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In New Mexico, you are required to provide specific documents to successfully transfer the title of a vehicle. In this state, you need to take the following steps to transfer a vehicle’s title:

  • Gather proof of residency, identity, and a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy
  • Have the vehicle inspected for emissions (if required)
  • Obtain an odometer disclosure statement from the vehicle’s seller
  • Take the necessary paperwork with all applicable payments to your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department (MVD)

Be advised, you may be required to submit additional documents and payments at the time of the vehicle title transfer in New Mexico.

Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection

In the state of Mexico, you are required to submit your vehicle to emissions testing for initial and annual registration renewals for vehicles that are registered in Bernalillo County. The state will send emissions testing notifications by mail informing you of your emissions testing deadline.

Requirements to Pass the New Mexico Smog Check

If you live in Bernalillo County for more than 60 days out of the year, have a vehicle that is more than four years old, and driven and operated in this county, your vehicle is required to pass a smog check if it falls into one of the following categories:

  • Vehicles that were manufactured in the 1984 model year or newer with a weight that doesn’t exceed 10,000 pounds. Vehicles that fall into this category are required to pass an emissions test every two years and any time ownership of the vehicle changes.
  • Gas-electric hybrid vehicles (required to pass a smog check every two years)

As a vehicle owner in NM, you can check to see if you reside in a zip code where the New Mexico MVD requires vehicles to pass a vehicle emissions test.

Smog Check Exemptions for New Mexico Drivers

Some vehicles in New Mexico are not required to pass a smog check. Vehicles that fall into the following category are exempt from NM MVD smog checks:

  • Vehicles that are not owned by residents who live in or commute into Bernalillo County
  • Electric vehicles that are owned by residents who live in or commute into Bernalillo County
  • Diesel vehicles that are owned by residents who live in or commute into Bernalillo County

Smog Check Fees in New Mexico

There are over 100 smog check locations in and around Bernalillo County. Every smog check location is required to display a sign that discloses their testing fees. Smog check fees are generally between $15 and $25 before tax.

How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in New Mexico?

There are different situations when you will need to transfer a vehicle’s title in New Mexico. Here’s everything you need to know.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title As a New Resident of New Mexico

Once you establish residency in New Mexico, you have 30 days to register and title your vehicle with the NM MVD.

Visit your local MVD office and:

  • Present your out-of-state vehicle title
    • If your vehicle’s title is currently being held by a lien holder, you need to inform the NM MVD that you need to submit a Request for Lien Holder Title (Form MVD-10041). You can get this form at your local NM MVD office. Make sure you keep the pink copy. The pink copy will serve as your temporary permit.
  • Have a VIN inspection performed (A VIN inspection can be performed at a local NM MVD or by a certified VIN inspector.
  • Provide proof of a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy

You also need to provide:

  • Proof of identity
  • 2 documents that provide your residency in NM
  • Proof of a passed emissions inspection (if you are moving to Bernalillo County)
  • Payment for the vehicle titling fee, which includes a $2 administration fee and a $3 transaction fee, in addition to the 4% excise tax

Be advised, the NM MVD does not accept highlighted documents. The vehicle titling and registration process are done simultaneously. If you meet specific criteria, and you only want to obtain a certificate of title, there are certain steps you need to take to obtain a vehicle title only.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When Buying or Selling a Vehicle in New Mexico

Whether you buy or sell a vehicle in New Mexico, you are required to transfer ownership of the vehicle. The steps you are required to follow depend on whether you are buying or selling a vehicle.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When Purchasing a Vehicle From a Dealer

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership in New Mexico, you need to take these documents to your local NM MVD office:

  • The original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
  • The dealer’s invoice (can be an original or certified copy)
  • A completed Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD10002)
  • An odometer disclosure statement (this statement can be filled out on the back of the MCO or the application form) You can also submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10002)
  • Proof of a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy (if you don’t have an NM vehicle insurance policy yet, you need to complete a title-only application)
  • Proof of identity
  • 2 documents proving your residency in New Mexico
  • Payment for the vehicle titling and registration fees

Keep in mind, the NM MVD doesn’t accept highlighted documents, and these documents will be rejected, which will delay the vehicle title transfer process.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller

When you’re purchasing a vehicle from a private party, you will need some documents from the vehicle’s seller. These documents include:

  • A completed Assignment of Title (located on the vehicle’s title certificate)
  • Sign the vehicle’s title
  • Complete an odometer disclosure
  • Provide a Release of Lien (if applicable)

Make sure you don’t bring any highlighted documents with you to the NM MVD because they will be rejected. Keep in mind, a bill of sale is required to title the vehicle if there is no assignment of title section on the vehicle title certificate.

Once you have the necessary paperwork from the vehicle’s seller, take them to your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office and:

  • Present and submit all documents provided by the vehicle’s seller, such as the odometer disclosure, release of lien, and other documentation listed above
  • Provide a bill of sale (Form MVD 10009) if required.
  • Provide a completed Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD 10002)
  • Provide proof of a valid NM vehicle insurance policy, your residency in NM, and your identity. You are also required to provide proof of an emissions inspection if you live in Bernalillo County.
  • Pay the vehicle title and vehicle registration fees, plus the excise tax

Keep in mind, you shouldn’t bring highlighted documents to your local New Mexico MVD because they will be rejected.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle You’re Selling in New Mexico

When you’re selling a vehicle in New Mexico, you are the responsible party for signing over the vehicle title to the vehicle’s buyer. You also need to provide the buyer with the proper documentation they need to complete the NM vehicle title transfer.

As the seller of a vehicle in NM, you need to:

  • Assign the vehicle’s title over to the buyer using the Assignment of Title section on the vehicle’s title certificate (If an Assignment of Title section is not available, you need to provide a bill of sale (Form MVD 10009)
  • Sign the vehicle’s title
  • Complete an odometer disclosure statement (You can use a separate form for the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD 10187) or use the back of the Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD 10002). You can also use a bill of sale form (Form MVD 10009)
  • Give the vehicle’s buyer a Release of Lien form (if applicable)

Remember not to bring any highlighted documents to the NM MVD because the branch office will reject them. The remaining steps in the New Mexico vehicle title transfer process are up to the vehicle’s buyer to complete.

How to Transfer a Car Title When the Owner is Deceased?

When a vehicle’s owner passes away, and you are named the beneficiary of the vehicle, if you want to keep the vehicle, gift it to a family member, or sell it to someone you must transfer the vehicle’s title.

If the vehicle’s owner passes away, and you are named the surviving spouse, joint-owner, or beneficiary, you have the legal authority to transfer the vehicle’s title to someone else when the vehicle’s owner passes away.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle in a Probated Estate

When a vehicle is in a probated estate when the vehicle’s owner passes away, the process for transferring the vehicle’s title depends on whether the vehicle was in the individual’s name as a descendant or joint ownership.

The probate process occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse listed on the will. The probate is a legal process that involves administering the estate of the deceased and proving the last will and testament are legitimate. The Probate Court will determine how you need to proceed with the deceased individual’s belongings according to their will.

If the vehicle in question is part of a probated estate, make sure you follow these steps to successfully transfer the vehicle’s title:

Contact an Attorney or Probate Court

If you are the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, you need to contact an attorney or Probate Court immediately to seek guidance on how to determine your next steps in the probate process. Keep in mind, a vehicle’s title can’t be transferred until the probate is complete. Once the probate is complete, the heir will receive the vehicle, unless the executor was given the vehicle. At this time, the executor can choose to sell the vehicle.

Gather the Required Documents

The required documents to transfer the vehicle’s title of the deceased vary by state but in the state of New Mexico, you must have the following documents to successfully transfer a vehicle’s title:

  • Odometer disclosure statement
  • The death certificate
  • Certificate of title
  • Order from Probate Court to transfer the vehicle’s title
  • Transfer fee

Visit the Title Office

When you are the beneficiary of a vehicle or the administrator of the deceased individual’s estate, you have the authority to visit your local New Mexico MVD title office with the above-listed documents to start the vehicle title transfer process.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Without Probate

In New Mexico, the deceased individual’s property can’t exceed a certain amount and a certain amount of time needs to pass since the individual passed away before the vehicle’s title can be transferred.

If you are listed as the administrator, beneficiary, spouse, or joint-owner of the individual’s estate, you may only have to provide the death certificate and the vehicle’s title to your local NM vehicle title office to have them retitle the vehicle title. In this scenario, attorneys and court orders are not required.

Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle

The process for transferring the title of an inherited vehicle upon the death of the original vehicle owner depends on the current status of the deceased’s estate.

In the event, there is a court-appointed administrator or personal representative named on the deceased individual’s estate, you are able to transfer the vehicle’s title into your name. First, you need to follow the process for buying or selling a vehicle in New Mexico. Keep in mind, the administrator is required to present the NM MDV with an Order Appointing Personal Representative and Acceptance of Appointment of Personal Representative, issued by the court.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title After a Lease Buyout

You’ve done it! You paid off your vehicle loan. Once you’ve paid off your vehicle’s loan, the lender is required to send you the vehicle title stating that it’s clear from all liens.

You need to contact your lien holder and ask them to perform one of the following actions:

  • Send the notarized release of lien on their company letterhead
  • Sign the “Release of Lien” section provided on the vehicle’s title
  • Complete and sign a Release of Lien form (Form MVD 10041)

Remember that highlighted documents are not accepted by the New Mexico MVD, so don’t try to submit them.

How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in New Mexico?

You are not permitted to transfer a vehicle’s title in New Mexico without an original or duplicate vehicle title. If you have lost or damaged your vehicle’s title, you must request a duplicate vehicle title.

Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?

The good news is, you can gift a vehicle to a family member! If you are the receiver of the gifted vehicle, you must complete the vehicle title transfer process at your local NM MVD branch location. The required steps to transfer the title of a gifted vehicle are similar to the steps you are required to follow when you’re buying or selling a vehicle in New Mexico.

Make sure you write “0” in the “price” section on the vehicle title. The receiver of the vehicle may be exempt from paying vehicle sales tax. In the same way you would perform a private vehicle sale in NM, you are required to fill out the transfer of ownership sections located on the back of the original vehicle title.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title

When you are transferring the vehicle title of an out-of-state vehicle in New Mexico, you must meet a variety of requirements. The following out-of-state vehicle title transfer paperwork is required to successfully transfer the title from one state to New Mexico:

  • The original out-of-state vehicle title
  • A completed vehicle application for a certificate of ownership
  • A completed New Mexico vehicle registration application
  • Proof of a valid NM vehicle insurance policy
  • Proof of identification (ex. A valid driver’s license)

If a lien holder is in possession of your vehicle title, you need to fill out an application for the release of the title, which will be sent to the New Mexico MVD. Keep in mind, you may be required to submit additional documents and payments.

Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in New Mexico

In New Mexico, if you have lost or damaged your vehicle title, or your vehicle title was stolen, you need to apply for a duplicate vehicle title.

You can apply for a replacement New Mexico vehicle title by visiting your local MVD office and provide:

  • A completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MVD 10901)
  • Proof of identity and residency in NM
  • Payment for the retitling fee

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department doesn’t accept highlighted documents.

How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost in New Mexico?

The total amount you will pay for a vehicle title transfer in New Mexico depends on the age and value of your vehicle. The combined fees of the vehicle registration and vehicle titling fees range from $27 to $62 per year. If you qualify to only obtain the vehicle’s title, this fee is $5.

There is an excise tax on any vehicle that is being titled, which is equal to 3% of the sales price. If the vehicle was a gift, you are required to complete a notarized affidavit proving the vehicle was a gift. If the vehicle was gifted, no excise tax is required. If the vehicle is not registered within 90 days, you must pay 4.5% of the total price of the completion of this transfer process.

Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in New Mexico?

There are different MVD locations in New Mexico where you can transfer a vehicle’s title.

NM Department of Motor Vehicles
4114 Sabana Grande Ave SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 896-8367

Monday – Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

NM Department of Motor Vehicles
2546 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 476-1599

Monday – Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

NM Motor Vehicle Department
602 S. First Street
Artesia, NM 88210
(575) 743 – 1323

Monday – Thursday (7:30 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

NM Department of Vehicles
26171 US Highway 70 Ste B
Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346
(575) 973 – 2255

Monday – Friday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

How to Fill Out the New Mexico Title and Title Transfer Forms

When you are filling out the New Mexico title and title transfer forms, you need to make sure you sign all required documentation and submit all additional required forms. Be advised that you also need to create a bill of sale that discloses information regarding the vehicle, including the vehicle’s year, make, color, and model. You also need to include the vehicle’s VIN.

If you sold your vehicle instead of gifting it, make sure you add sales tax to the vehicle’s total price. There is a “transfer of title by seller” section of the vehicle’s title where you need to provide an accurate odometer reading and ensure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle’s title in the provided spaces. 

Keep in mind, you may be required to provide additional documentation and payments, such as a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage limits. You may also be required to submit a valid government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport for proof of identification.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If a vehicle’s title was signed but not transferred, the vehicle is considered to have an open title. Also, when a vehicle has an open title, the seller’s name is not provided on the vehicle’s title, which means the seller didn’t transfer ownership of or register the vehicle in their name. Since the vehicle is not in the seller’s name, they don’t assume any legal responsibility for anything involved with the vehicle, including taxes and other fees.

If the vehicle’s seller has lost or damaged the vehicle’s title, the seller can apply for a duplicate NM vehicle title. The vehicle’s seller or whoever is listed as the owner on the vehicle’s title can sign over the vehicle for you to put in your name. Be advised that the person who is listed on the vehicle’s title is the responsible party for requesting the duplicate New Mexico vehicle title.

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