OUT-OF-STATE TITLE ONLY

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRANSFERRING YOUR OUT-OF-STATE TITLE ONLY

New Mexico requires more than just cars and trucks to be titled. The full list of vehicles that must have a certificate of title includes cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs and motorhomes, motorboats, buses, manufactured or mobile homes, ATVs, dune buggies, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and trailers.

Some states might not require a certificate of title for certain vehicles. If that is your case, please contact us at 505-341-2MVD, email us, or stop by any of our offices so that we can give you the correct information for your specific scenario. Additionally, some states do not have physical certificates of title readily available. In that case, the seller must contact that state’s Motor Vehicle Department and request a physical title. New Mexico is a title-for-title state, which means that we can only title your vehicle when a physical out-of-state title is provided. 

Keep in mind that New Mexico gives you a 90-day window from the day of purchase to title your vehicle. A tax penalty will be imposed if you go over those 90 days. Your excise tax rate will increase from 4% to 6%. We encourage you to title your vehicle within the given timeframe so that you do not have to pay an extra 50% in tax penalties. Save your hard-earned money!

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TRANSFER YOUR OUT-OF-STATE TITLE ONLY

These are the documents that are required when transferring your out-of-state title to New Mexico. Remember, you have 90 days from the purchase date to title the vehicle in your name, so don’t wait too long.

• One (1) valid Driver’s License or ID for each person that will be on the title
• Two (2) Proofs of New Mexico Residency if the Driver’s License or ID of the primary owner is not from New Mexico │ View list of acceptable NM residency documents
• One (1) Out-Of-State Vehicle Title – we recommend bringing the title untouched and filling out a NM Bill of Sale between the buyer and seller.
• One (1) NM Bill of Sale – completely filled out by the buyer and seller │ Download NM Bill of Sale here
• One (1) NM VIN Inspection – this can be done at any MVD Now office as long as the vehicle is present.
• One (1) Purchase Agreement – this only applies if you purchased the vehicle from a dealership.

OUT-OF-STATE TITLE ONLY TRANSFER FOR VEHICLES THAT DO NOT OPERATE

An inoperable vehicle is usually purchased as a fixer-upper and requires some type of reconstruction, rebuilding, or mechanical work. You may find a great deal out-of-state and purchase it with the intention of not operating it for an extended period of time. Although the vehicle is not operational, you are still responsible for titling it in New Mexico within 90 days of the purchase date.  Here are the documents you must bring when visiting MVD Now to title a non-operating vehicle:

• One (1) valid Driver’s License or ID for each person that will be on the title
• Two (2) Proofs of New Mexico Residency if the Driver’s License or ID of the primary owner is not from New Mexico │ View list of acceptable NM residency documents
• One (1) Out-Of-State Vehicle Title – we recommend bringing the title untouched and filling out a NM Bill of Sale between the buyer and seller.
• One (1) NM Bill of Sale – completely filled out by the buyer and seller │ Download NM Bill of Sale here
• One (1) NM VIN Inspection – this can be done at any MVD Now office as long as the vehicle is present.
• One (1) Purchase Agreement – this only applies if you purchased the vehicle from a dealership.

OUT-OF-STATE TITLE ONLY TRANSFER FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INSURED

When you purchase an out-of-state vehicle that you cannot insure at the moment, you have the option to only apply for a New Mexico title. However, you must provide proof of valid insurance once you decide to register the vehicle in New Mexico. Here are the documents you must bring when visiting MVD Now to title a non-insured out-of-state vehicle:

• One (1) valid Driver’s License or ID for each person that will be on the title
• Two (2) Proofs of New Mexico Residency if the Driver’s License or ID of the primary owner is not from New Mexico │ View list of acceptable NM residency documents
• One (1) Out-Of-State Vehicle Title – we recommend bringing the title untouched and filling out a NM Bill of Sale between the buyer and seller.
• One (1) NM Bill of Sale – completely filled out by the buyer and seller │ Download NM Bill of Sale here
• One (1) NM VIN Inspection – this can be done at any MVD Now office as long as the vehicle is present.
• One (1) Purchase Agreement – this only applies if you purchased the vehicle from a dealership.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MVD NOW

Here at MVD Now, we want to make your MVD visit as seamless as possible. Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to schedule an appointment so you can guarantee zero wait time. There are two ways you can schedule an appointment. You can call us at 505-341-2MVD and we can schedule your appointment and also verify your documents over the phone. You also have the option of scheduling your own appointment through our online scheduler. If you schedule online, one of our MVD agents will call you to verify your documents before your appointment date. This will ensure that you bring all the necessary documents and prevents the dreaded “multiple trip” headache.

When you arrive at any of our offices, you will be greeted by a friendly MVD agent at the front door. They will help you check in for your appointment, verify your documents, and answer any questions that you may have. One of our other MVD agents will promptly assist you and process your transaction. Once completed, we collect payment and you are on your way! MVD Now also partners with local charities throughout the year. Currently, we are working with Make-A-Wish New Mexico. You have the option of rounding your MVD total to the nearest dollar or donating any other amount to this great foundation. Our goal is to deliver the most secure, efficient, professional, and friendly MVD services in town.