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A Motor Vehicle Registration — or more simply, a car registration — connects a car to its owner for identification purposes, and is proof that the car owner has paid the required taxes and obtained the minimum auto insurance coverage required in their state. Each state requires you, by law, to register your car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.
The vehicle registration process involves providing some personal information and details on your car and paying a registration fee. If you fail to register your car or renew your registration, you could face penalty fees, a ticket and possibly impoundment.
The most common scenarios wherein you’d need to register a car are:
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) oversees vehicle registration in the state. Find out more about car registration on the New Mexico MVD page here.
In New Mexico, you must register any cars or motor vehicles you own or operate with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
The first time you register your car in New Mexico, you’ll receive a license plate for your vehicle and a registration card. Additionally, you will receive a registration sticker that needs to be attached to your vehicle’s license plate.
When you renew your registration, you’ll receive a new registration card. In New Mexico, drivers are required to keep the registration card with them when operating a vehicle.
To register a car in New Mexico, you must:
Find out more about the requirements to register a vehicle and the personal information requirements in New Mexico here.
The main difference between a car title (or pink slip) and a car registration is that while the first proves your legal ownership of a vehicle, the second allows your vehicle to be driven on public roads. Both documents are mandatory in all 50 U.S. states.
Unlike the car title, which does not need to be renewed, the car registration has to be renewed every one or two years, depending on the state. In New Mexico, registrations have to be renewed every one or two years.
The car title only needs to be changed when the vehicle is sold and the owner changes, or if you have finished paying the car loan and the vehicle is now officially yours. In these cases, you must complete a transfer of ownership by transferring the title.
Learn more about your car title in New Mexico here.
If you purchase a new or used vehicle at a car dealership in New Mexico, the dealership will handle the vehicle registration on your behalf but will charge the applicable registration fees.
If you purchased a used car from a private seller or are a new resident of the state, you will need to obtain a car registration yourself.
To register your car in New Mexico, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
In New Mexico, you must register your car in person. Click here to find your nearest New Mexico MVD Field Office.
The cost to register a vehicle in New Mexico will depend on the weight and model year of the vehicle. Acceptable payment methods may vary by field office.
If you have questions about the car registration process or require assistance, contact the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) by phone at (888) 683-4636.
You can also submit questions or requests online by filling out the General Information Request form here.
To renew your car registration in New Mexico, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the documents needed to renew your registration here.
To renew your registration online, click here to access the Vehicle Registration Renewal Portal.
To renew your registration in person, click here to find your nearest MVD Field Office.
To renew your registration by mail, you must have received a renewal notice in the mail from the New Mexico MVD. Fill out the renewal notice with the required information and mail it to:
Registration Renewal Section
Motor Vehicle Division PO Box 25129
Santa Fe, NM 87504-5129
If you have further questions about the vehicle registration renewal process or require assistance, contact the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) by phone at (888) 683-4636.
You can also submit questions or requests online by filling out the General Information Request form here.
If you applied for a new vehicle registration or requested a vehicle registration renewal for your car, check the status of your application or request by calling a local MVD Field Office for further assistance. Find your nearest local MVD Field Office location and contact information in New Mexico here.
Any missing or stolen vehicle title or registration must be replaced and reported to the local authorities immediately. This includes license plates. You can replace lost or stolen title documents in person or by mail. Registration documents can be replaced online or in person.
To replace documentation in person, click here to find your nearest MVD Field Office.
To replace your title by mail, print and complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title here and send it to the following address:
Vehicle Services Bureau
PO Box 1028
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1028
You may only replace your title by mail if you are out of state.
To replace registration documentation online, visit the MyMVD Online Services portal here.
If you move to a new address within the state, you will need to update the address on your vehicle registration within 10 days of relocation.
Complete the New Mexico Change of Address Request form here and submit it by fax to (505) 827-0977 or by mail to:
MVD Data Entry Unit
PO Box 630
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0630
You can also update your address online by using the MyMVD portal here.
If you need to update your name on your registration, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. Learn more about how to change your name with the SSA here.
After changing your name with the SSA, you must visit a local MVD Field Office in person to update your registration. Find your nearest office location and contact information here. You will need documents that confirm the legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate or a court order.
If you have recently moved to New Mexico, you will need to register and title your car with the New Mexico MVD within 30 days of moving to the state. Follow the same car registration steps outlined above to complete the process.
If you have not yet obtained a New Mexico-issued driver’s license or ID card, you will need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number with your legal name and address to submit your car registration application.
Learn more about what to expect after becoming a New Mexico resident here.
If you move out of New Mexico, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Your new state may have different requirements for vehicle services. Click here to access your new state’s official DMV website for more information.
Registration fees for passenger vehicles depend on the model year and weight of the vehicle you are registering. Your registration fee will range from $27 to $62 for one year and $54 to $124 for two years.
The total cost to register or renew your vehicle also depends on:
For help with the car registration process, or for any further questions about your car registration, call the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) by phone at (888) 683-4636.
You can also submit questions or requests online by filling out the General Information Request form here.
Or, visit or call a local MVD Field Office for further assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the car registration process and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get familiar with the process by providing useful information.
Our free Car Registration Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
