US Military and NATO Members FAQs | Reduced Vehicle Title and Registration Fees for Veterans
Do I need a New Mexico driver license to drive a motor vehicle owned or leased by the United States Department of Defense?
I am nonresident military assigned to a New Mexico military installation. Do I need a New Mexico driver license to drive my own vehicles?
I am active duty military. What happens if I am overseas or in another state when my New Mexico driver license expires?
How do I change my address?
Must I title and register my vehicles in New Mexico?
How can I renew my vehicle registration if I am stationed in another state?
Are there reduced vehicle title and registration fees for military personnel?
Military License Plates
NATO MEMBERS
I’m stationed in New Mexico. How do I register my vehicle?
How do I get a New Mexico driver license?
U.S. Military Personnel
Do I need a New Mexico driver license to drive a motor vehicle owned or leased by the United States Department of Defense?
No. However, you must carry a driver license from the state in which you are licensed.
I am nonresident military assigned to a New Mexico military installation. Do I need a New Mexico driver license to drive my own vehicles?
Yes. You can find information about how to get a New Mexico driver license on the MVD web site in the "Driver Services."
I am active duty military. What happens if I am overseas or in another state when my New Mexico driver license expires?
As long as you are active military, and your New Mexico driver license has not been suspended, canceled or revoked, your license will remain valid until the 31st day after your return to New Mexico or your discharge. This applies even if you are in New Mexico temporarily, on leave status. This also applies to your spouse if he or she is with you overseas or in another state.
Once you and your spouse return to New Mexico, you should go to the MVD Field Office to renew the expired driver license(s).
- If the license(s) have been expired less than a year, just bring in your expired license(s).
- If the license(s) have been expired more than a year, bring in your discharge documents and the expired driver license(s).
How do I change my address?
If you are in New Mexico:
Download and complete a Change of Address form.
Either mail it in to the address on the form or take it to a MVD Field Office.
If you are out-of-state and New Mexico is still your state of record:
Download and complete the Change of Address form.
Mail the Change of Address form and a copy of your NM driver license and Military ID to the address on the form; or
Fax the completed Change of Address form, along with a copy of your NM driver license and Military ID to the MVD at (505) 827-2783.
Click Here to Change your Address
Must I title and register my vehicles in New Mexico?
All resident military personnel must title and register their vehicles in New Mexico.
Non-resident military personnel assigned to a New Mexico military installation may operate their own vehicles in this state provided they display a current registration plate from their state of residence. Military personnel have the option of maintaining current registration in their home state, or registering and titling their vehicle in New Mexico.
How can I renew my vehicle registration if I am stationed in another state?
Go to MVD Online Services
You can go online to the New Mexico MVD and renew your vehicle registration (with a major credit card), or use the Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System
The Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System allows customers to access MVD information 24 hours a day, toll-free, in English or Spanish. You can call the IVR system toll-free at (888) 683-4636 (1-888-MVD-INFO). Use a MasterCard or Visa to renew.
By renewing your vehicle registration using MVD ONLINE SERVICES or the IVR System, you may be eligible to receive a discount off the registration fees.
Are there reduced vehicle title and registration fees for military personnel?
Some fee reductions are allowed for veterans in registering and titling a vehicle in New Mexico. Click here for complete information.
NATO Members
I’m stationed in New Mexico. How do I register my vehicle?
Registration Only – Go into any MVD Field Office, and bring in the following documents:
- US DOT Declaration form HS-7 (For vehicles brought in from a foreign country)
- Proof of NATO membership
- Vehicle Title
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of residence
Any foreign documents must be translated into English by a certified translator.
The MVD will complete a VIN inspection on your vehicle and collect a registration fee.
How do I get a New Mexico driver license?
How to Get a New Mexico Driver License.
Reduced Vehicle Title and Registration Fees for Veterans
To qualify for the reduced vehicle title and registration fees, you must complete the Application for Military Service Special Plate | Click Here to Download PDF
Indicate on the application which type of special plate you want and send the application to:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division/ Vehicle Services Bureau
Joseph Montoya Building
P.O. Box 1028
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe 87504-1028
The MVD will send the application to the Department of Veteran’s Services for eligibility certification. All qualified persons who are eligible for any fee exemption must apply for the exemption when applying for a vehicle title or a transfer of vehicle plate.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED IF THE APPLICANT DOES NOT APPLY FOR THE EXEMPTION AT TIME OF THE INITIAL TRANSACTION.
Below are the types of Veteran fee reductions allowed in registering and titling a vehicle in New Mexico. They are:
1. New Mexico Veterans
A New Mexico veteran who has a Certificate of Eligibility from the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services is entitled to a one-third (1/3) reduction of the registration fee of a ‘motorized vehicle.’ The reduction is not allowed when registering trailers. It is not a reduction of taxes, only registration fees.
2. New Mexico Veteran Amputee
A veteran who qualifies through the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services is entitled to a free registration plate on one vehicle owned by that veteran. The registration and excise taxes are waived, and only the title fee is charged on title transfers. Contact the New Mexico Department of Veteran's Services to determine eligibility:
New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services
Bataan Memorial Building
407 Galisteo St., Room 142
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
(866) 433-8387
3. Ex-Prisoner of War
A veteran who was a prisoner of war and is certified through the Department of Veteran’s Services is entitled to one free registration per year for one vehicle owned by that veteran. Only the registration fee is waived. The excise tax and title fee must be paid on title transfers.
4. 100% Disabled Veteran (DV)
This type of license plate is issued to veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability. A New Mexico veteran who qualifies through the Department of Veteran’s Services is entitled to free registration each year for two (2) vehicles owned by that veteran. Only the registration fee is waived, the excise tax and title fee must be paid when processing title transfers.
NOTE: A Disabled Veteran plate does not authorize the recipient to park in handicapped-parking zones.
5. Medal of Honor
A veteran certified through the Department of Veteran’s Services, who has received the Medal of Honor, is entitled to one Medal of Honor plate. Only the registration fee is waived, the excise tax and title fee must be paid when processing title transfers.
6. Purple Heart
A veteran who is a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, upon submitting a Department of Defense Form 214 is entitled to two (2) Purple Heart plates. The Department of Veteran’s Services must certify the application for every Purple Heart plate issued by the MVD. Only the registration fee is waived, the excise tax and title fee must be paid when processing title transfers.