New Mexico DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In New Mexico

In New Mexico, the titling of a car and the registration process are done at the same time. You can get a title for a car without registration, in cases where you wanted to restore a car and do not plan to drive it for a long time, for instance. This article will answer the how to transfer a car title question and will explain all the title transfer requirements in New Mexico.

You may also get a title without registration if you receive a car as a gift and plan to sell it or trade it in very soon. Insurance is required, and if you cannot get insurance for whatever reason, you may get a title only by filling out the forms and paying the fee. You will not be able to drive legally until you get insurance, and that is when you can get it registered.

In other cases, the car is titled and registered in the same transaction.

What Do You Need To Transfer a Car Title In New Mexico?

In order to register and transfer a car title, you will need proof of identity and a drivers license will suffice. You will need proof of residency, such as mail addressed to you or a utility bill, and you will need proof of car insurance.  You will need the title itself, signed by the seller.

You will have to get an odometer disclosure form from the seller, and you will have to have the vehicle inspected for emissions. Bring all your paperwork and payment to your local Motor Vehicle Department office.

Your car will be titled and registered once you turn in the DMV title transfer form and pay the title transfer fees. You may visit a local NM Dept. of Motor Vehicles office to get help with how to fill out transfer of title form.

In most cases you will also need an emissions test. If you are titling a car for the first time you must do so in person.

If you are moving to New Mexico and transferring your vehicle’s registration, you will need the title from the other state. There will also be a VIN examination to make sure the car is not stolen or involved in any criminal activity.

Since registration and titling are done together, dealers often do not do that for you. If it is a new car you will have to show the manufacturers statement of origin and the invoice for your car. If it is a used car you will need a odometer statement, which you also need in a private sale.

If you are still paying for your car, you will also need a copy of a lien holder title.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer A Car Title In New Mexico?

How much is a title transfer depends on the value and age of the car. The combined fee for registration and titling ranges from $27 to $62 per year depending on the value and age of the car. The actual titling charge is $5 if  you qualify to get the title only.

You must however, pay an excise tax on any car that is being titled. That amounts to three percent of the sale price. If the car was a gift, you will have to fill out a notarized affidavit to show that it was a gift. and in that case there is no excise tax.

If the car is not registered in 90 days you will have to pay 4.5 percent.

Requesting A Duplicate Title In New Mexico

Requesting a duplicate title can also be done at your local MVD office. You may do this when your title has been lost or destroyed.  To do this you will need an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title which you can get at a NM MVD office or online.

Bring in the completed form, along with proof of identity and residency. There is a small fee for this service.  As part of filing out the form you must give a reason for needing the duplicate.

Here are some more frequently asked questions when registering and titling a car in New Mexico.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

It is the responsibility of the seller to sign the title. If you are the buyer and they have signed the title, you may proceed with the registration and titling process. If you are the seller and you think the car has never been registered, contact the NM MVD office and let them know.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

This is how to transfer ownership of a car without a title. If the vehicle does not have a title, you will have to get one before you can register and legally drive the car.

You may request a duplicate. You may contact the seller and ask them to get a duplicate.

A VIN inspection may also help you find out who the previous owner was, and that may help chase down a title.

How To Transfer A Car Title When the Owner Is Deceased In New Mexico

The question of how to transfer a car title when owner is deceased depends on whether the estate is probated and whether there is a will involved. If it is probated, and someone has been appointed the deceased representative or given power of attorney, they may transfer the title in their name.

You will also need  a copy of the order making them the representative from the court. If there is no will, and no pending application to appoint a representative, you pay apply to the state for a title.

You have to wait 30 days and then provide a copy of the death certificate, and submit a certificate of transfer without probate.

Transferring Titles To A Family Member In New Mexico

This is how to transfer a car title to a family member. You must submit an Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle or Boat form.

Enter the sale price as zero. From there the process is the same for titling and registration. The gift is considered a sale in that sense, and there is no excises tax to be paid.

New Mexico DMV Hours and Contact Information

If you need more information, or have additional questions, please visit your local Dept. of Motor Vehicles office.

A complete list can be found here.

Common Questions About New Mexico Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of New Mexico.