Chapter 2 – Title and Registration – General Information

Section A.  Who Must Title and Register a Vehicle in New Mexico?
Section B.  Vehicles to be Titled and Registered
Section C.  Vehicles Exempt from Title and Registration
Section D.  Types of Vehicle Registration
Section E.  Temporary Permits
Section F.  Out-of-State VIN Inspections
Section G.  Odometer Mileage Certification
Section H.  Emissions Test Requirements – Bernalillo County
Section I.   Credit for Unexpired Portion of Registration Fees

Section A: Who Must Title and Register a Vehicle in New Mexico?

Revised December 1, 2017

General rule

A New Mexico resident who operates a vehicle on the roads and highways of New Mexico must register the vehicle.

However, as described below, certain non-residents must also register their vehicles; and minors cannot be issued a New Mexico vehicle or vessel title and/or registration solely in their own name.

MVD Policy

§66-3-4(A) requires that all applications for vehicle registration and certificate of title shall contain, for a vehicle other than a recreational vehicle, the name, bona fide New Mexico residence address and mail address of the owner or, if the owner is a firm, association or corporation, the name, bona fide New Mexico business address and mail address of the firm, association or corporation  and for a recreational vehicle (see Vehicles 15A), the name, bona fide residence address and mail address of the owner and proof of delivery in New Mexico.

For individual owners, we accept as proof of New Mexico residence address either: a) a current New Mexico DL or ID; or b) two documents that would be required to prove residency for a DL or regular ID.

When there are multiple owners, at least one owner must be a bona fide resident of New Mexico. Proof of identity and New Mexico residency is only required for that one owner,

Similar documentation is required of any applicant for vehicle registration and certificate of title that is a firm, association, corporation or other entity (non-individual) owner and is not an established MVD customer. In addition to the specific examples (such as utility bill, insurance bill or bank statement) listed on the chart, acceptable documents to prove New Mexico business address for an entity owner include a business license, articles of incorporation or equivalent documents.

Exception: A nonresident business that owns and regularly operates a vehicle in New Mexico is required to register the vehicle. If the nonresident business has no New Mexico business address we will accept the owner’s out-of-state business address for our records.

New Mexico Residents (§66-3-4)

All applications presented to the division shall contain the name, bona fide New Mexico residence address and mailing address of the owner, or, if the owner is a firm, association or corporation, then the name, bona fide New Mexico business address and mailing address of the firm, association or corporation. Persons without a New Mexico residence address may not title and register their vehicles here. (Exception noted above.)

Nonresidents (§66-3-301)

A nonresident vehicle owner may use or permit the use of the vehicle within the state for a period of one hundred eighty days without registering the vehicle, if the vehicle displays current registration plates issued in the state where the owner resides. However, any person gainfully employed in New Mexico for 30 days or more within a 60-day period shall be presumed to be a New Mexico resident.

The following are not required to register their vehicles if they display current registration plates issued for the vehicle in the state where the owner resides:

1. a nonresident student engaged in a full-time course of study at a New Mexico institution of higher learning, if the vehicle displays a valid nonresident student sticker issued by the institution (available at all New Mexico institutions of higher learning.); or
2. a nonresident owner gainfully employed within the boundaries of this state who uses his vehicle to commute daily from his home in another state to and from his place of employment within this state, but only if the state in which the owner resides extends like privileges to New Mexico residents gainfully employed within the boundaries of that state.

In addition, by MVD policy, nonresident military assigned to a New Mexico military installation have the option of maintaining current registration in their home state or registering and titling their vehicles in New Mexico.

A nonresident owner of a foreign vehicle operated within this state for the transportation of persons or property for compensation or for the transportation of merchandise either regularly according to a schedule or for a consecutive period exceeding 30 days shall register the vehicle and pay the same fees as would be required of a New Mexico resident.

Every nonresident including any foreign corporation carrying on business within this state and owning and regularly operating in such business any motor vehicles, trailer, semitrailer, house trailer or pole trailer within the state, shall register each such vehicle and pay the required fees.

Minor Applicants

Minors cannot be issued a New Mexico vehicle or vessel title and/or registration solely in their own name. An adult New Mexico resident must also be listed as an owner upon the vehicle or vessel title and/or registration and must accompany the minor during the title/registration process.

However, an emancipated minor may apply for a vehicle or vessel title and/or registration without the presence of an adult. The emancipated minor must present the original or a certified copy of the minor’s marriage certificate or court order of emancipation. CSRs must record on the vehicle or vessel title/registration application the type of supporting document(s) presented.

Clarification:

A Minor is anyone under 18 years of age.

An emancipated minor (NMSA 32A-21-3 to 32A-21-5) is any person 16 years of age or older who has entered into a valid marriage; is on active duty with any of the U.S. armed forces; or has received a declaration of emancipation from the children’s court of the district in which he resides.

In addition:

• A minor may apply for a duplicate title without the presence of an adult.
• The assignment for sale of a vehicle or vessel must include the signature of an adult.
• It does not matter who is listed first upon the title assignment, the minor or the adult.
• Minors may participate in VIN inspection activities without the presence of an adult.
• Minors may re-register a vehicle without the presence of an adult.

Section B: Vehicles to be Titled and Registered

Revised December 1, 2017

Vehicles to be titled and registered (§66-3-1)

With specific exceptions (see ?Section C of this chapter) every motor vehicle,trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer when driven or moved upon a highway and every off-highway motor vehicle is subject to the registration and certificate of title provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code.

Vehicles that must be titled and registered in New Mexico generally include:

1. Passenger Vehicles, i.e. motor vehicles designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of people (as opposed to trucks that are designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property)
2. Trucks
3. Motorcycles
4. Recreational Vehicles
5. Motor Homes
6. Off-Highway Motor Vehicles, including (§66-3-1001.1): a) all-terrain vehicles; b) off-highway motorcycles; c) snowmobiles; and d) any other vehicle that is operated or used exclusively off the highways of this state and that is not legally equipped for operation on the highways of this state (e.g. dune buggies)
7. Buses
8. Manufactured Homes (Mobile Homes)
9. Trailers, including a) camping trailers; b) horse trailers; c) utility trailers; d) freight trailers; e) recreational travel trailers; f) fifth-wheel trailers; g) pole trailers; and h) van trailers

Section: C: Vehicles Exempt from Title and Registration

Revised November 17, 2017

The following vehicles are exempt from title and registration requirements:

1. U.S. Government and Other States’ Government Vehicles (§66-6-14)Vehicles or trailers owned and used in the service of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, other than the State of New Mexico, need not be registered but must display plates or signs showing that they are in the service of the United States or such other state or political subdivision.
2. State, Indian Nation, Tribe or Pueblo, and Local Government Vehicles (§66-6-15)Vehicles or trailers owned and used in the service of an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo located wholly or partly in New Mexico, or of any New Mexico county or municipality need not be registered but must display plates furnished by the Motor Vehicle Division.Vehicles or trailers owned and used in the service of the state need not be registered but must continually display plates furnished by furnished by the Transportation Services Division of the General Services Department.
3. Vehicles Driven or Moved by Manufacturers, Dealers, or Lien Holders (§66-3-6)Vehicles driven or moved by manufacturers, dealers or lien holders need not be registered when being driven or moved only for the purpose of immediate delivery, demonstration or resale to another person. Such vehicles must display a dealer’s plate or temporary permit.
4. Vehicles Owned by Non-Residents (§66-3-301)With some exceptions (see Vehicles 2B), vehicles owned by nonresidents need not be registered, provided that the vehicle is registered in and displays a current license plate from another licensing jurisdiction.
5. Vehicles Operated Exclusively on Private Property (§66-3-1(A)(2))Any vehicle, which is driven or moved upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing such highway from one property to another need not be registered.
6. Implements of Husbandry (§66-3-1(A)(3))An implement of husbandry (farm equipment), which is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway, need not be registered.
7. Special Mobile Equipment (§66-3-1(A)(4))Vehicles not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including but not limited to farm tractors, road construction or maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, well-boring apparatus and concrete mixers need not be registered.
8. Electric Trolleys (§66-3-1(A)(5)) A vehicle propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, though not operated on rails, need not be registered.
9. Freight and Utility Trailers (§§ 66-3-1(A)(6) and (7))A freight trailer need not be registered if it is properly registered in another state.A freight or utility trailer need not be registered if it is owned and used by: a) a nonresident solely for the transportation of farm products purchased from growers or producers and transported out of the state; b) a farmer or rancher who transports to market only the produce, animals, or fowl produced by the farmer or rancher or who transport supplies back to the farm or ranch ; or c) a person who transports animals to and from fairs, rodeos, or other places, except racetracks, where the animals are exhibited or otherwise take part in performances, in trailers drawn by a motor vehicle or truck of less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating bearing a proper registration plate, but in no case shall the owner of an unregistered trailer described in this paragraph perform such uses for hire.
10. Mopeds (§66-3-1(A)(8))
11. Motorcycle Trailers (MVD policy)
12. Tow Dollies (MVD policy) 
13. Electric personal assistive mobility device (§66-3-1(A)(9))
14. Vehicles moved on a highway by a towing service (§66-3-1(A)(10))
15. Certain off-highway motor vehicles (§66-3-1(A)(11))An off-highway motor vehicle that is exempted by §66-3-1005 from the provisions of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act need not be registered.
16. Vehicles Purchased by a New Mexico DealerA New Mexico dealer is not required to convert a vehicle’s  title to the dealer’s name prior to the sale.
17. Vehicles Purchased by New Mexico AuctionsThe auctioneer can assign the title to an individual purchaser, provided they are licensed as a dealer, without the need of the auction firm having to apply for title in the firm’s name.
18. RepossessionsThe repossessor does not have to convert any type of title into the repossessor’s name prior to a subsequent sale. Titles from all states will be accepted for transfer and registration without the necessity to title in the repossessor’s name.
19. Insurance CompaniesInsurance companies do not need to convert any type of title into their name before making a subsequent assignment if the insurance company purchased an insured’s interest in the vehicle as a result of a claim.

Section D: Types of Vehicle Registration

Revised November 17, 2017

1. Staggered Vehicle Registration (§66-3-19)All vehicles (except off-highway vehicles, freight trailers, permanently registered utility trailers and travel trailers, and others noted below) are presently registered on a staggered one-year or two-year basis with the registration expiring one or two years from the month in which the title and registration are issued.These vehicles are issued a license plate and validation sticker, which shows both the month and year that the current registration will expire. Registration expires on the last day of the month and year shown on the validation sticker and on the Certificate of Registration.

   Off-highway vehicles are issued a staggered three-year registration sticker; the computer system will print the registration certificate with an expiration date of three years.
   NOTE: There is no grace period for expired registrations. Persons who operate their vehicles after the expiration date are subject to late registration penalties (§66-3-19(E)).

2. Fleet Vehicles RegistrationThe fleet vehicle registration program allows the owner of 10 or more vehicles that are under 26,001 pounds to register all of the vehicles in the common month of December. A staggered year/month validation sticker showing the month of December and the current year is issued.NOTE: After October 1, clerk will issue a December staggered sticker for the next year and assess 12 months registration fee plus the additional monthly increments. (Example: October application – charge 14 months registration).

   Fleet owners must renew their registrations for their vehicles by December 31 of the current year. Failure to do so will result in late penalty fees.

3. Permanent Registration (§66-3-2A)The registration for freight trailers is permanent. Freight trailers will be registered once. At the time of resale, the new owner will be required to pay the registration fee in their own name. The license plate itself will have affixed to it by stamp or impression the word “PERM” and/or “PERMANENT.” The paper registration certificate for that plate and vehicle will reflect the term “permanent” in regards to expiration. Both the vehicle and Certificate of Registration will be permanent for the life of the vehicle.Utility trailers and travel trailers not used in commerce whose gross vehicle weight is under 6,001 lbs. may also be registered permanently. The permanent registration fee for a utility trailer is $25.00 for the first 500 pounds, plus $5.00 for each additional 100 pounds rounded. The fee for a travel trailer is computed by dividing the weight by 2, then assessing $25.00 for the first 500 pounds, plus $5.00 for each additional 100 pounds rounded. The registration fee for transfer of a permanently registered trailer is $5.
4. Commercial Vehicle Registration – Vehicles Over 26,000 Pounds DGVWWD Plate (Full Base Plate) – Issued at a MVD Field Office:A vehicle titled in New Mexico with a declared gross vehicle weight that exceeds 26,000 pounds and is involved in commerce is issued a WD plate. This type of registration is generally utilized for intrastate operations of New Mexico based vehicles.

   A weight distance permit is required for all WD plated vehicles and the carrier is required to file a quarterly WD tax report.

   IRP – Issued at the Commercial Vehicle Bureau:

   The International Registration Plan is a program for licensing commercial vehicles (tractors, trucks and buses) in interstate operations among member jurisdictions. A carrier should obtain apportioned registrations for its fleet if the vehicles are titled in New Mexico and if 1) vehicles have two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds; 2) a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or 3) a vehicle used in combination with a trailer and the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

   Optional: Trucks or truck tractors, or combinations of vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms), or less.

   IFTA:

   The International Fuel Tax Agreement is a base state fuel tax agreement. Upon application, the carrier’s base state jurisdiction will issue credentials (both a license and decals) which will allow the IFTA licensee to travel in all IFTA member jurisdictions. Any carrier having IFTA is required to file a quarterly tax report.

Section E:Temporary Permits

Revised November 17, 2017

The Motor Vehicle Division issues six types of temporary registration permits that allow for the temporary operation of a vehicle on New Mexico streets and highways under certain conditions.

• Retail Permit (§66-3-6(A)) (up to 30 business days)The department may issue a temporary registration permit to individuals to operate a vehicle pending action by the department upon an application for registration and Certificate of Title or renewal of registration when the application is accompanied by the proper fees and taxes. The temporary registration permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 30 business days from the day it is validated by the department. Temporary registration permits shall not be extended nor shall another be issued except for good cause shown.