Transferring a Car Title in New Mexico
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in New Mexico when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: When a registered vehicle is sold, its registration expires; the seller must notify the Motor Vehicle Division of the sale (date, buyer's name and address, vehicle description) and record the actual odometer mileage on the transfer document. NMSA 1978, §§66-3-101, 66-3-103; New Mexico MVD, How to Title a Vehicle
| Transferring a car title | When a registered vehicle is sold, its registration expires; the seller must notify the Motor Vehicle Division of the sale (date, buyer's name and address, vehicle description) and record the actual odometer mileage on the transfer document. Before driving the vehicle, the buyer must present the registration and the properly assigned title to the MVD and obtain a new title and registration; failing to apply within thirty days of the transfer is a penalty assessment misdemeanor. A title fee applies (and excise tax). MVD: https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/vehicles/vehicle-registration/how-to-title-a-vehicle/ |
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| Registering after you move | A person with a valid driver's license from their home state may drive in New Mexico but must obtain a New Mexico license upon becoming a resident. Vehicles registered in New Mexico must carry insurance from a company licensed in New Mexico to show as insured in the state's insurance database. |
More New Mexico car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in New Mexico
- Driving Without Insurance in New Mexico
- SR-22 Insurance in New Mexico
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in New Mexico
- All New Mexico car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in New Mexico?
When a registered vehicle is sold, its registration expires; the seller must notify the Motor Vehicle Division of the sale (date, buyer's name and address, vehicle description) and record the actual odometer mileage on the transfer document. Before driving the vehicle, the buyer must present the registration and the properly assigned title to the MVD and obtain a new title and registration; failing to apply within thirty days of the transfer is a penalty assessment misdemeanor. A title fee applies (and excise tax).
How long do you have to register your car after moving to New Mexico?
A person with a valid driver's license from their home state may drive in New Mexico but must obtain a New Mexico license upon becoming a resident. Vehicles registered in New Mexico must carry insurance from a company licensed in New Mexico to show as insured in the state's insurance database.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.