Car Registration Requirements for New New Mexico Residents
Residents who move to New Mexico with a motor vehicle registered in another state must complete title and registration procedures in accordance with state law. Registration obligations apply when individuals establish residency through employment, property ownership, or other activities demonstrating permanent ties to the state.
Timeline for New Mexico Residents
Persons gainfully employed in New Mexico for 30 days or more within a 60-day period are presumed to be New Mexico residents under §66-3-301. New Mexico residents must register vehicles operated on roads and highways.
Establishing New Mexico Residency
Residency determinations for vehicle registration are based on demonstrating a bona fide New Mexico residence address. Evidence of residency includes a current New Mexico driver's license or identification card, or documentation accepted for driver's license residency requirements, such as utility bills, bank statements, or employment records.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in New Mexico
New residents registering vehicles must visit a Motor Vehicle Division field office in person for initial registration.
Essential Documents
- Current outstanding certificate of title with the assignment section completed and signed by the former owner
- Application for Title (Form MVD-10002)
- Odometer statement showing agreed mileage at time of sale (may use Bill of Sale MVD-10009, Odometer Disclosure MVD-10187, or assignment section on title)
- Proof of New Mexico automobile insurance meeting minimum liability requirements
- Two proofs of residency
- Proof of identity
- Emission certificate of inspection (Bernalillo County residents only)
Insurance Requirements
Minimum automobile liability insurance amounts required in New Mexico are:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury or Death (one person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury or Death (two or more persons) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
Application Submission Methods
New residents must complete initial vehicle registration in person at Motor Vehicle Division offices. Appointments may be available at some locations. Online registration services are available for renewal transactions, but not for initial new resident registrations.
New Mexico Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Emission Testing
Emission testing is required for vehicles in Bernalillo County. All vehicles less than 35 years old, up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, must pass an emission test every two years and at change of ownership. Diesel and gas-electric hybrid vehicles require testing every two years.
Exempt Vehicles
- New motor vehicles for four years following registration from the manufacturer's certificate of origin date
- Vehicles 35 years old or older
- Dedicated electric vehicles
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more
Registration Fees and Costs in New Mexico
New Mexico vehicle registration fees are based on vehicle weight and model year.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Registration fees for passenger vehicles range from $27.00 to $62.00 for a one-year registration or $54.00 to $124.00 for a two-year registration.
Truck Registration Fees
Registration fees for trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less are based on weight and model year. Fees range from $38.00 to $207.00 for a one-year registration or $76.00 to $414.00 for a two-year registration.
Additional Fees
- Title transfer fee
- License plate fee
- Municipal office service fees (vary by location, typically $5.00 to $50.00)
Contact Information
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Joseph Montoya Building, P.O. Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028
Phone: (888) 683-4636
New Mexico MVD
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Vehicle Pollution Management Division
1500 Broadway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 764-1110
Official Website: Emissions Testing
