How to Register a Vehicle

When registering a vehicle in the state of New Mexico, you must appear in person at an MVD Field Office equipped with the following paperwork mentioned below (you have 30 days to register the vehicle from the date of purchase):

• Bill of Sale (required if the title is missing or if there is no space to input new information into the reassignment fields)
• A Certificate of Title signed over from the previous owner with a completed “Assignment of Title” section.
• A valid form of ID (a state-issued driver’s license or ID, passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Proof of Residency (must present at least 2 pieces of documentation confirming that you reside within New Mexico, for example, a rental or lease agreement, medical bill, paycheck stub, etc.)
• Proof of a New Mexico auto insurance plan (evidence such as an insurance card, copy of the policy, a letter from your insurance provider confirming your coverage, etc.)
• A filled out and signed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (MVD Form 10002).
• An Odometer Disclosure (this may be contained within the following 3 documents: A Bill of Sale, an Application for Vehicle Title and Registration, or an Odometer Disclosure Statement – MVD Form 10187)
• You must execute an Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle or Boat (MVD Form 10018) if the vehicle being registered was gifted.
• If you reside in Bernalillo County, you must present an “Emission Certificate of Inspection”.
• If there is currently a lien attached to the vehicle, the lienholder must execute one of the following:
  • Sign off on the “Release of Lien” section on the title.
  • Provide a completed Release of Lien form (MVD Form 10041).
  • Furnish a notarized release of the lien on a company letterhead containing the lien holder’s signature.
• If registering the vehicle on behalf of another individual, you must provide a notarized Power of Attorney form (Form MVD 11020).
• Come prepared to pay any fees associated with the registration process (costs vary depending on the type of vehicle being registered).

How to Register a Boat

All vessels must be registered within 30 days of purchase. Although the New Mexico SPD (State Parks Division) regulates all boating activity, registration is administered by the Motor Vehicle Division. Make your way to a location nearest you with the following documents (it is advised to contact the office before visiting to ensure there is an agent available for vessel registration):

• Verification of ownership:
  • Bill of Sale
  • Title (signed and dated by the previous owner)
  • The most recent registration will suffice if the vessel is exempt from titling.
• A filled-out and signed copy of the Application for Vessel Registration and Title – Form MVD-10003. (Be sure to include information regarding any lienholders if applicable.)
• A verifiable form of identification:
  • A New Mexico driver’s license or state ID.
• If necessary, a completed Release of Lien (Form MVD – 10041).
• Proper funds to pay any charges affiliated with the titling/registration process.

All used vessels must be physically brought to an MVD facility for a HIN (Hull Identification Number) inspection at the time of registration. Registrations last a duration of 3 years.