's 33 counties.
Where to Apply for a New Mexico Certificate of Title
New Mexico residents must process title applications through authorized service locations administered by the Motor Vehicle Division. Designated processing centers include:
- MVD Field Offices – State-operated facilities located throughout New Mexico's 33 counties, providing full title and registration services with trained personnel
- Municipal Agent Offices – Local government offices authorized to conduct motor vehicle transactions in select communities, including Pecos, Questa, Red River, and Santa Rosa
- Authorized Dealerships – Licensed motor vehicle dealers may submit title applications electronically when handling vehicle sales transactions
- Third-Party MVD Offices – Privately operated authorized agents offering title services under contract with the Motor Vehicle Division
Required Documents for Title Application in New Mexico
Individuals seeking a New Mexico certificate of title must provide designated documentation to establish ownership and comply with division requirements.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | Current outstanding title with Assignment of Title section completed and signed | No copies accepted; original document required for processing |
| Proof of Identity | One acceptable identification document | Valid New Mexico driver's license or identification card; alternative documents listed on MVD website |
| Two Proofs of Residency | Documentation establishing New Mexico residence | Utility bills (dated within 60 days), rental agreements, or insurance documents showing current address |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions necessitate supplementary materials based on specific circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement Form MVD-10187 | Records accurate mileage at time of ownership transfer | Federal and state law requires disclosure; may be completed on title, bill of sale, or separate form |
| Bill of Sale Form MVD-10009 | Establishes transaction details and purchase price | Required when the Assignment of Title section on the certificate is incomplete or missing |
| Release of Lien Documentation | Confirms satisfaction of outstanding security interest | Original document required; company representative must indicate position when releasing lien |
| Affidavit of Gift Form MVD-10018 | Notarized statement affirming vehicle transfer as gift | Both donor and recipient signatures required under oath; exempts transaction from excise tax |
| VIN Inspection Certificate (Form MVD-10861) | Physical verification of vehicle identification number | Required for out-of-state vehicles; conducted by certified MVD inspector or authorized law enforcement |
| Proof of Insurance | Documentation showing minimum liability coverage | New Mexico requires $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 minimum coverage; insurance card, policy copy, or company letter acceptable |
New Mexico Title Fees and Costs
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division imposes standardized fee structures for title services, with registration fees determined by vehicle weight and model year. Note that vehicle registration fees increased by 25% effective January 1, 2027, as authorized by New Mexico Senate Bill 2 (2026) to fund highway improvements and infrastructure.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $14.00 |
| Title Transfer | $14.00 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate | $14.00 |
| Lien Recording | $3.00 |
Registration Fees for Passenger Vehicles
Registration fees for passenger vehicles are based on the vehicle's weight class and model year. The following fee ranges reflect rates as of 2026 (pre-increase):
| Weight Class | One-Year Registration | Two-Year Registration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3,000 lbs | $27.00 - $62.00 | $54.00 - $124.00 | Includes vehicles under 3,000 lbs based on model year |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs | $27.00 - $62.00 | $54.00 - $124.00 | Passenger vehicles in this weight range |
| Over 5,000 lbs | $27.00 - $62.00 | $54.00 - $124.00 | Heavier passenger vehicles (SUVs, large trucks) |
Registration Fees for Trucks
Registration fees for trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight rating (DGVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less are significantly higher than passenger vehicle fees and are determined by weight and model year:
| Weight Class | One-Year Registration | Two-Year Registration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 8,000 lbs | $38.00 - $100.00 | $76.00 - $200.00 | Light trucks and commercial vehicles |
| 8,001 - 14,000 lbs | $100.00 - $150.00 | $200.00 - $300.00 | Medium-duty trucks |
| 14,001 - 26,000 lbs | $150.00 - $207.00 | $300.00 - $414.00 | Heavy-duty trucks (DGVWR ≤ 26,000 lbs) |
Additional Processing Fees and Taxes
Vehicle owners should anticipate supplementary expenses beyond basic title and registration charges:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | 4% of purchase price | Applied to sale price less trade-in credit; NADA value used if declared price under 80% of average trade-in value |
| Lien Recording | $3.00 | Recorded per security interest or lien |
| Late Application Penalty | 50% of excise tax | Imposed when application submitted more than 90 days after accepting transfer |
| Emission Inspection Fee | Varies by facility | Required only for Bernalillo County residents; separate from title fees |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Verify Vehicle Identification Number
For vehicles being titled in New Mexico from another state, schedule a VIN inspection at an MVD Field Office or through a certified inspector. Not all field offices perform VIN inspections, so contact your local office in advance to confirm availability. Bring the vehicle, current out-of-state title, driver's license, and proof of address to the inspection. The inspector will verify the VIN matches documentation and complete Form MVD-10861. This requirement applies to all vehicles previously registered in another state.
Step 2: Complete Assignment and Odometer Disclosure
Ensure the previous owner has properly completed the Assignment of Title section on the certificate of title, signing exactly as their name appears on the front. Verify the odometer disclosure statement is completed, showing the accurate mileage reading at the time of sale. If the Assignment of Title section is incomplete or the title lacks odometer disclosure space, obtain and complete the appropriate supplementary forms, including Bill of Sale Form MVD-10009 or Odometer Disclosure Statement Form MVD-10187 with signatures from both buyer and seller.
Step 3: Gather Residency Documentation and Insurance
Collect one acceptable proof of identity, such as your New Mexico driver's license, and two proofs of residency establishing your current New Mexico address. Acceptable residency documents include utility bills dated within 60 days, rental or purchase agreements, or insurance documents showing your name and address. If registering the vehicle simultaneously with titling, secure proof of insurance meeting New Mexico's minimum liability requirements of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.
Step 4: Calculate Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Determine the excise tax due on the transaction by calculating 4 percent of the vehicle's purchase price, subtracting any trade-in credit if applicable. For private party sales, the MVD will use the NADA average trade-in or wholesale value if the declared purchase price falls below 80 percent of that value. If receiving the vehicle as a gift, obtain and complete Affidavit of Gift Form MVD-10018 with notarized signatures from both donor and recipient to avoid excise tax assessment. Credit may be available if another state's sales tax was paid on the same vehicle.
Step 5: Visit MVD Field Office
Locate your nearest MVD Field Office and bring all required documentation, including the assigned certificate of title, VIN inspection if applicable, proof of identity and residency, odometer disclosure, and payment for applicable fees and taxes. Present materials to the MVD representative, who will verify documentation completeness and accuracy. The division's titling system automatically checks vehicle information through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to determine if the vehicle has been stolen or is connected to criminal activity before proceeding with title issuance.
Step 6: Receive Title Certificate
The Motor Vehicle Division will issue the certificate of title and mail it to your address or to the lienholder if a security interest exists on the vehicle. New Mexico maintains a plate-to-owner system, meaning license plates remain with the owner rather than the vehicle. If simultaneously registering the vehicle, you will receive registration documentation and license plates at the field office. Title processing typically completes within several weeks after the division confirms all documentation and the NCIC check returns clear.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
New Mexico statutes exempt specific vehicle categories from certificate of title requirements:
- Vehicles operated exclusively on private property not used for public transportation purposes
- Special mobile equipment not designed primarily for highway transportation, including construction machinery and industrial equipment
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations on farms and ranches
- Certain trailers, depending on weight classification and intended usage
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, or local governmental entities
Contact Information
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Joseph Montoya Building, P.O. Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028
Phone: (888) 683-4636
Official Website: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
