Paperwork When Buying a Car in New Mexico

To properly transfer ownership after buying a car in New Mexico, you'll need certain documents from the seller.

Use this guide to learn more about the paperwork required by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to title and register a vehicle following a purchase.

Paperwork for NM Car Buyers

WARNING!

The MVD WILL NOT ACCEPT documents with highlighting on them! Check yours before finishing your purchase.

The paperwork you'll want to gather after you've purchased a vehicle in New Mexico will differ based on whether you bought that vehicle from:

  • A New Mexico dealership.
    OR
  • A private seller.

NM Vehicle Registration Paperwork

To title and register your vehicle with the New Mexico MVD, provide the following paperwork:

You'll also need to show proper proof of identity and residency along with the vehicle paperwork above. Check out our guide to Car Registration in New Mexico for a full run-down of the process.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT highlight any of your documents—the MVD will reject them.

DMV.ORG TIP: Make sure you know your vehicle's history!

When buying a car—especially from a private seller—it's important to confirm what they tell you about the vehicle.

vehicle history report provides detailed information about a car's past, including:

  • Accidents.
  • Damage.
  • Estimated mileage.

This information allows you to avoid problem cars, such as flood damaged vehicles or those involved in multiple accidents, which can continue to have problems even if they've been repaired. Strongly consider ordering a vehicle history report before signing on the dotted line.

Registering Out-of-State Vehicles

In addition to the documents above, you may also need the following paperwork when registering a vehicle previously titled in a state other than New Mexico:

Forms

MVD10009
Bill of Sale
Use the MVD's bill of sale as a proof of purchase when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel in New Mexico.
MVD10901
Duplicate Certificate of Title Application
Apply for a replacement New Mexico vehicle title with the Motor Vehicle Division
MVD10002
Vehicle Title and Registration Application
Apply for a new, duplicate, OR transferred New Mexico vehicle title AND/OR registration with the Motor Vehicle Division.
MVD10187
Odometer Disclosure Statement
The Motor Vehicle Division requires this form be used to disclose the mileage on a vehicle that's being sold.
MVD10705
Request for Vehicle or Hull Identification Number Verification
Request that the Motor Vehicle Division verify the identification number on a vehicle or vessel if a security bond OR lien is being placed on the title OR if the number on the vehicle/vessel doesn't match the number on the title.
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