How To Register a Car in New Mexico
Who Needs Vehicle Registration in New Mexico
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state.Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles operated on New Mexico's public roads and highways. This requirement applies to New Mexico residents, new residents, and specific categories of non-residents operating vehicles within the state.
New Mexico's comprehensive motor vehicle regulations are governed by New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66, which establishes the legal framework for all vehicle registration requirements.
New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing New Mexico residency. Any person gainfully employed in New Mexico for 30 days or more within a 60-day period shall be presumed to be a New Mexico resident for vehicle registration purposes. Individuals who operate vehicles in New Mexico for more than 30 days must register their vehicles according to state requirements.
Military personnel stationed in New Mexico who maintain legal residence in another state may be exempt from New Mexico registration requirements under certain circumstances. Active duty military members are exempt from New Mexico licensure while driving motor vehicles owned by the United States government. Service members performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to maintain their out-of-state vehicle registration provided they maintain legal residence in their home state. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act (now Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) supersedes New Mexico motor vehicle registration fees for qualifying military personnel.
Students attending New Mexico educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state are generally exempt from New Mexico registration requirements. Non-resident students who pay non-resident tuition and maintain out-of-state residency are exempt from registering their vehicles with New Mexico's MVD, provided the vehicles are not operated in New Mexico for more than 30 days.
Temporary visitors and tourists may operate properly registered out-of-state vehicles in New Mexico without obtaining New Mexico registration for periods of 30 days or less. Vehicles registered in other states may be operated temporarily in New Mexico provided the registration remains valid in the home state.
Business fleets and commercial operators must register each vehicle used for business purposes in New Mexico if the vehicles are based in the state or operated for more than 30 days within a 60-day period.
Licensed dealers may operate vehicles under dealer plates for specific business purposes, including demonstrations, testing, and transportation to customers, subject to applicable regulations and licensing requirements.
Interstate commercial operators may utilize the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, allowing proportional registration based on miles operated in participating jurisdictions.
What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in New Mexico
New Mexico requires registration for various vehicle categories operated on public roads:
- Passenger cars including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons
- Light trucks and pickup trucks with declared gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less
- Sport utility vehicles and vans used for personal or commercial transportation
- Motorcycles including standard motorcycles, motor scooters, and three-wheeled vehicles
- Commercial trucks exceeding 26,000 pounds declared gross vehicle weight
- Truck tractors and semitrailers used for commercial transportation
- Buses used for public transportation, school transportation, or commercial passenger service
- Motor homes and recreational vehicles designed for camping and travel
- Travel trailers and camping trailers exceeding specific weight thresholds
- Utility trailers with permanent registration fees based on weight classifications
- Boat trailers and equipment trailers used for commercial or personal purposes
- Off-highway vehicles when operated on designated public roads with proper permits
- Classic vehicles 35 years old or older owned solely as collector's items
- Antique vehicles 30 years old or older eligible for special registration programs
New Mexico classifies vehicles by weight and purpose, with different registration fee schedules for passenger vehicles, trucks based on declared gross vehicle weight, and specialty vehicles. Registration fees range from $27 to $62 for one-year passenger vehicle registration or $54 to $124 for two-year registration.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in New Mexico
Several vehicle categories are exempt from New Mexico registration requirements:
Agricultural implements including tractors, combines, and farm equipment operated exclusively for farming purposes are exempt when used solely for agricultural operations between fields and service facilities.
Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, county, or municipal governments are exempt from registration fees, though they may display government identification plates.
Military tactical vehicles including tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized military equipment operated by armed forces in official capacity are exempt from civilian registration requirements.
Off-highway vehicles designed exclusively for off-road use, including dirt bikes, ATVs not street-legal, and specialized recreational vehicles, are exempt from road registration when operated solely on private property or designated off-road areas managed by state parks and recreation programs.
Golf carts and low-speed vehicles operated exclusively on golf courses, private property, or in authorized neighborhoods may be exempt from standard registration requirements under specific circumstances.
Vehicles operated exclusively on private property including industrial equipment, construction vehicles, and farm machinery that never enter public roadways are exempt from registration requirements.
Certain collector vehicles may qualify for special registration alternatives including permanent registration options or reduced-fee historical registration programs for vehicles meeting age and usage requirements.
Some exempt vehicles may utilize alternative registration programs or receive temporary permits for limited public road use during specific events, parades, or transportation needs.
What Do You Need To Register a Car in New Mexico
Registering a vehicle in New Mexico requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments:
Required Documents:
- Completed Application for Title and Registration (MVD-10002) available from MVD offices or online
- Proof of ownership including previous title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order
- Valid driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of New Mexico residency (two documents if driver's license address is not current)
- Proof of liability insurance meeting New Mexico's minimum coverage requirements
- Odometer disclosure statement for applicable vehicle transfers
- Lien holder information if applicable, including signed security agreements
- Bill of sale or dealer's invoice showing purchase price for tax calculation
- Vehicle Inspection Requirements:
- Emissions testing is required only in Bernalillo County for vehicles 1991 and newer under 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight.
- Emissions tests must be passed every two years and at change of ownership.
- Testing is required for vehicles registered or commuting in Bernalillo County for 60 or more days annually.
- VIN inspections may be required for out-of-state vehicles or when requested by MVD personnel to verify vehicle identification and ownership.
Safety and Emissions Requirements: New Mexico does not require periodic safety inspections for most vehicles statewide. However, Bernalillo County (Albuquerque area) requires emissions testing for vehicles 35 years old and newer, with tests valid for one or two years depending on vehicle type. Gas-electric hybrid vehicles are also subject to emissions testing requirements in Bernalillo County.
Fees and Taxes: New Mexico vehicle registration involves multiple fees and taxes:
Motor vehicle excise tax at 4% of the purchase price less any trade-in credit. For non-dealer sales, NADA value is used if the declared price is lower than 80% of NADA average trade-in value. Title fees vary based on vehicle type and liens. Registration fees range from $27 to $62 for one-year passenger vehicle registration or $54 to $124 for two-year registration. License plate fees apply when new plates are issued.
Registration must be completed within 30 days of establishing New Mexico residency or within 30 days of vehicle purchase for residents.
Where to Register Your Vehicle in New Mexico
New Mexico operates vehicle registration through Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) field offices located throughout the state. The MVD provides complete vehicle titling, registration, and licensing services through state-operated offices in major cities and towns.
Major MVD Field Offices:
MVD Albuquerque - Eagle Vista Office
9651 Eagle Ranch Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(505) 764-6650
Albuquerque MVD Office
MVD Las Cruces - Wyatt Office
308 Wyatt Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(575) 524-6215
Las Cruces MVD Office
MVD Santa Fe Office
2546 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(505) 476-1599
Santa Fe MVD Office
MVD Roswell Office
200 E. Wilshire Boulevard, Roswell, NM 88201
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(575) 624-6062
Roswell MVD Office
MVD Farmington Office
3501 E. Main Street #N, Farmington, NM 87402
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(505) 599-9712
Farmington MVD Office
MVD Clovis Office
900 W. 6th Street, Clovis, NM 88101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
(575) 762-3732
Clovis MVD Office
A complete directory is available at the New Mexico MVD locations page.
New Mexico also operates through authorized third-party agents including MVD Express locations that provide vehicle registration services with extended hours and additional convenience for residents throughout the state.
Can I Register a Vehicle Online in New Mexico?
New Mexico provides comprehensive online vehicle registration services through the MyMVD Online Services portal for eligible transactions:
Available Online Services:
- Registration renewals for vehicles with current, valid registration
- Address changes for existing vehicle registrations
- Duplicate registration documents and certificate replacements
- Registration status checks and verification services
- Appointment scheduling for in-person MVD office visits
- Temporary permits for certain qualifying situations
Online Service Limitations: Initial vehicle registration, title transfers, and out-of-state vehicle transfers require in-person processing at MVD field offices. These transactions involve document verification, tax calculations, and legal ownership transfers that cannot be completed remotely.
New vehicle purchases, used vehicle purchases, and registrations involving liens must be processed in person to ensure proper documentation verification and excise tax calculation.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Services: Vehicles must have no outstanding violations, no administrative holds, and current liability insurance meeting New Mexico requirements. Emissions testing must be current for Bernalillo County vehicles, and registration must not require changes to vehicle information or ownership.
The MyMVD Online Services portal at eservices.mvd.newmexico.gov provides secure 24-hour access to eligible services. Online renewals offer up to 5% discount on base registration fees for qualifying transactions.
Online services accept credit cards and electronic payments for transaction processing. Credit card fees of $1.65 apply for transactions under $275 and 1.99% for amounts over $275.
When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in New Mexico
New Mexico vehicle registration follows a systematic expiration schedule based on the month and year shown on validation stickers and certificates of registration. Registration periods are available in one-year or two-year terms at the owner's discretion.
Expiration Date System: Vehicle registration expires on the last day of the month and year shown on the validation sticker affixed to the license plate and printed on the Certificate of Registration. New Mexico does not use VIN-based or name-based expiration systems, allowing owners flexibility in selecting renewal periods.
Registration Certificates and Stickers: New Mexico issues validation stickers that must be affixed to license plates displaying the expiration month and year. Certificates of Registration must be carried in the vehicle showing the complete registration period, vehicle information, and owner details. Both documents serve as proof of current registration and legal operation authority.
Validity Requirements: Registration remains valid only when liability insurance coverage meets New Mexico minimum requirements and address information is current with the MVD. For Bernalillo County vehicles, emissions testing must remain current throughout the registration period.
Consequences of Expired Registration: Operating a vehicle with expired registration results in citations and penalties. Late registration renewal within 30 days incurs a $10 penalty plus registration fees. After 30 days, penalties increase to 75% of registration fees or $10, whichever is greater, with additional fees for operation after expiration.
Special Registration Schedules: Commercial vehicles and IRP-registered vehicles may follow different renewal schedules based on operational requirements and interstate registration plans. Historical and vintage vehicles may qualify for permanent registration or reduced renewal requirements under specialty programs.
Renewal Notifications: The MVD provides renewal notices by mail approximately 60 days before expiration to registered owners at their address of record. Online account holders using MyMVD services may receive electronic notifications and reminders for upcoming renewals and can access 5% discounts for online renewal processing.
