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Motor Vehicle FAQs

Can I conduct MVD business without going to a Motor Vehicle Division Field Office?
How do I obtain a New Mexico vehicle title, registration and license plate?
What is the fee for registering my vehicle?
Is there a penalty if I am late in renewing my vehicle registration?
What automobile insurance am I required to have in New Mexico?
Does New Mexico require emissions testing?
What if my vehicle is out-of-state and an emission test is required for New Mexico registration?
What are Private MVD Offices?

Can I conduct MVD business without going to a Motor Vehicle Division Field Office?

YES. Go to MVD ONLINE SERVICES

Online services include:
Renew a Vehicle Registration with All Major Credit Cards

Obtain an Commercial Driver Weight - Distance Permit

File a Commercial Vehicle Weight-Distance Tax Return (single or bulk filing)

Commercial Vehicle Account Management


Driver History Records Search

Title, Lien and Registration Records Search

YES. Use New Mexico MVD Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System

The New Mexico MVD Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system allows customers to access MVD information 24 hours a day, toll-free, in English or Spanish. To access the IVR system call:

In Santa Fe, NM: 505-827-4636 or toll-free: 1-888-683-4636 (1-888-MVD-INFO)

The IVR system allows customers to:
- Renew Vehicle Registrations with a MasterCard or Visa 
- Request a Duplicate Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Purchase a Replacement Vehicle Registration Sticker 
- Receive Answers to Commonly Asked MVD Questions
- Request a Copy of Your Driving Record
- Hear MVD Office Locations and Hours
- Request a Fax Copy of MVD Offices and Locations
- Get Interlock and Driver Information
- Pay a Citation
- Speak to a MVD Agent - Press 7 from the main menu after choosing your language

For the most updated information on any of these topics, check the MVD web site.

You will receive a 5% discount off the base registration fees by using MVD ONLINE SERVICES
or the IVR System to renew your vehicle registration.

NM Vehicle Title, Registration, or License Plate

How do I obtain a New Mexico vehicle title, registration and license plate?
Take the following documentation to any MVD Field Office:
- The current title or other ownership document(s) for the vehicle;
- The vehicle’s current odometer reading;
- Proof of identity and two proofs of New Mexico residency
- Proof of Identity - No SSN
- Proof of insurance, including policy number and insurance company name

In addition, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection is required for every vehicle coming to New Mexico from another state. The VIN inspection is usually done by a MVD agent at the MVD Field Office. However, not all Field Offices perform VIN inspections, and some require an advance appointment. It is recommended that the customer call ahead to inquire about VIN inspection availability and scheduling at:
1-888-MVD-INFO or 1-888-683-4636

You can get a VIN inspection conducted by a Certified VIN Inspector. A list of Certified VIN Inspectors is available here. 

Additional documentation may be required for specific situations. For additional information on registering a new or used vehicle, go to: Vehicle Registration

What is the fee for registering my vehicle?
The registration fee for passenger vehicles is based on the weight and year model of the vehicle. Registration fees range from $27.00 to $62.00 for a one (1) year registration or $54.00 to $124.00 for a two (2) year registration.

Registration fees for trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight (DGVW) of 26,000 pounds or less are also based on the weight and model year of the vehicle. Registration fees range from $38.00 to $207.00 for a one (1) year registration or $76.00 to $414.00 for a two (2) year registration.

Is there a penalty if I am late in renewing my vehicle registration?
Yes. If you are less than 31 days late in renewing your vehicle registration, you must pay a $10.00 penalty, along with the cost of your registration renewal fee. 

If you are 31 days or more late in renewing your vehicle registration, you must pay a penalty equal to 75% of the registration fee. This penalty is added to the cost of your registration renewal fee. Insurance

What automobile insurance am I required to have in New Mexico?
You must have an auto insurance liability policy with minimum coverage of:

- $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person,
- $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons, and
- $10,000 for property damage in any one accident.

For more information on mandatory auto insurance, go to: Mandatory Auto Insurance.

Emission Testing

Does New Mexico require emissions testing?
Emission Testing is required only in Bernalillo County. Residents of the Bernalillo County and others who commute into Bernalillo County 60 or more days per year are required to have their vehicles tested and to provide proof that the vehicles have passed an emissions inspection test. These tests are available throughout Bernalillo County at certified "Air Care" stations.

For more information on emission testing in Bernalillo County go to: Emission Testing

What if my vehicle is out-of-state and an emission test is required for New Mexico registration?
You must complete an Affidavit of Vehicle Unavailability for Inspection, complete all required
MVD documents, and submit all documents to the City of Albuquerque Pollution Management Division. They approve the waiver and forward your registration payment and forms to MVD.

For more information on the City of Albuquerque Pollution Management Division visit the website or call 505-764-1110.

What are Private MVD Offices?
Private MVD Offices have a contract with the State MVD to provide MVD services to the public. Private MVD Offices charge administrative fees,  in addition to any MVD fees that apply to your transactions.

Clean Air and Fuel efficient Vehicles

Emission Testing

Insurance

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