Boat Registration and Licenses in New Mexico

What to Register

All motorboats and sailboats.

What Not to Register

• Non-motorized canoe.

• Non-motorized kayak.

• Sailboards.

• Windsurf boards.

Exemptions

• Any boat registered in another state and not kept in New Mexico for more than 90 consecutive days.

Requirements and Procedures

1. Call the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office you plan on visiting and ask whether they require to see the boat. Offices vary on this requirement.
2. Bring the bill of sale and proof of identity.
3. Pay all applicable fees.

Titling

All motorboats and sailboats 10 feet long and longer must also be titled within 30 days from the purchase date.

If you buy the boat new from a dealer, you must provide the MVD with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin when completing the title application.

If your boat is from another state or bought from a private party, you must provide a bill of sale and the old title when completing the title application.

Fees

• Class A (less than 16 feet): $28.50

• Class 1 (longer than 16 feet but less than 26 feet): $36

• Class 2 (26 feet or longer but less than 40 feet): $43.50

• Class 3 (40 feet or longer but less than 65 feet): $51

• Longer than 65 feet: $66

• Title: $10

• Excise Tax (5% of the sales price) assessed only on boats 10 feet long or longer with motors or sails.

Renewals and Replacements

Boat registrations are valid for three years.

Renew in Person

Visit any MVD location.

Renew by Mail

Send to:

• New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division

• Joseph Montoya Building

• P.O. Box 1028

• 1100 South St. Francis Drive

• Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

Renew Online

Currently unavailable.

Replace Lost Registration

Visit any MVD office with valid identification. Cost: $5

New Mexico Boater License

All boat operators born on or after January 1, 1989, must complete a boat safety course approved by New Mexico State Parks, or pass the exam.

NM Boater Safety Courses

Online courses are offered by BoaterExam.com.

Classroom courses are offered around the state by New Mexico State Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and at military bases throughout the state.

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