In New Mexico, a bill of sale should include information about the vehicle being sold, information about the buyer and the seller, and both parties’ signatures.

Written by Jason Tushinski

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Sep 8, 2023

Table of Contents

What is a bill of sale?
Is a bill of sale required in New Mexico?
What is required in a New Mexico bill of sale?
What should I do after completing a bill of sale in New Mexico?

New Mexico

, a bill of sale should include pertinent information about the vehicle changing hands, including its make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), and mileage. Make sure the bill of sale has information about both the buyer and seller, as well as the signatures of both parties.

For most private vehicle sales in New Mexico, a bill or sale is not required. However, it is required under certain circumstances, such as when the purchase price or odometer reading is missing from the vehicle’s title. Even if a bill of sale is not required in your case, a bill of sale is good to have as proof of your transaction.

We've put together everything you need to know about a New Mexico bill of a sale!

What is a bill of sale?

While a bill of sale does not legally transfer ownership of a vehicle (that’s what a

title transfer

does), a bill of sale acts as a receipt for both the buyer and the seller in a vehicle transaction.

A bill of sale should contain all the key information about the vehicle changing hands:

Make, model, year

Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Mileage

Amount paid for the vehicle.

A bill of sale should also have information regarding both buyer and seller, and both of their signatures.

Is a bill of sale required in New Mexico?

For most private vehicle sales in New Mexico, a bill of sale is not required. But sometimes it is:

If the purchase price or vehicle odometer statement is missing from the title

If the certificate of title is unavailable at the time of registration

What is required in a New Mexico bill of sale?

If you’re buying or selling a car in New Mexico, download and complete the

Bill of Sale (Form MVD-10009)

from New Mexico’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website. The bill of sale must have the following information:

Agreed upon purchase price of the vehicle

Make, model, and year of the vehicle

VIN

Odometer reading

Name of both buyer and seller

Signature of both buyer and seller

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What should I do after completing a bill of sale in New Mexico?

Once a bill of sale has been completed, the vehicle’s title needs to be transferred to legally certify new ownership. Follow New Mexico’s rules to ensure the vehicle’s title is properly transferred.

If you are

selling the vehicle in New Mexico

, report the transaction to the MVD and turn in your old plates

buying the vehicle

, you will be required to get new plates upon the vehicle’s registration

Remember: It's always a good idea to keep a copy of your bill of sale. In the event of any incidents down the road, a valid copy of your bill of sale acts as proof of your role in the transaction as either a buyer or a seller.