How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.

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Are you a New Mexico resident looking to buy, sell, gift, or inherit a car? If so, one thing is clear - registering the title is a must.

Title transfers are straightforward in New Mexico but involve specific steps for all parties involved. So, we've got you covered.

We'll guide you through the steps required to transfer a car title in New Mexico, making it easy for all parties involved. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or inheritor, this piece is for you.

From providing necessary information to submitting relevant paperwork and paying required fees, we'll cover everything you need to know.

So, if you're ready to take the next step in your car ownership journey, read on and discover the ins and outs of car title transfers in New Mexico!

Documents Needed To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico Successfully

Adherence to specific requirements is mandatory to process the transfer of a vehicle's title in New Mexico. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Compile substantiation of residency, identity, and possession of a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy.
2. Arrange for an emissions inspection if deemed necessary.
3. Acquire an odometer disclosure statement from the vehicle's seller.
4. Convey the requisite paperwork and all applicable payments to the local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).

Remember that supplementary documentation and payments may be demanded during the vehicle title transfer process in New Mexico.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico If You're the Seller

As a vehicle seller in New Mexico, you are responsible for transferring the vehicle title to the buyer. You must provide them with the necessary NM vehicle title transfer documentation.

To fulfill your obligations as a seller in NM, you must:

1. Facilitate the transfer of the vehicle's title to the buyer by utilizing the Assignment of Title section on the vehicle's title certificate. If no Assignment of Title section is available, you must furnish a bill of sale (Form MVD 10009).
2. Affix your signature on the vehicle's title.
3. Complete an odometer disclosure statement. You can employ a separate form for this purpose, the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD 10187), or use the reverse side of the Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD 10002). Another option is a bill of sale form (Form MVD 10009).
4. Provide the buyer with the Release of Lien form if the vehicle has an applicable lien.

Highlighted documents should not be submitted to the NM Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), as they will be rejected.

The remaining steps in the vehicle title transfer process are the responsibility of the vehicle's buyer to complete.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico If You're Buying from the Dealership

If your vehicle was purchased from a dealership in New Mexico, you must bring the following documents to your local NM MVD office:

1. The original Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) proves the vehicle's origin.
2. The dealer's invoice, which can be an original or certified copy, provides the purchase details.
3. A duly completed Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD10002), ensuring accurate information submission.
4. An odometer disclosure statement, which can be completed either on the back of the MCO or the application form itself. Alternatively, you may utilize the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10002).
5. Proof of a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy. You must fulfill a title-only application without obtaining an NM vehicle insurance policy.
6. Verification of your identity, establishing your legal identification.
7. Two documents attesting to your residency in New Mexico, validating your place of domicile.
8. Payment encompassing the vehicle's titling and registration fees, facilitating the necessary financial transactions.

Kindly note that the NM MVD strictly refuses highlighted documents, delaying the vehicle title transfer process.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico If You're Buying from a Private Seller

When acquiring a vehicle from a private party, certain documents from the seller are necessary. These encompass:

1. A duly completed Assignment of Title is on the vehicle's title certificate.
2. The seller's endorsement on the vehicle's title.
3. Completion of an odometer disclosure statement.
4. The seller may employ either an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10187), the reverse side of the Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD10002), or a bill of sale (Form MVD 10009).
5. Provision of a Release of Lien, if applicable.

Please do not bring any highlighted documents to the NM MVD, as they will be rejected.

Note that a bill of sale becomes necessary to obtain the vehicle's title if no assignment of title section is present on the vehicle's title certificate.

Upon obtaining the requisite paperwork from the vehicle's seller, visit your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office and undertake the following steps:

1. Submit all documents provided by the seller, including the odometer disclosure, release of lien, and other documentation, as mentioned earlier.
2. Provide a bill of sale (Form MVD 10009) if required.
3. Supply a completed Application for Title and Registration (Form MVD 10002).
4. Furnish evidence of a valid NM vehicle insurance policy, proof of residency in NM, and proof of identity. Additionally, an emissions inspection proof is mandatory for residents of Bernalillo County.
5. Fulfill payment obligations for the vehicle's title, registration fees, and the applicable excise tax.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico as a New Resident

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

Visit your local MVD office and undertake the following steps:

1. Present your out-of-state vehicle title for verification.
2. If a lien holder currently holds your vehicle's title, inform the NM MVD of your intent to submit a Request for Lien Holder Title (Form MVD-10041). Obtain this form from your local NM MVD office and retain the pink copy as a temporary permit.
3. Arrange for a VIN inspection, which can be conducted at a local NM MVD office or by a certified VIN inspector.
4. Provide evidence of a valid New Mexico vehicle insurance policy.

Additionally, you must furnish the following:

• Proof of your identity.
• Two documents substantiating your residency in New Mexico.
• Proof of a passed emissions inspection if you are relocating to Bernalillo County.

Make the necessary payment for the vehicle titling fee, including a $2 administration fee, a $3 transaction fee, and the 4% excise tax.

Gifting and Inheriting a Car in New Mexico

When giving or receiving a vehicle in New Mexico, the process follows the steps mentioned above, with one exception: the recipient must complete an Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle or Boat, which must be duly notarized.

However, inheriting a vehicle in the state can be complex, subject to significant variations based on the circumstances. For example:

1. In cases where the estate undergoes probate, the administrator assumes responsibility for all distributions.
2. If the estate is not probated and there is no will, the surviving spouse or heir takes charge of all disbursements.

In all instances, the transfer of the title cannot occur before 30 days have elapsed since the date of death. Furthermore, the presentation of the death certificate is mandatory.

In situations where no will exists, the individual assuming ownership must complete a Certificate of Transfer without Probate.

How to Get a Duplicate Title in New Mexico

In New Mexico, you must procure a duplicate vehicle title if your vehicle title gets lost or stolen.

To acquire a replacement title in New Mexico, follow these steps:

1. Visit your local MVD office and submit a duly completed Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MVD 10901).
2. Provide proof of your identity and residency in New Mexico, verifying your legal identification and place of domicile.
3. Fulfill the payment requirement for the retitling fee, covering the cost associated with obtaining the duplicate title.

Please note that the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department strictly refrains from accepting highlighted documents as part of the application process.

Cost of Procuring a Car Title in New Mexico

The total cost of transferring a vehicle title in New Mexico depends on the vehicle's age and value.

The fees cover vehicle registration and titling, ranging from $27 to $62 annually. If you solely require the vehicle's title, the fee is $5.

An excise tax applies to all titled vehicles, amounting to 3% of the sales price. It is crucial to note that failing to register the vehicle within 90 days incurs a penalty of 4.5% of the total price for completing the transfer process.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Mexico When You Have an Out-of-State Title

When transferring an out-of-state vehicle title in New Mexico, it is essential to fulfill several requirements.

The successful transfer of the title from the previous state to New Mexico necessitates the completion of specific out-of-state vehicle title transfer paperwork, including:

1. The original out-of-state vehicle title serves as a primary document.
2. A completed application for a certificate of ownership tailored to the vehicle being transferred.
3. A fully filled-out New Mexico vehicle registration application containing all pertinent details.
4. Evidence of a valid NM vehicle insurance policy, establishing compliance with the state's insurance regulations.
5. Proof of identification, affirming your identity.

In cases where a lien holder holds possession of the vehicle title, an application for the release of the title must be completed. This application will be forwarded to the New Mexico MVD for processing.