HERE’S ALL THE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED WHEN WANTING TO TITLE YOUR VEHICLES:
In most cases, a vehicle is titled and registered at the same time. If you only need a Certificate of Title, we can issue it without registering the vehicle or license plate. Limited conditions apply, as outlined below:
CERTIFICATE OF TITLE FOR A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OPERATE:
Most often, owners use this when purchasing a vehicle for reconstruction or rebuild. It is for when the buyer doesn’t intend to operate the vehicle for an extended period of time.
You must pay the title fee and the excise tax on the vehicle, but no issuing of plate occurs. Once the vehicle is operable, you can come back to register the vehicle if you choose. View List of Acceptable NM Residency Documents.
Here are the documents you’ll need to bring when you visit us to title a non-operating vehicle(s):
CERTIFICATE OF TITLE FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT INSURED
If you have purchased a vehicle that cannot get insurance, you can get a Certificate of Title on the auto. You must pay the title fee and the excise tax on the vehicle, but no license plate will be issued. Once you do get insurance on the vehicle, you can then register the vehicle if you choose.
Here are the documents you’ll need to bring when you visit us at TCP to title an uninsured vehicle(s):
- One (1) valid Driver’s License or ID for EACH person that will be on the title
- Two (2) Proofs of New Mexico Residency | View list of acceptable NM Residency documents
- One (1) NM Vehicle Title – Bring untouched, with Bill of Sale signed by vehicle seller and purchaser
- One (1) Out of State Title – For out of state titles, Completely fill out Bill of Sale by purchaser & seller.
AVOID RECEIVING A TAX PENALTY FROM THE STATE FOR LATE TITLING!
A penalty of 50% of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is imposed by the state on any person who lives in New Mexico and either:
- Accepts transfer of an automobile in New Mexico but fails to apply for a certificate of title within 90 days.
- Accepts transfer outside the state & fails to apply for a certificate of title within 90 days of entering New Mexico.
Disclaimer: The 50% add-on penalty has the effect of increasing the tax rate to 4.5% (3% x 1.5 = 4.5%). When this tax happens, 25% of the tax goes to the Local Governments Road Fund. The rest goes to the Highway Infrastructure Fund.
Don’t forget to title your automobile before the 90-day cut off to make sure to avoid any extra tax penalties.
If you want to get your vehicle registered and titled, come by TCP today. We want to make sure you #DriveHappy! Call your TCP at 575-935-8770 or schedule an appointment now by visiting our contact us page!