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NM Taxation & Revenue Department
MVD New Mexico
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How to Title a Vehicle

Get a Certificate of Title with a Vehicle Registration

In most cases, a vehicle is titled and registered at the same time. If you want to get both a Certificate of Title and register the vehicle, go to: How to Register a New Vehicle or How to Register a Used Vehicle.

Get a Certificate of Title without a Vehicle Registration

If you want to get only a Certificate of Title, the New Mexico MVD will issue a title without registering the vehicle or issuing a license plate, under a limited number of conditions, as outlined below. In all cases, you will need to show the MVD one proof of identity and two proofs of New Mexico residency.

For a Vehicle that Does Not Operate

This is usually a vehicle that is purchased for reconstruction or rebuilding, mechanically or otherwise, and which the buyer does not intend to operate for an extended period of time. You must pay the title fee and the excise tax on the vehicle, but no plate will be issued. Once the vehicle is operable, you can go to the MVD with your proof of insurance and register the vehicle. For complete information on registering a vehicle, go to: How to Register a New Vehicle or How to Register a Used Vehicle.

For a Vehicle that is a Gift and to be Traded-In

If you have been given a vehicle as a gift, and are planning to trade it in on another vehicle, you can get just a Certificate of Title on the vehicle. Take the current title with the ‘Assignment of Title’ and ‘Odometer Disclosure Statement’ completed and signed to the MVD. You must pay a title fee.

For a Vehicle that is Not Insured

If you have purchased a vehicle for which you cannot get insurance, you can get just a Certificate of Title on the vehicle. Take the current title with the ‘Assignment of Title’ and ‘Odometer Disclosure Statement’ completed and signed to the MVD. You must pay the title fee and the excise tax on the vehicle, but no license plate will be issued. Once you do get insurance on the vehicle, you can register the vehicle. For complete information on registering a vehicle, go to: How to Register a New Vehicle or How to Register a Used Vehicle.