Revised August 27, 2008

Recreational vehicle defined (66-1-4.15F)

A recreational vehicle is a vehicle with a camping body that has its own motive power, is affixed to or is drawn by another vehicle and includes motor homes, travel trailers and truck campers

Registration of RVs by non-residents (66-3-4A)

Contrary to our general rule, applications for registration of an RV do not require that the applicant be a New Mexico resident. Sec. 66-3-4(A)(1) provides that all applications presented to the division shall contain (emphasis added):

• for a vehicle other than a recreational vehicle, the name, bona fide New Mexico residence address and mail address of the owner or, if the owner is a firm, association or corporation, the name, bona fide New Mexico business address and mail address of the firm, association or corporation and
• for a recreational vehicle, the name, bona fide residence address and mail address of the owner and proof of delivery in New Mexico. (The applicant must actually take possession of the RV in New Mexico.)

Special registration plates for RVs (66-3-408).

Section 66-3-408 provides that, "All recreational vehicles registered in New Mexico shall carry a special registration plate, including any armed forces veteran plate, disabled veteran plate, purple heart plate, medal of honor plate, ex-prisoner of war plate, Pearl Harbor survivor plate or patriot plate. The color and design of the plates shall be at the discretion of the director."

The RV owner may decide whether to have a special RV plate or (assuming he qualifies) one of the named military plates.