Boat Registration and Licenses in New Mexico

Boat Registration and Licensing in New Mexico

The NM State Parks Division (SPD) enforces all boating rules and regulations. If you recently purchased a vessel, the SPD may require you to have it titled and/or registered through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

On this page, you'll find a range of information about titling and registering a vessel in NM, as well as the requirements to legally operate watercraft on the Land of Enchantment's waters.

Vessels to Title & Register in NM

The New Mexico SPD requires ALL watercraft propelled by motors OR sails to be registered, with the following exemptions:

• Canoes, kayaks, and rafts powered only by paddles or oars.
• Sailboards.
• Windsurf boards.
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Boats registered in other states AND not kept in New Mexico for more than 90 consecutive days.

You'll also need to title any boat powered by a motor (gas or electric) OR sail that's more than 10 feet.

Boat Registration in New Mexico

You must title and/or register your boat with the NM Motor Vehicle Division within 30 days of the purchasing the vessel.

To do so, begin by calling the MVD office you're planning on visiting to confirm there's an agent who can process vessel titles and registrations.

If you're titling/registering a used vessel, you'll need to bring the boat to the MVD office to have its hull identification number inspected by an agent at the time of registration.

Submit the following items to at your local MVD agency to complete your title and/or registration application:

• A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title(Form MVD10003).
  • Include the name and address of any lien holders.
• Your New Mexico driver's license OR identification card.
• Proof of ownership:
  • New vessels: Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
  • Used vessels:
    • Requiring a title: Boat title assigned in your name.
    • Exempt from titling: Previous owner's registration.
• For used boats, a completed Bill of Sale (Form MVD10009) that includes the boat's sale price.
• Dealer invoice, if applicable.
• If applicable, a lien release.
• Payment for the applicable boat titling and registration fees.

All NM boat registrations are valid for 3 years and expire on December 31st of the final registration year.

NM Boat Title & Registration Fees

The fees you're required to pay to title and register your boat with the NM Motor Vehicle Division are as follows:

• Initial and renewal boat registration (depends on your vessel's length):
  • Class A (less than 16 ft): $28.50.
  • Class 1 (16 ft to 26 ft): $36.
  • Class 2 (26 ft to 40 ft): $43.50.
  • Class 3 (40 ft to 65 ft): $51.
  • Longer than 65 ft: $66.
• Vessel title: $10.
• Duplicate:
  
  • Title: $10.
  • Registration: $5.
• Excise Tax: 5% of the sales price.
  • Assessed only on boats 10 ft long or more with motors or sails.

Renew Your New Mexico Boat Registration

When your NM vessel registration expires, the MVD will not send you a renewal reminder, so make sure to mark your expiration date on the calendar! You need to renew your registration within the 60 days following your registration's expiration date by providing:

• Information about your vessel AND the required renewal fees, using the NM Motor Vehicle Division's online renewal system.
  OR
• A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title (Form MVD10003) AND the applicable renewal fees, in person at your local MVD office branch.

Duplicate NM Title & Registration

If you lose or damage your boat registration or title, you can apply for a replacement copy at any MVD office by providing:

• A completed Application for Vessel Registration and Title (Form MVD10003).
• Your valid NM driver's license OR state ID card.
• The appropriate fees for duplicate titles and/or registrations.

For more information on requesting a replacement vessel title and/or registration, call the NM Motor Vehicle Division's main line at (888) 683-4636.

New Mexico Boater Requirements

If you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you MUST complete a boat safety course approved by the New Mexico State Parks Division to legally operate motorboats and sailboats.

You can fulfill the SPD's education requirement by completing a course online OR in the classroom. Check out the SPD's boating education page for a complete list of approved education providers.

Additionally, boaters younger than 13 years old CANNOT operate vessels with motors OR sails without adult supervision.