How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in New Mexico?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all New Mexico residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and provides services through state-operated field offices and contracted municipal offices located throughout New Mexico.
New Mexico Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
New Mexico vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Control Number or Vehicle Identification: Control number from renewal reminder postcard, or license plate number and last six characters of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Valid Insurance Information: Current New Mexico auto insurance card showing minimum liability coverage ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $10,000 property damage)
- Payment Method: Credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover), check, money order, or cash (in-person only)
- Emission Certificate (if applicable): Valid emissions test certificate for Bernalillo County residents
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Renewal Reminder: Registration renewal postcards are mailed to vehicle owners prior to expiration
- Registration Period: Registrations may be renewed for one year or two years
- Late Renewal Penalties:
- Within 30 days: $10.00 penalty plus registration fee
- 31 days or more late: 75% of registration fee penalty plus registration fee
- New Residents: Persons establishing residency in New Mexico must register vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency or beginning gainful employment
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in New Mexico in 2025
2025 New Mexico Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
New Mexico vehicle registration fees are based on vehicle weight and model year. The following table shows the annual registration fees for passenger vehicles.
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee (1 Year) | Two-Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3,500 lbs. and newer model | $27.00 - $38.00 | $54.00 - $76.00 |
| 3,501 - 5,000 lbs. | $38.00 - $47.00 | $76.00 - $94.00 |
| 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. | $47.00 - $54.00 | $94.00 - $108.00 |
| 6,001 - 8,000 lbs. | $54.00 - $62.00 | $108.00 - $124.00 |
Note: Exact fees depend on specific vehicle weight and model year. Registration fees range from $27.00 to $62.00 for one-year passenger vehicle registration or $54.00 to $124.00 for two-year registration.
Truck Registration Fees
Trucks with declared gross vehicle weight (DGVW) of 26,000 pounds or less have registration fees based on weight and model year.
| Declared Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee Range (1 Year) | Two-Year Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6,000 lbs. | $38.00 - $62.00 | $76.00 - $124.00 |
| 6,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $62.00 - $100.00 | $124.00 - $200.00 |
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs. | $100.00 - $145.00 | $200.00 - $290.00 |
| 16,001 - 26,000 lbs. | $145.00 - $207.00 | $290.00 - $414.00 |
Specialty Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $17.00 |
| Mopeds | $8.00 |
| Trailers and Semi-trailers | Varies by weight |
| Recreational Vehicles | Based on weight classification |
| Historic Vehicles | Varies by plate type |
Additional Registration Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $14.00 | New vehicle title |
| Transfer of Plates | $10.00 | Transfer existing plates to different vehicle |
| Replacement Plates | $17.00 | Lost, stolen, or damaged plates |
| Emissions Testing | $13.00 - $25.00 | Bernalillo County only, plus tax |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | $1.65 or 1.99% | Online and kiosk renewals |
Registration Renewal Discount
Vehicle owners receive up to a 5% discount on the base registration fee when renewing through online services, kiosks, or the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. However, credit card processing fees apply, reducing the net discount.
Example Discount Calculation:
- Registration cost: $60.00
- 5% discount: -$3.00
- Credit card processing fee: +$1.65
- Net discount: $1.35
- Total cost: $58.65
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in New Mexico
Online Renewal Platforms
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division provides multiple convenient methods for vehicle registration renewal. Online renewal offers the fastest service and provides up to a 5% discount on base registration fees.
Method 1: Online Renewal
Visit the MVD Online Registration Renewal Portal to complete registration renewal 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Online renewal provides immediate confirmation and qualifies for the discount on base registration fees.
Method 2: Kiosk Renewal
Self-service kiosks located in Albuquerque provide immediate printing of registration and sticker. Kiosks offer the same 5% discount as online renewal. Find kiosk locations through the New Mexico MVD Direct service.
Method 3: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System
Renew by phone through the automated IVR system at (888) 683-4636 (888-MVDINFO). The IVR system provides the 5% discount and accepts credit card payment.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm online renewal eligibility before beginning:
- Registration is not expired more than allowed grace period
- No outstanding violations or holds on registration
- Current insurance coverage is active and verifiable
- Emissions testing is current (Bernalillo County residents)
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Control Number: Located on upper right corner of inside of renewal reminder postcard, OR
- License Plate Number: Current New Mexico license plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number: Last six characters of VIN
- Credit Card Information: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover
Step 3: Access Online Renewal System
- Navigate to MVD Online Registration Renewal
- Select vehicle registration renewal option
- Enter control number from renewal postcard, OR enter license plate number and last six VIN characters
- Verify vehicle information displayed is accurate
- Confirm registration owner information
Step 4: Select Registration Period
- Choose one-year or two-year registration period
- Review calculated fees including base registration fee, discount, and processing fee
- Verify total amount due
Step 5: Submit Payment and Receive Confirmation
- Enter credit card payment information securely
- Review and confirm all transaction details
- Submit payment through secure processing system
- Print or save confirmation receipt
- New registration documents will be mailed to address on file within 7-10 business days
Important: For Bernalillo County residents, the system automatically verifies emissions compliance electronically. No manual submission of emissions certificate is required for online renewal.
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Complete registration renewal by mail:
- Complete payment information on renewal reminder form
- Include check or money order made payable to "New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division" (Do not send cash or credit card information)
- Mail to: Registration Renewal Section, Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 25129, Santa Fe, NM 87504-5129
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and return of registration documents
In-Person Renewal at MVD Office
Visit any MVD Office with:
- Current registration information or renewal reminder postcard
- Valid identification
- Proof of current insurance coverage
- Payment (cash, check, or credit card accepted)
- Receive registration documents immediately at time of transaction
Contact Information
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Joseph Montoya Building, P.O. Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028
Phone: (888) 683-4636 (888-MVDINFO) toll-free
Available: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
