Chapter 16, Section A:
 License Plates Issued to Qualifying Members of the General Public


Revised March 25, 2008

The plates described below are those available to qualifying members of the general public for use on vehicles registered in New Mexico. They do not include government, state agency, elected officials or commercial vehicle plates, or those plates that are unique to specific vehicle types, such as manufactured homes, recreational vehicles (RVs) or trailers.

Some of the plates require specific application forms and verification that the necessary requirements have been met. The Special Plates Unit of the Motor Vehicle Division will review all applications for completeness and accuracy. If additional information is needed, an applicant may be contacted by phone or in writing. Links are provided to specific application forms when required.

Please note: The plate fees quoted below include a $2.00 administrative fee, if applicable, but do not include regular vehicle title or registration fees.

Standard  


A person who has a vehicle registered and titled in the state can acquire the traditional yellow plate or the balloon plate. No special application is required, and either of these plates can be requested at the time of initial registration of a qualified vehicle. After initial registration these plates are validated by sticker when applicable renewal registration fees have been paid.

Fee: None
Application form: None

Prestige (Vanity) (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-15 NMSA 1978)

Any owner of a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, may apply for the issuance of a special "prestige" or "vanity" registration plate. Both the traditional yellow and balloon designs are available, though motorcycle Prestige plates are available only in traditional yellow.

A prestige plate may have 1-7 characters (1-6 characters for a motorcycle). The characters can include the Zia symbol, spaces, apostrophes, dashes, or any combination of letters and numbers. A requested character set may be rejected if 1) it duplicates any existing plate; 2) the division finds it to be derogatory or obscene; or (3) it falsely states or implies that the vehicle or the driver represents the authority of a governmental agency or official.
Fee: $17.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD10199

Disabled Person (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-16 NMSA 1978)

 

 This plate is available for use on motor vehicles and motorcycles owned by a person with a significant mobility limitation, i.e. a person who: (1) cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest; (2) cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane or crutch or without assistance from another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair or other assistive device; (3) is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced respiratory volume, when exhaling for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters on room air at rest; (4) uses portable oxygen; (5) has a severe cardiac condition; or (6) is so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic or orthopedic condition that the person cannot ascend or descend more than ten stair steps.
Fee: None
Application form MVD10270

Horseless Carriage (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-27 NMSA 1978)

A "horseless carriage" is a motor vehicle at least 35 years old, owned as a collector's item, and used solely for exhibition and educational purposes. Upon transfer of ownership of a horseless carriage, the registration plate remains with the vehicle. A horseless carriage plate must be revalidated every five years.
Fee: $12.00 initially, then $7.00 every five years upon revalidation
Application form MVD10056

Medal of Honor (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-409 NMSA 1978)

A distinctive Medal of Honor plate is available for any person who has been awarded the Medal of Honor and submits proof satisfactory to the division that he has been awarded that medal. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for the issuance of a Medal of Honor plate.
Fee: None for plate or registration
Application form MVD10353

Prisoner of War (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-411 NMSA 1978)

Prisoner of War (POW) plates are available to any person, or to the surviving spouse of a deceased person, who was held as a prisoner of war by an enemy of the United States during any armed conflict, upon submission of proof satisfactory to the division. If the applicant is the surviving spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate must accompany the application. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of a POW plate.
Fee: None for plate or registration
Application form MVD10353

100% Disabled Veteran (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-412 NMSA 1978)

The 100 percent disabled veteran plate is available for up to two vehicles, including motorcycles, to a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, upon the submission of proof satisfactory to the department that he was one hundred percent disabled while serving in the armed forces of the United States. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of 100 percent disabled veteran plate.

A 100% disabled veteran who would also qualify for the disabled person (HP) plate may elect to have the disability wheelchair symbol included on his disabled veteran plate.
Fee: None for plate or registration
Application form MVD10353

National Guard (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-413 NMSA 1978)

The National Guard plate is available to any person who is an active member of the New Mexico national guard, upon the submission by the person of proof satisfactory to the division that the person is currently a member of the guard. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of a National Guard plate.
Fee: None for plate or registration
Application form MVD10247

Purple Heart (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-414 NMSA 1978)

The Purple Heart plate is issued for up to two vehicles to any person who is a veteran and a bona fide purple heart medal recipient and submits proof that he has been awarded that medal. Separation from service is not required. An active-duty Purple Heart recipient, though not by some definitions a "veteran" may still have a Purple Heart plate. No fee, including the regular registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of a Purple Heart plate. 
Fee: None for plate or registration
Application form MVD10353

Pearl Harbor Survivor (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-415 NMSA 1978)

The Pearl Harbor Survivor plate is available to any person who submits satisfactory proof to the division that he or she: (1) was a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941; (2) received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces; and (3) was on station on December 7, 1941 during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Hawaii time at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or offshore at a distance not exceeding three miles. No fee, other than the registration fee, shall be collected for issuance of a Pearl Harbor Survivor plate.
Fee: None, other than regular registration fees
Application form MVD10199

Collegiate (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-416 NMSA 1978)

Any state-supported higher educational institution in New Mexico may request that the division issue a special collegiate registration plate for that institution. The plate's color and design are determined by the division in consultation with the institution. Collegiate plates are currently available for NMSU, New Mexico Tech and UNM.

$25.00 of the fee collected for each special collegiate registration plate is distributed to the higher educational institution for which the registration plate is issued.
Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD11322

Amateur Radio Operator (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-417 NMSA 1978)
The Radio Operator plate is available to any New Mexico resident who holds an official commercial or amateur radio station license in good standing issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or who is a bona fide employee of such license holder. CB radio licensees are not eligible for the Radio Operator plate. The plate shall be inscribed with the official call letters of the applicant as assigned by the FCC; and the words "amateur radio operator" shall be inscribed on the registration plate upon request of the applicant. The stated legislative purpose for the issuance of special Radio Operator registration plates is to readily identify personnel in aid of the performance of necessary duties for civil defense in the communications field.
Fee: $5.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD10200

Armed Forces Veterans (Motor Vehicle Code Secs. 66-3-419 and 66-3-412.1 NMSA 1978)

Section 66-3-419 authorizes special registration plates for Armed Forces Veterans. Section 66-3-412.1 adds specific authorization for an Armed Forces Veterans motorcycle plate. Armed Forces Veterans plates are available for any individual who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States or is retired from the national guard or military reserves, with proof satisfactory to the department of honorable discharge from the armed forces or of retirement from the national guard or military reserves.

Each armed forces veteran may elect to receive a veteran-designation decal to be placed across the top of the plate, centered above the registration number. Available decals include:

  • Medal of Honor recipient
  • Silver Star recipient
  • Bronze Star recipient
  • Navy Cross recipient
  • Distinguished Service Cross recipient
  • Air Force Cross recipient
  • Distinguished Flying Cross recipient
  • Combat Wounded
  • Merchant Marine
  • Atomic Veteran
  • Pearl Harbor survivor
  • Bataan Survivor
  • Navajo Code Talker
  • Vietnam Veteran
  • Korean Veteran
  • Disabled Korean Veteran
  • World War II Veteran
  • World War I Veteran
  • Grenada Veteran
  • Panama Veteran
  • Desert Storm Veteran
  • Iraqi Freedom Veteran

$8.00 of the $17.00 fee collected for each non-motorcycle plate is transferred to the Armed Forces Veterans License Fund, for the purpose of expanding services to rural areas of the state, including Native American communities and senior citizen centers.

Fee: $17.00 initially ($9.00 for motorcycles); no added fee upon regular registration renewal
Application form MVD10353

Children's Trust Fund (Motor Vehicle Code Secs. 66-3-420 and 66-3-420.1 NMSA 1978)

Any owner of a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, may apply for the issuance of a special children's artwork registration plate featuring artwork of the children of New Mexico.

$25.00 of fee collected for each plate ($15.00 for motorcycle plates) is distributed to the Children's Trust Fund, whose purpose is (1) to develop innovative children's projects dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect of children; providing medical, psychological and other appropriate treatment for children who are victims of abuse or neglect; and developing community-based services aimed at the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and (2) to manage projects of the Next Generation Fund.

Fee: $42.00 ($22.00 for motorcycles) initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD11195

New Mexico Rangers and  Mounted Patrol (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-421 NMSA 1978)

The division shall issue a special registration plate to any person who is a New Mexico Ranger or a member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, upon the submission of proof that the person is currently a New Mexico Ranger or a member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol. Any person eligible for a Ranger or Mounted Patrol plate shall only be eligible for one such plate. 
Fee: None for plate or registration

Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-422 NMSA 1978)

Special Firefighter and Volunteer Firefighter plates are issued:
  • to a person employed as a New Mexico firefighter, with proof that the person is currently employed as a New Mexico firefighter, including submission of a signed consent form from the fire chief; and
  • to a person who is an active volunteer firefighter with a volunteer fire department recognized by the state fire marshal with proof that the person is currently an active member of a recognized volunteer fire department including submission of a signed consent form from the fire chief.

$15.00 of the $27.00 fee collected for each special Firefighter and Volunteer Firefighter plate is deposited in the Firefighters' Survivors Fund.

When a person holding a special Firefighter or Volunteer Firefighter plate ceases to be employed as a firefighter or serve as an active volunteer firefighter, the person shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it in exchange for a regular registration plate. A firefighter who holds a special plate and retires may retain the special plate.

Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11316

Year of Manufacture (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-423 NMSA 1978)
The division may specially register and permit the use of year-of-manufacture license plates on motor vehicles that are 30 or more years old. The division shall inspect the year-of-manufacture plate to ensure that it is in good condition and that the number on the plate is not already assigned or in use. To qualify for use, the year-of-manufacture plate shall be an authentic plate issued in New Mexico during the motor vehicle's model year.

Upon the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle bearing a year-of-manufacture plate, the plate may remain with the vehicle and be transferred to the new owner upon payment of a $10.00 fee in addition to regular registration fees.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration; $12.00 upon transfer to a new owner
Application form MVD11317

Pet Care (Spay-Neuter) (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.3 NMSA 1978)
The "Spay-Neuter" pet care special registration plate is available to any owner of a motor vehicle.
Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD11249

Fraternal Order of Police (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.5 NMSA 1978)
The FOP special plate is available to any New Mexico member of the Fraternal Order of Police. When a person holding the special plate ceases to be a New Mexico member of the Fraternal Order of Police, he shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it in exchange for a regular registration plate.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11303

Wildlife Artwork (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.6 NMSA 1978)
The special "share with wildlife" registration plate, featuring artwork of New Mexico wildlife, is available for any private motor vehicle except a motorcycle. No personalized or vanity design variation of the special wildlife artwork registration plates shall be issued. $15.00 of the initial fee and the entire renewal fee collected is distributed to the Share with Wildlife Program of the Game Protection Fund.
Fee: $27.00 initially and $12.00 upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD10092

Route 66 (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.8 NMSA 1978)
The owner of any vehicle may apply for issuance of a special Route 66 commemorative registration plate. $25.00 of the additional fee is distributed and appropriated to the Department of Transportation to fund the revitalization and preservation of historic Route 66 in New Mexico pursuant to the national scenic byways program.
Fee: $37.00 initially and upon each regular registration renewal
Application form MVD11259

Retired Firefighters (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.9 NMSA 1978)
The Retired Firefighters special registration plate is available to any person who is a retired New Mexico firefighter with proof that the person has retired from active employment as a firefighter.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11316

Active-Duty Uniformed Service Members (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.11 NMSA 1978)
A motor vehicle owner who is an active duty uniform service member may apply for the issuance of a special Active Duty registration plate.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11267

Organ Donor Awareness (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.15 NMSA 1978)
The special Organ Donation Awareness registration plate is designed to promoting awareness about the urgent need for organ and tissue donation in New Mexico.
Fee: $12.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD10666

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.16 NMSA 1978)
The special registration plate for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is available to any EMT who provides proof that he or she is an emergency medical technician licensed in New Mexico. When a person holding an EMT plate ceases to be an emergency medical technician, he shall immediately remove the plate from the vehicle and return it to the department, at which time it shall be exchanged for a regular registration plate.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11248

Patriot (Motor Vehicle Code Section 66-3-424.17 NMSA 1978)
The Patriot registration plate is available to any motor vehicle owner who is a patriot. No proof of patriotism is required. $8.00 of the $27.00 fee collected for each Patriot plate is transferred to the Armed Forces Veterans License Fund, for the purpose of expanding services to rural areas of the state, including Native American communities and senior citizen centers.
Fee: $27.00 upon initial registration
Application form MVD11300