How to transfer a car title in New Mexico
For private sellers and buyers in New Mexico. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in New Mexico, the seller signs over the title with the price and mileage, takes the plate off, and turns it in or moves it to another car within the time limit. The buyer takes the title to a local field office within 30 days of the sale and pays the 4% excise tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in New Mexico?
Seller
- Sign over the title on the back with the price and the odometer reading. If that part is incomplete, also fill out the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009).
- Take the plate off before you hand over the car. Within 30 days, turn it in at the MVD or move it to another car of the same class.
- Any lien must be released first: on the title, with MVD Form 10041, or with a notarized letter from the lender.
- For a gift, you and the person getting the car both sign the notarized Affidavit of Gift (MVD-10018). Then no excise tax is due.
Buyer
- Take the signed title, plus the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) if used, to a local MVD field office to title and register the car.
- Apply within 30 days of the purchase, or pay a $20 late transfer fee.
- Pay the motor vehicle excise tax of 4% of the price, less any trade-in. If a private sale price is below 80% of the NADA value, the tax is based on the NADA value.
- If the names on the title application are joined by "and", every owner signs it.
- If the car comes from another state, it needs a VIN inspection.
- You cannot drive the car until it is registered, plated and insured.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division before you go: mvd.newmexico.gov
How do I sign over a car title in New Mexico?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Write the price and the odometer reading. Use the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) if the title part is incomplete.
mvd.newmexico.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Release any lien.
On the title, with MVD Form 10041, or with a notarized letter from the lender.
mvd.newmexico.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take the plate off.
Within 30 days, turn it in at the MVD or put it on another car of the same class.
mvd.newmexico.gov checked
A bill of sale (MVD-10009) is needed when the assignment on the back of the title is incomplete. mvd.newmexico.gov checked
New Mexico bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in New Mexico?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title.
Plus the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) if the title part is incomplete.
mvd.newmexico.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Go to a local MVD field office within 30 days.
Title and register the car there. After 30 days a $20 late fee applies.
mvd.newmexico.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the excise tax.
4% of the price less any trade-in, or of the NADA value if the price is below 80% of it.
mvd.newmexico.gov checkedStep 4 · Buyer
Insure the car before you drive it.
It must be registered, plated and insured.
mvd.newmexico.gov checked
After New Mexico MVD processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
New Mexico guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in New Mexico · Steps to buy a car in New Mexico
- New Mexico bill of saleOfficial form MVD-10009
- Replace a lost title in New MexicoDuplicate title (MVD-10901)
- Car title after a death in New MexicoThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in New Mexico?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | mvd.newmexico.gov Checked |
| Motor vehicle excise tax | 4% | Buyer | mvd.newmexico.gov Checked |
| Late transfer fee, after 30 days (if it applies) | $20 | Buyer | mvd.newmexico.gov Checked |
| Excise tax penalty, after 90 days (if it applies) | 50% of the excise tax | Buyer | mvd.newmexico.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for New Mexico are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (MVD-10901).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
What if the buyer is late?
A $20 late transfer fee applies after thirty days. After ninety days, a penalty of 50% of the excise tax is added.
mvd.newmexico.govsource 2 checked
Is there excise tax on a gift?
No, if you and the person getting the car both sign the notarized Affidavit of Gift.
mvd.newmexico.gov checked
How is the excise tax worked out on a private sale?
On the price less any trade-in, or on the NADA value if the price is below most of it.
mvd.newmexico.gov checked
What does the seller do with the plate?
Take it off before handing over the car, then turn it in or put it on another car of the same class.
mvd.newmexico.gov checked
Sources for this page
- mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-4-title-and-registration-used-vehicles/
Checked - mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-6-fees-penalties-and-excise-tax/
Checked - mvd.newmexico.gov/vehicles/
vehicle-registration/ Checkedvehicle-titles/ - mvd.newmexico.gov/wp-content/
uploads/ Checked2020/ 12/ MVD10009.pdf - mvd.newmexico.gov/wp-content/
uploads/ Checked2021/ 10/ MVDfees.pdf
About this page
This page summarizes official New Mexico sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.