New Mexico
Title Fee
$5.00
Sales Tax Rate
Other Tax Rate
4.0%
Who must title a vehicle in New Mexico?
All motor vehicles, manufactured homes, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, and off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) driven/moved on highways must be titled.
Exempt: Implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, mopeds, e-bikes, certain agricultural vehicles, OHMVs operated only on private land, tow dollies, motorcycle trailers, vehicles owned by U.S. government/state/tribe, and some others.
All boats operating on NM waters must be titled (except USCG-titled vessels); motorboats <10 ft. may be titled at owner’s option.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), any MVD Service Provider.
Application: MVD-10002 (vehicle), MVD-10003 (vessel).
Fee: $5.00 for vehicles, $10.00 for vessels; manufactured homes: $10.00–$24.00 based on size.
Manufactured homes require a Tax Status Certification (MVD-10063).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title (bill of sale if title assignment is incomplete).
Non-title states: Registration certificate + Affirmation Certifying Ownership (MVD-10010).
Government surplus: SF97-1 + Vehicle Equipment Affirmation (MVD-10053).
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs + Affirmation, CBP release, EPA/DOT compliance, certified translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Nonnegotiable Title: Issued if out-of-state lienholder refuses to surrender title; marked “Nonnegotiable and Nontransferable.”
Bonded Title: Surety bond (2x value), VIN inspection, Statement of Facts; bond expires after 3 years.
Brands: Nonnegotiable, Nonrepairable, Rebuilt, Salvage, Odometer brands (Not Actual, Actual, Exempt, In-Excess). Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required for uneconomical repair or insurer total loss (except hail damage); insurer/owner must apply; title is red.
Nonrepairable: No resale value except parts/scrap; only licensed wreckers/dismantlers may possess.
Rebuilt: Reconstructed/homemade/shop-built vehicles require Level 3 VIN inspection, Affirmations, bills of sale for parts, and safety equipment check. Title is blue and branded “Rebuilt.”
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Application (MVD-10901), $5.00 for vehicles, $12.00 for vessels; online option available.
Corrected: Application + supporting docs; no fee if due to clerk error.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for out-of-state used vehicles, rebuilt/homemade/kit/bonded vehicles, or assigned numbers.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, in compliance with NM law; allowed for most MVD forms and insurance total loss transactions.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET): 4.0% of purchase price (book value if <80% of average trade-in/wholesale); credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
Boat Excise Tax: 5.0% of sales price; credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
Gross Receipts Tax (GRT): 5.125%–8.8675% based on location (not on vehicles subject to MVET/boat tax); applies to manufactured home dealer sales.
Weight Distance Tax: On commercial vehicles >26,000 lbs. DGVW.
Property Tax: Only for manufactured homes (real estate tax if affixed).
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
Other taxes/fees:
Penalty: 50% of excise tax if not titled within 90 days of purchase.
No excise tax on gifts (Affidavit of Gift required).
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Enter lienholder info on title application; surrender prior title.
Perfected as of execution date if received within 10 days; otherwise, at delivery.
Out-of-state lienholder: File Request for Lien Holder Title (MVD-10234).
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder releases on title or Release of Lien (MVD-10041); must be notarized if on company letterhead.
Assignment: Lienholder may assign without owner consent, but must notify owner; MVD issues new title on assignment.
How does repossession work in NM?
Secured party may repossess if peaceful; submit Affidavit of Repossession (MVD-10012), assigned title, title application, and lien release.
Plates/registration must be surrendered.
Out-of-state repossessions must follow NM law.
Other notes:
Mechanic/storage/abandoned/landlord/towing liens: Must have possession, provide notice, obtain NCIC clearance, advertise, complete Affidavit of Resale (MVD-10059).
Enforcement Agency:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle DivisionPO Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504
888.683.4636
NM MVD
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
New Mexico State Police: PO Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 minimum.
Proof of insurance required at registration and must be carried.
Emission inspection required in Bernalillo County for vehicles <35 years old, up to 10,000 lbs.
One plate issued; must be assigned to another vehicle within 30 days or surrendered.
Title records scanned and stored; online records available.