License Plates

A variety of license plates are available to New Mexico drivers.

Along with the standard license plates, drivers can select specialty plates. Some specialty plates have a small fee upon application and registration renewal, while others are available with no additional fees.

Not listed are government, state agency, elected officials or commercial vehicle plates, or those plates that are unique to specific vehicle types, such as manufactured homes, recreational vehicles (RVs) or trailers.

What to do if you no longer need the plate ?

If you leaving the state or are replacing the plate, please assist us with having it recycled. It can be dropped off at any MVD office or mailed in:

MVD Plate Returns
P.O. Box 1028
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe 87504-1028

MVD Driver Tip*

Mailing a payment in?

All plates that charge a fee (non-standard plates) must be paid to match the length of the registration term of the vehicle. This means that a two year registration will result in two years worth of plate fees in addition to that registration. An example would be the collegiate plate which may have a $37.00 annual fee in addition to the registration fee. This would result in a total payment of $72.00 for just the plate if the vehicle has a two year registration. When paying for a plate for two years please subtract $2.00 from the total. This is due to the fact that the administrative fee of $2.00 is only collected once since this is considered one transaction.

• Standard Plates
• Personalized Plates
• Collegiate Plates
• Handicapped Plates
• Historical Plates and Vintage Plates
• Military and Veterans
• Organizations and Causes
• Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technician Plates
• Motorcycle Plates

Winner of the 2012 Award for Best License Plate in the U.S.!

Governor Martinez accepts the award on behalf of the Motor Vehicles Division. Read more about it here.

Standard License Plates

Standard Centennial License Plate

Standard Red and Yellow License Plate

Chile Plate

Personalized License Plates

Centennial Vanity Plate

Red & Yellow Prestige (Vanity)

Any owner of a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, may apply for the issuance of a special “prestige” or “vanity” registration plate. The traditional yellow and turquoise designs and the Chile plates are available, for both regular and motorcycle prestige plates. Only alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) can be used.

A yellow prestige plate may have 1-7 characters (1-6 characters for a motorcycle). A turquoise prestige plate may have 1-8 characters (1-6 characters for a motorcycle). A Chile prestige plate may have 1-6 characters (1-5 characters for a motorcycle). The characters can include any combination of letters and numbers. A requested character set may be rejected if 1) it duplicates any existing plate; 2) the division finds it to be derogatory or obscene; or 3) it falsely states or implies that the vehicle or the driver represents the authority of a governmental agency or official. Special characters such as the Zia symbol, hash tag, asterisk, dash, underscore, space, or any other special characters are not allowed.

Fee: $17.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal.

Prestige Plates can now be ordered online and shipped directly to you. Shipping is free. Go to Online Services and click on Personalized Plate Application.

Las Cruces License Plate

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.23 NMSA 1978)

The City of Las Cruces registration plate is available only to motor vehicle owners who are residents of the City of Las Cruces. $25.00 of the $37.00 fee collected for each City of Las Cruces plate is appropriated to the city of Las Cruces Recreation Fund.

Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal.

Application form MVD10099 | Download PDF

 

Collegiate License Plates

Eastern New Mexico University

University of New Mexico

New Mexico Military Institute

New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico State University

New Mexico Tech

Western New Mexico University

Northern New Mexico College

Central New Mexico Community College

New Mexico Junior College

 

Handicapped Plate

Disabled Person

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-16 NMSA 1978)

This plate is available for use on motor vehicles and motorcycles owned by a person with a significant mobility limitation, i.e. a person who:

1. Cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest;
2. Cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane or crutch or without assistance from another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair or other assistive device;
3. Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced respiratory volume, when exhaling for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters on room air at rest;
4. Uses portable oxygen;
5. Has a severe cardiac condition; or
6. Is so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic or orthopedic condition that the person cannot ascend or descend more than ten stair steps.

Fee: None

Application form MVD10270 | Download PDF

Historical or Vintage Plates

Horseless Carriage

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-27 NMSA 1978)

A “horseless carriage” is a motor vehicle at least 35 years old, owned as a collector’s item, and used solely for exhibition and educational purposes. Upon transfer of ownership of a horseless carriage, the registration plate remains with the vehicle. A horseless carriage plate must be revalidated every five years. Fee: $17.50 initially, then $7.50 every five years upon revalidation

Application form MVD10056 | Download PDF

Year of Manufacture

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-423 NMSA 1978)

The division may specially register and permit the use of year-of-manufacture license plates on motor vehicles that are 30 or more years old. The division shall inspect the year-of-manufacture plate to ensure that it is in good condition and that the number on the plate is not already assigned or in use. To qualify for use, the year-of-manufacture plate shall be an authentic plate issued in New Mexico during the motor vehicle’s model year.

Upon the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle bearing a year-of-manufacture plate, the plate may remain with the vehicle and be transferred to the new owner upon payment of a $10.00 fee in addition to regular registration fees. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration; $12.00 upon transfer to a new owner

Application form MVD11317 | Download PDF

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Military and Veteran Plates

Gold Star Family

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.24 NMSA 1978)

The Gold Star Family registration plate is available to the surviving mother, father, step parent or spouse of a service member killed in an armed conflict with an enemy of the United States. There is a limit of four Gold Star Family registration plates for each eligible family.

Fee: None, other than regular registration fees; registration fee also waived for first plate issued to the service member’s mother or spouse.

Application form MVD10100 | Download PDF

Active Duty National Guard

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-413 NMSA 1978)

The National Guard plate is available to any person who is an active member of the New Mexico national guard, upon the submission by the person of proof satisfactory to the division that the person is currently a member of the guard. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of a National Guard plate.

Fee: None for plate or registration

Application form MVD10247 | Download PDF

Military Service Special Plates

Air Force Veteran

Army Veteran

Coast Guard Veteran

Disabled Veteran Wheelchair

Marine Veteran

Navy Veteran

Pearl Harbor Survivor

Woman Veteran

Organizations and Causes Plates

Amateur Radio Operator

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-417 NMSA 1978)

The Radio Operator plate is available to any New Mexico resident who holds an official commercial or amateur radio station license in good standing issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or who is a bona fide employee of such license holder. CB radio licensees are not eligible for the Radio Operator plate. The plate shall be inscribed with the official call letters of the applicant as assigned by the FCC; and the words “amateur radio operator” shall be inscribed on the registration plate upon request of the applicant. The stated legislative purpose for the issuance of special Radio Operator registration plates is to readily identify personnel in aid of the performance of necessary duties for civil defense in the communications field. Fee: $5.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD10200 | Download PDF

Autism Awareness

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.33 NMSA 1978)

The special autism awareness plate is available to any motor vehicle owner. It is not available for motorcycles. The cost of this plate is $35.00, which is in addition to the regular registration fees. The owner shall apply for and pay the fee each year to retain and renew the special autism awareness registration plate. $25.00 of the fee is appropriated to the Department of Health for the purpose of funding autism research , outreach, and education.

Application form MVD11201 | Download PDF

Patriot License Plate

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.17 NMSA 1978)

The Patriot registration plate is available to any motor vehicle owner who is a patriot. No proof of patriotism is required. $8.00 of the $27.00 fee collected for each Patriot plate is transferred to the Armed Forces Veterans License Fund, for the purpose of expanding services to rural areas of the state, including Native American communities and senior citizen centers. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD11300 | Download PDF

Wildlife Artwork

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.6 NMSA 1978)

The special “share with wildlife” registration plate, featuring artwork of New Mexico wildlife, is available for any private motor vehicle except a motorcycle. No personalized or vanity design variation of the special wildlife artwork registration plates shall be issued. $15.00 of the initial fee and the entire renewal fee collected is distributed to the Share with Wildlife Program of the Game Protection Fund. Fee: $27.00 initially and $12.00 upon each regular registration renewal

Deer-Available at some offices-please call ahead/or through mail in

Quail-Available at some offices-please call ahead/or though mail in

Brand New Cutthroat Trout-Only available through mail in request. Very limited run.

Application form MVD10092 | Download PDF

Bass Fishing

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.27 NMSA 1978)

The new “Fish New Mexico” Bass Fishing plate can be ordered. The first year special plate fee for the Bass Fishing plate is $27.00 for initial issuance of the plate and $10.00 for each additional year. Fifteen dollars ($15.00) of the initial fee will go to the Bass Habitat Management Program of the Game Protection Fund.

Application form MVD10105 | Download PDF

Boy Scouts Centennial

The Boy Scouts of America Centennial Plate commemorates the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, which was founded 100 years ago last month (on February 8, 1910). The Boy Scouts of America plate is available with a $12.00 fee for initial issuance of each plate, in addition to regular motor vehicle registration fees. The BSA plate can be ordered using the Application for Boy Scouts of America Centennial Plate.

Application Form MVD10103 | Download PDF

Children’s Trust Fund

(Motor Vehicle Code Secs. 66-3-420 and 66-3-420.1 NMSA 1978)

Any owner of a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, may apply for the issuance of a special children’s artwork registration plate featuring artwork of the children of New Mexico.

$25.00 of fee collected for each plate ($15.00 for motorcycle plates) is distributed to the Children’s Trust Fund, whose purpose is (1) to develop innovative children’s projects dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect of children; providing medical, psychological and other appropriate treatment for children who are victims of abuse or neglect; and developing community-based services aimed at the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and (2) to manage projects of the Next Generation Fund. Fee: $42.00 ($22.00 for motorcycles) initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD11195 | Download PDF

Children’s Trust Fund (Motorcycle)

Pet Care – Spay/Neuter

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.3 NMSA 1978)

The “Spay-Neuter” pet care special registration plate is available to any owner of a motor vehicle. Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD11249 | Download PDF

Breast Cancer Awareness

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.22 NMSA 1978)

The Breast Cancer Awareness plate is available to any motor vehicle owner. $25.00 of the $37.00 fee collected for each Breast Cancer Awareness plate is transferred to the New Mexico Department of Health for the purpose of funding breast cancer screening, outreach and education. Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD11244 | Download PDF

Route 66

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.8 NMSA 1978)

The owner of any vehicle may apply for issuance of a special Route 66 commemorative registration plate. $25.00 of the additional fee is distributed and appropriated to the Department of Transportation to fund the revitalization and preservation of historic Route 66 in New Mexico pursuant to the national scenic byways program. Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD11259 | Download PDF

Organ Donor

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.15 NMSA 1978) The special Organ Donation Awareness registration plate is designed to promoting awareness about the urgent need for organ and tissue donation in New Mexico.

Fee: $12.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD10666 | Download PDF

Cumbres and Toltec Railway

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.19 NMSA 1978)

The Cumbres & Toltec Railway plate is available to any motor vehicle owner. $25.00 of the $40.00 fee collected for each Cumbres & Toltec Railway plate is distributed to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission. Fee: $40.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal

Application form MVD11309 | Download PDF

Farm And Ranch Heritage

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.30 NMSA 1978)

A special plate is now available to show support for support for the New Mexico farm and ranch community. The special plate fee for the Farm and Ranch Heritage plate is $37.00, initially and upon each renewal.Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) of the additional fee will go to the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum for educational programs.

Application form MVD10106 | Download PDF

Adopt a Child

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.18 NMSA 1978)

The special Child Adoption Awareness Plate promotes the need of children to be adopted in the State of New Mexico. This application must be accompanied by a check or money order payable to the Motor Vehicle Division in the amount of twelve dollars ($12.00). This amount is payable for initial issuance of the Child Adoption Awareness special plate. The $12.00 fee is in addition to regular motor vehicle registration fees.

Application form MVD10101 | Download PDF

Pollinator Protection

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.37 NMSA 1978)

The Pollinator Protection plate can now be ordered through the mail in process only at this time. It is not available in field offices. The plate indicates that the recipient supports pollinator protection. For an initial fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), which shall be in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fees, a motor vehicle owner may apply for issuance of this special registration plate.  For each subsequent year, the fee shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) if the owner wishes to retain and renew the support of the  pollinator protection special plate. The revenue from the fees will be distributed as follows: ten dollars ($10.00) of the initial fee collected shall be retained by the department and is appropriated to the department for the manufacture and issuance of the special registration plate; and fifteen dollars ($15.00) of the initial fee and the entire renewal fee collected shall be distributed to and are appropriated to the department of transportation for the purpose of funding pollinator protection activities, including roadside vegetation planting, educational signage and demonstration gardens in areas within the department’s jurisdiction.

Application form MVD11203| Download PDF

Motorcycle License Plates

Horseless Carriage

100% Disabled Veteran

Veteran Motorcycle

Children’s Trust Fund (Motorcycle)

Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technician Plates

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.16 NMSA 1978)

The special registration plate for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is available to any EMT who provides proof that he or she is an emergency medical technician licensed in New Mexico. When a person holding an EMT plate ceases to be an emergency medical technician, he shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it to the department, at which time it shall be exchanged for a regular registration plate. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration.

Application form MVD11248 | Download PDF

Fraternal Order of Police

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.5 NMSA 1978)

The FOP special plate is available to any New Mexico member of the Fraternal Order of Police. When a person holding the special plate ceases to be a New Mexico member of the Fraternal Order of Police, he shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it in exchange for a regular registration plate. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD11303 | Download PDF

Retired Firefighters

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.9 NMSA 1978)

The Retired Firefighters special registration plate is available to any person who is a retired New Mexico firefighter with proof that the person has retired from active employment as a firefighter. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD11316 | Download PDF

Retired NM State Police

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.13 NMSA 1978)

The special registration plate for retired New Mexico State Police officers is available to any person who is a retired New Mexico State Police officer, with submission of the officer’s retirement commission from the New Mexico state police . Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD11243 | Download PDF

Retired Law Enforcement

Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters

(Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-422 NMSA 1978)

Special Firefighter and Volunteer Firefighter plates are issued:

to a person employed as a New Mexico firefighter, with proof that the person is currently employed as a New Mexico firefighter, including submission of a signed consent form from the fire chief; and

to a person who is an active volunteer firefighter with a volunteer fire department recognized by the state fire marshal with proof that the person is currently an active member of a recognized volunteer fire department including submission of a signed consent form from the fire chief.

$15.00 of the $27.00 fee collected for each special Firefighter and Volunteer Firefighter plate is deposited in the Firefighters’ Survivors Fund.

When a person holding a special Firefighter or Volunteer Firefighter plate ceases to be employed as a firefighter or serve as an active volunteer firefighter, the person shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it in exchange for a regular registration plate. A firefighter who holds a special plate and retires may retain the special plate. Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration

Application form MVD11316 | Download PDF