As long as you have a certificate of title and a few other key documents, you can complete a title transfer in New Mexico online through the DMV Virtual Office.

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Sep 8, 2023

Table of Contents

What is a title transfer?
Car title transfer in New Mexico
Registering a car in New Mexico
FAQs

If you’re transferring ownership of a vehicle in

New Mexico

, you’ll need to complete a title transfer. You can do this at your local DMV or through a third-party privatized DMV location.

Selling a vehicle

isn’t as simple as just handing over the keys. To make the sale official, you must transfer the title to the new owner. This usually involves some basic paperwork, a visit to the DMV, and a small fee.

Nevertheless, it can be a bit of a tedious process—and you need to get it right to be compliant with the state DMV and the law. Here is everything you need to know about title transfer in New Mexico.

What is a title transfer?

A car title determines who owns a vehicle—so if you’re transferring the title, it means you’re transferring ownership of the car. This process includes steps for both the seller and the buyer.

The seller must sign the title to release ownership of the vehicle

The buyer must take the signed title to the DMV to get a new title and complete vehicle registration

Each state has a unique process for title transfers. In some cases, you might require a bill of sale or transfer of ownership form. Many states require you to disclose the vehicle sales price and provide a current odometer reading, too.

Who does the title transfer?

Responsibility for completing the title transfer varies depending on where you’re buying or selling your car.

For private purchases, the buyer and seller must do the title transfer. If you’re going through a car dealership, they will take care of the paperwork and the buyer will receive the vehicle title from the DMV by mail.

Reasons for a title transfer

The most common reasons for doing a title transfer are a change of residency or buying or selling a car. But there are other reasons you might need to transfer vehicle ownership:

Donating a vehicle

Gifting a vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle

Paying off a

vehicle loan

Car title transfer in New Mexico

In New Mexico, the vehicle buyer can complete a title transfer online through the DMV Virtual Office. It must be done within 30 days of the change of ownership if you buy in-state or 90 days if you buy out-of-state.

Here’s what you need:

The original or certified copy of the bill of sale or dealer’s invoice

A valid New Mexico driver’s license or state-issued ID—if you don’t have a NM license or your license address isn’t updated, you’ll need two proofs of

New Mexico residency

Proof of insurance

Lienholder information

Proof of passed

emissions inspection

, if moving to Bernalillo County

Payment for the titling fee

Your vehicle, if registering an out-of-state vehicle

Note: You cannot bring highlighted documents as they will not be accepted.

Registering a car in New Mexico

After a title transfer, you’ll need to

. Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done annually.

In New Mexico, Registration fees for passenger vehicles are based on the weight and model year of the vehicle, ranging from $27.00 to $62.00 for one year or $54.00 to $124.00 for two years.

Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, license plate type, county of residence, or driving record.

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FAQs

What if my car has a loan?

A title transfer is more challenging if the vehicle is still financed. You’ll need to call your lender and ask how to sell a car that has a loan and how the transaction should be handled.

Where do I sign to transfer the title?

The title will have a line that says “seller’s signature.” If two people are on the title, then both will need to sign on the same line. There is a separate line for the buyer’s signature.

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