Donate a car or vehicle in New Mexico - NM
State Title Information
Help a child with a car, motorcycle, automobile, truck, boat or any vehicle donation. What vehicles need titles in your state. How to transfer ownership...
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When donating a car it is necessary to transfer ownership. Various states have different regulations on how this is done. This page is a collection of actual references from various state web sites.
Just click on any of the links below for more information on that subject.
1. What vehicles are exempt from being titled and registered?
2. What vehicles must be titled in the state of New Mexico?
3. Who must title a vehicle in New Mexico?
4. How do I obtain a duplicate title?
5. Boat Title and registration Information:
1. What vehicles are exempt from being titled and registered?
1. U.S. Government and Other States’ Government Vehicles
Vehicles or trailers owned by and used by the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, except the State of New Mexico, need not be registered but must display plates or signs showing that they are owned by the United States or such other state or political subdivision.
2. New Mexico State and Local Government Vehicles (66-6-15)
Vehicles or trailers owned by the State of New Mexico or by any county or municipality of this state are not assessed registration fees, however, must be titled and continually display plates furnished by the Motor Vehicle Division.
3. Vehicles Driven or Moved by Manufacturers, Dealers, or Lien Holders
Vehicles driven or moved by manufacturers, dealers or lien holders need not
be registered when being driven or moved only for the purpose of immediate
delivery, demonstration or resale to another person. Such vehicles must display a dealer’s plate or temporary permit.
4. Vehicles Owned by Non-Residents
Vehicles owned by non-residents need not be registered, provided that the vehicle is registered in and displays a current license plate from another licensing jurisdiction. (Exception: See #2, on Page 1).
5. Vehicles Operated Exclusively on Private Property
Any vehicle, which is driven or moved upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing such highway from one property to another.
6. Implements of Husbandry (66-3-1C NMSA 1978)
Any implement of husbandry (farm equipment), which is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway, need not be registered.
7. Electric Trolleys (66-3-1F NMSA 1978)
Any vehicle propelled only by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, though not operated on rails, need not be registered.
8. Any Special Mobile Equipment (66-3-1D NMSA 1978)
Any vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over the highways need not be registered. (Example: Heavy road equipment, graders, scrapers, road maintenance, ditch-digging or well-boring machinery and concrete mixers.)
Note: On Special mobile equipment requiring a lien, applicant must contact the Secretary of State’s office at 827-3600. These liens are filed under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) 55-9-101 NMSA 1978.
9. Mopeds
A two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle with an automatic transmission and motor having a piston displacement of less than fifty cubic centimeters, capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour. Only Mopeds that are certified by the manufacturer as being “Street Legal” will be titled and registered. Mopeds must meet the minimum Federal Safety requirements specified on MVD Form 10053, “Vehicle Equipment Affirmation”.
10. Motorcycle Trailers Towed by a 2 Wheel Motorcycle (66-1-4.18 NMSA 1978)
11. Tow Dollies
12. Vehicles Purchased by a New Mexico Dealer
It is not necessary for the New Mexico dealer to convert the Title to his name prior to the sale.
13. Vehicles Purchased by New Mexico Auctions
The auctioneer can assign the Title to an individual purchaser, provided they are licensed as a dealer, without the need of the auction firm having to apply for Title in the firm’s name.
14. Repossessions
The repossessor does not have to convert any type of Title into the repossessor’s name prior to a subsequent sale. Titles from all states will be accepted for transfer and registration without the necessity to title in the repossessor’s name.
15. Insurance Companies
Insurance companies do not need to convert any type of Title into their name before making a subsequent assignment if the insurance company purchased an insured’s interest in the vehicle as a result of a claim.
2. What vehicles must be titled in the state of New Mexico?
1. Passenger Vehicles (66-3-1)
Motor vehicles designed and used primarily for the transportation of people including motor vehicles used for the transportation of persons for compensation and having a normal seating capacity of not more than seven persons.
2. Trucks (66-1-4.17L)
Motor vehicles designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
3. Motorcycles (66-1.4.11G)
Motor vehicles having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. This includes three-wheeled motorcycles (trikes).
4. Recreational Vehicles (66-1.4.15F)
Motor vehicles composed of a chassis or frame with wheels, which either has its own motor power or is drawn by another vehicle. Recreational vehicles with a camping body primarily designed or converted for use as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel activities (excludes mobile homes that exceed eight feet wide or forty feet long).
5. Motorized Homes (66-1-4.11H)
Motor vehicles that are manufactured by one company then sent to a different company to be converted. These units, in some cases, are provided with two manufacturer’s statements of origin, one from the manufacturer of the chassis, and a subsequent one from the second stage conversion company.
6. Off-Highway Motor Vehicles (66-1-4.13B)
Any vehicle operated or used exclusively off the highways of this state and which is not legally equipped for operation on the highways. The following motor vehicles are subject to off-highway registration:
- a. Motorcycles
- b. All terrain vehicles (includes 3, 4 and 6 wheelers)
- c. Snowmobiles
- d. Mopeds (Optional)
- e. Dune buggies
- f. Golf carts (Optional)
7. Buses (66-1-4.2C)
Every motor vehicle designed and used for the transportation of persons and every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.
8. Manufactured Homes (Mobile Homes) (66-1-4.11B)
A structure which is more than eight feet wide or forty feet long, without its own motor power. Manufactured homes must be registered when purchased or when relocated into New Mexico from another state. Registration for mobile homes is permanent, therefore it’s not to be renewed annually. Modular homes are registered as mobile homes; they are either eight feet wide or forty feet long, constructed on a steel chassis and equipped with axles and wheels.
9 . Trailers (66-1-4.3B), (66-1-4.6G), (66-1-4.18B), (66-1-4.17H&K)
Any vehicle without motor power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. The following are types of trailers, which are subject to registration:
- a. Camping trailers
- b. Hours trailers
- c. Utility trailers
- d. Freight trailers (permanent registration)
- e. Recreational travel trailers
- f. 5 th wheel trailers
- g. Pole trailers
- h. Van trailers
3. Who must title a vehicle in New Mexico?
1. New Mexico Residents (66-3-4 NMSA 1978)
All applications presented to the division shall contain the name, bona fide New Mexico residence address and mailing address of the owner, or, if the owner is a firm, association or corporation, then the name, bona fide New Mexico business address and mailing address of the firm, association or corporation. Persons without a New Mexico residence address may not title and register their vehicles here.
2. Non-Residents (66-301 NMSA 1978)
a. Non-residents, who have accepted permanent employment in New Mexico, must register their vehicles within thirty (30) days.
Those who can furnish proof through their employers that their employment will not exceed 180 days need not register their vehicles in New Mexico, provided their vehicles are displaying current registration plates from their state of residence. (If gainfully employed for thirty (30) days or more within a sixty (60) day period the vehicle is subject to registration).
b. Non-resident military assigned to a New Mexico military installation may operate their 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.
c. Non-resident students engaged in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning located within the State of New Mexico may operate their vehicles in this state provided they display current registration plate for their state of residence. The out-of-state student must obtain and display a valid non-resident sticker. Stickers are available at all institutions of higher learning.
d. Non-residents, who are carrying on business within this state and owning and regularly operating in such business any motor vehicles, trailer, semi-trailer, house trailer or pole trailer within the state, shall register each such vehicle and pay required fees.
4. How do I obtain a duplicate title?
The Motor Vehicle Division will issue a duplicate Title provided all required prerequisites have been met. A duplicate is an exact copy of the original. The only change made is the Title Number; no other changes are made (address, name, lien holder etc.). A duplicate Title will no longer be issued on the strength of a BILL OF SALE. The only exception will be when both parties are present (buyer and seller) and proper identification is presented.
The “Application for Duplicate Title”, MVD Form 10901 must be completed and signed by the applicant.
Begin transaction with a “Vehicle Inquiry” and print out the vehicle record on the back of the “Application for Duplicate Title”, MVD Form 10901. Verify the current owner and if there are any liens reflected on the vehicle record. Check the lien maturity date, if maturity date has matured by one year, a lien release will not be required.
The applicant for duplicate Title must be the registered owner, successor in interest, or legal representative. If applicant is a legal representative, he/she must provide the division with a Power of Attorney, Letter of Testamentary, Court Order, Affidavit of Claiming Successor, or Certificate of Transfer Without Probate (documents must be the originals or certified copies).
When there is a current lien reflected against the vehicle (lien maturity date has not matured by one year), the applicant must provide a release of lien. If duplicate Title is issued with outstanding lien reflected, make a photocopy of the original lien release and return it to the applicant. Remember you are issuing a duplicate Title, therefore it is issued with lien information as it appears on the vehicle record.
When applicant is the lien holder, the person applying on behalf of the lien holder must have written authorization to show that they are authorized by the financial institution to obtain the Title. Applications signed must include the printed “title” or “position” of person representing the lien holder.
The applicant must provide proper identification (Motor Vehicle Division photo I.D. card or driver license).
When application for duplicate Title is submitted by mail, the applicant must send in a photocopy of his/her identification, original lien release, or certified copies of documents empowering a legal representative to obtain the duplicate Title. If the applicants’ address of record is different from the current address, the applicant must send a self-addressed envelope so that the duplicate will be mailed to the correct address.
5. Boat Title and registration Information:
The Motor Vehicle Division will title and register every BOAT or watercraft (10) feet in length or longer, operating on the waters of this state and owned by a person who is domiciled in this state.
An excise tax is imposed upon the sale of every vessel, which must be registered in the state. Excise tax shall be collected on any BOAT purchased after July 1, 1987 at the rate of 5% of the sales price of the vessel. After 90 days from the date of sale, the tax will be 7½% of the sale price of the vessel. If a vessel has been acquired through an out-of-state transaction upon which a similar tax was assessed, the amount of the tax paid may be credited against the excise tax due this state on the same vessel.
The Motor Vehicle Division will register every MOTORBOAT propelled by sail or machinery, operating on the waters of this state, either owned by a resident or a non-resident. Motor Vehicle Division will register MOTORBOATS for a three-year period, to expire December 31 of the third calendar year (example: titled and registered anytime in 1999 - expires December 31, 2001). Registered anytime in 2000 - expires December 31, 2002.
Every vessel, which is propelled by sail or machinery operating on the waters of this state, shall be numbered. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the vessel the New Mexico registration number assigned. The number must be clearly visible, no less than three inches in height and of a contrasting color to the vessel color. Only the assigned registration number shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of a vessel.
The registration number assigned to the vessel shall remain the assigned number for the life of the vessel, except when a vessel is transferred out of state, destroyed or abandoned.
NOTES: A motor vessel or watercraft, which is less than 10 feet, has to be registered, but not titled. If applicant wants to title a vessel he may do so. (All fees including tax apply).
JET SKIES requiring a lien – applicant must contact the Secretary of State 's Office at (505) 827-3600, to be filed under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) at the Secretary of State 's Office, Statute 55-9-101.
Motor Vehicle Division
P. O. Box 1028
Joseph Montoya Building
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028
