Last Updated on March 22, 2018 by Jason Mason
In New Mexico, you must obtain the required paperwork in order to register and title your newly purchased car in your name. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the body that is responsible for car registration and title transfer. If you purchase a vehicle from a vehicle dealer, they will process the required paperwork on your behalf. However, if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you will handle all the required paperwork yourself. Continue reading this article to get more information about the paperwork required when buying a car in New Mexico.
Paperwork for New Mexico Car Buyers
As a buyer, you need to obtain the certificate of title from the seller. This certificate must be filled with all the required information. Obtain a bill of sale from the seller if the certificate of the title is missing, damaged or lost. This document is not necessary, but you need it to show proof of vehicle purchase and ownership. A bill of sale should show the current odometer reading. You and the seller also need to sign this document. The odometer reading may be included on any one of the following:
- Form MVD-10187 (Odometer Disclosure Statement).
- Form MVD-10009 (Bill of Sale).
- Form MVD 10002 (Application for Vehicle Title and Registration).
NOTE: If the vehicle title is from out of state, you must take the vehicle for VIN inspection. If you reside in Bernalillo County, you must obtain an Emission Certificate of Inspection in order to register the vehicle in your name.
Buying From a Dealer
If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they will handle all the required paperwork on your behalf or explain the steps of processing the required paperwork.
Buying Without Paperwork
It is possible to buy a vehicle without a title and registration certificates, but the office of the attorney general MVD in New Mexico advises against it. You must therefore avoid such vehicles at all cost. If you still need to purchase them, ask the seller to obtain the required paperwork before selling the vehicle to you. If you’re trying to title and register a vehicle without registration papers and a title, you have to scratch your head. Contact the MDV title information customer line at (888) 683-4636 for any assistance. If you get a person selling a vehicle without proper documentation; this could be a red flag that he is not the rightful owner of that vehicle.
Bill of Sale
Though a bill of sale is not required when titling or registering the car in your name, it is smart to obtain a copy of this document for your records. You can use this document to show proof of vehicle when question arises about the legality of vehicle ownership.
New Mexico Title and Registration
To register or title your newly purchased vehicle, you will need to visit the nearest New Mexico MVD office with:
- An odometer statement.
- The certificate of title.
- Proof of car insurance.
- An emissions inspection certificate, if applicable.
- Payment for fees.
Vehicle History Reports
A vehicle history report is an important report with detailed information about the car that you are about buy. This document contains information such as accident history, damage details and other useful information. Without this information, it may be hard to determine the condition of the vehicle that you are buying and end up buying a vehicle that you may need to repair the whole of your life. You can use a vehicle history report to verify the exact odometer reading of the vehicle you are buying.
