How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in New Mexico in 2025
Vehicle registration costs in New Mexico are determined by vehicle type, weight, age, and intended use. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) operates under the Taxation and Revenue Department and maintains standardized fee structures across all counties in the state.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
New Mexico passenger vehicle registration fees are based on vehicle weight and model year. Registration is available for either one-year or two-year periods, with two-year registrations offering cost savings.
| Registration Period | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| One (1) year registration | $27.00 to $62.00 |
| Two (2) year registration | $54.00 to $124.00 |
The specific fee within this range depends on the vehicle's weight class and age. Newer vehicles generally incur higher fees than older vehicles of similar weight. Vehicles over five years old receive reduced registration fees at 80% of the standard rate.
Truck Registration Fees (26,000 lbs or less GVWR)
Trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less follow the same weight and age-based fee structure as passenger vehicles, but with higher rates:
| Registration Period | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| One (1) year registration | $38.00 to $207.00 |
| Two (2) year registration | $76.00 to $414.00 |
Commercial Truck Registration Fees (Over 26,000 lbs)
Commercial trucks over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight follow the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-6-4 fee schedule based on declared gross weight:
| Declared Gross Weight (lbs) | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4,000 | $40.00 |
| 4,001 to 6,000 | $55.00 |
| 6,001 to 8,000 | $69.00 |
| 8,001 to 10,000 | $84.00 |
| 10,001 to 12,000 | $99.00 |
| 12,001 to 14,000 | $113.00 |
| 14,001 to 16,000 | $128.00 |
| 16,001 to 18,000 | $143.00 |
| 18,001 to 20,000 | $157.00 |
| 20,001 to 22,000 | $172.00 |
| 22,001 to 24,000 | $187.00 |
| 24,001 to 26,000 | $201.00 |
| 26,001 to 48,000 | $118.00 |
| 48,001 and over | $172.00 |
Trailer Registration Fees
Utility Trailers (Permanent Registration)
New Mexico offers permanent registration for utility trailers under 6,001 pounds gross vehicle weight. The permanent registration fee structure eliminates the need for annual renewals:
| Weight Category | Permanent Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| First 500 pounds | $25.00 |
| Each additional 100 pounds (rounded) | $5.00 |
Recreational Travel Trailers (RV Registration)
Travel trailers and recreational vehicles are registered based on weight, with fees calculated at half the standard utility trailer rate:
| Weight Calculation | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Trailer weight ÷ 2 | $25.00 for first 500 lbs + $5.00 per additional 100 lbs |
New Mexico provides a weight conversion chart for travel trailers when only length is known, ranging from 13-foot trailers (1,520 lbs empty weight) to 40-foot trailers (8,500 lbs empty weight).
Freight Trailers
Commercial freight trailers receive permanent registration upon initial registration:
| Trailer Type | Permanent Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Freight trailers | $13.00 |
| Transfer of permanent registration | $5.00 |
Special Vehicle Categories
Farm Vehicles
Vehicles used primarily for farming and ranching operations receive discounted registration fees at two-thirds of the standard commercial truck rates, provided the vehicle:
- Is owned by someone whose principal occupation is farming or ranching
- Is used primarily for transporting farm/ranch products to market
- Transports farm/ranch supplies and livestock
- Is not used for hire
Local and County Fees
New Mexico operates under a uniform statewide registration fee structure administered by the Motor Vehicle Division. The state does not impose additional county or local vehicle registration fees beyond the standard state rates.
The remaining New Mexico counties do not charge local registration fees.
Processing and Administrative Fees
Transaction Fees
New Mexico imposes a mandatory administrative fee on all motor vehicle transactions:
| Service | Administrative Fee |
|---|---|
| Each transaction (state statute) | $2.00 |
This fee is collected in addition to all registration and title fees and applies to transactions performed by both MVD offices and authorized agent offices.
Agent Office Convenience Fees
Many New Mexico residents use authorized MVD agent offices for convenience. These private businesses are authorized to collect an additional convenience fee:
| Service Provider | Typical Convenience Fee |
|---|---|
| Authorized MVD agents | $5.00 to $10.00 |
| AAA New Mexico | $2.00 |
| MVD Express locations | Varies by location |
Credit Card Processing Fees
When paying by credit card, additional processing fees apply:
| Payment Method | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| MVD kiosks | 2.3% of transaction |
| Online renewals | $1.55 |
| Field office credit card | $1.55 |
Title Fees
Vehicle title fees in New Mexico are standardized statewide and collected in conjunction with registration fees.
Regional Variations and Special Requirements
Emissions Testing Requirements
New Mexico requires emissions testing only in Bernalillo County (which includes Albuquerque). Vehicles registered in Bernalillo County must pass emissions testing before initial registration and renewal.
Late Registration Penalties
New Mexico imposes penalties for late registration renewals:
| Late Period | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| 31 days or more late | 75% of registration fee |
This penalty is added to the standard registration renewal fee, making timely renewal financially advantageous.
Additional Required Fees
Tire Recycling Fee
New Mexico imposes an annual tire recycling fee on most registered vehicles:
| Vehicle Category | Annual Tire Recycling Fee |
|---|---|
| Most vehicles | $1.50 |
| Vehicles over 26,000 lbs DGVW | Exempt |
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
For complete fee schedules and current rates, visit the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division website or contact your nearest MVD field office.
