How to Sell a Car Privately in New Mexico
Selling your car yourself in New Mexico comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The current Certificate of Title is the primary document for transferring ownership, and photocopies are not accepted. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The owner must sign in ink, and if multiple owners are joined with AND all signatures are required. mvd.newmexico.gov
- MVD rejects a transaction if documents have erasures, alterations, type-overs or discrepancies. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The buyer must apply for transfer within 30 days of the sale or a $20 late transfer fee applies. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The buyer must title the vehicle before it can be sold again. mvd.newmexico.gov
Bill of sale
- A Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) is used for individual-to-individual transfers when the assignment on the back of the title is incomplete. mvd.newmexico.gov
- It lists the year, make, VIN, sale price, and the names, addresses and signatures of seller and buyer. mvd.newmexico.gov
Notarization
- The MVD-10009 Bill of Sale has no notary section. mvd.newmexico.gov
- A notarized Affidavit of Gift (MVD-10018) is required to claim a gift with no excise tax. tax.newmexico.gov
- A power of attorney used to sign for an owner must be notarized. mvd.newmexico.gov
Odometer disclosure
- The seller must attest to the odometer reading on the title assignment or MVD forms, using codes AM, EL, NM, or EX, and this is required on all title transactions except off-highway vehicles. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The Bill of Sale form says anyone convicted of a fraudulent odometer statement is subject to fines and/or imprisonment. mvd.newmexico.gov
License plates
- The seller must remove the plate before transferring ownership of the vehicle. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The seller has 30 days to put the plate on another vehicle of the same class or have it cancelled. mvd.newmexico.gov
- The purchaser places a plate on the new vehicle if fees and taxes are paid, and a new plate is issued if the buyer has none from a same-class vehicle. mvd.newmexico.gov
Inspections and emissions
- Emissions testing is required for vehicles registered or commuting in Bernalillo County, with exceptions including vehicles 35 years old or older and vehicles over 10,000 lbs DGVW. mvd.newmexico.gov
- A VIN inspection is required only for used vehicles with out-of-state titles being titled in New Mexico for the first time. mvd.newmexico.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer pays a motor vehicle excise tax of 4% of the price paid when applying for title. tax.newmexico.gov
- For non-dealer sales, the NADA value is used when the declared price is below 80% of the NADA average trade-in or wholesale value. tax.newmexico.gov
- A 50% add-on penalty to the excise tax applies if a New Mexico resident does not apply for title within 90 days. tax.newmexico.gov
- A $20 late transfer fee applies if the title application is not made within 30 days of the transfer. mvd.newmexico.gov
Loans and liens
- A lien on the title must be released by endorsement on the title, MVD Form 10041, or a notarized release on letterhead signed by the lienholder. mvd.newmexico.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- Buyers must give a bona fide New Mexico residence address and affirm insurance, with minimums of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 property damage. mvd.newmexico.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in New Mexico?
The MVD-10009 Bill of Sale has no notary section. A notarized Affidavit of Gift (MVD-10018) is required to claim a gift with no excise tax.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in New Mexico?
A Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) is used for individual-to-individual transfers when the assignment on the back of the title is incomplete. It lists the year, make, VIN, sale price, and the names, addresses and signatures of seller and buyer.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in New Mexico?
The seller must attest to the odometer reading on the title assignment or MVD forms, using codes AM, EL, NM, or EX, and this is required on all title transactions except off-highway vehicles. The Bill of Sale form says anyone convicted of a fraudulent odometer statement is subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in New Mexico?
The seller must remove the plate before transferring ownership of the vehicle. The seller has 30 days to put the plate on another vehicle of the same class or have it cancelled.
Official New Mexico resources
- NM MVD: Title and registration, used vehicles (Chapter 4)
- NM MVD: Fees, penalties and excise tax (Chapter 6)
- NM MVD: Bill of Sale (MVD-10009)
- NM MVD: Notice of Vehicle Sold (MVD-10048)
- NM Taxation and Revenue: Motor vehicle excise tax
- NM MVD: Special title situations (Chapter 8)
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.