Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
There is no specific requirement in New Mexico to submit the old damaged copy when you request a duplicate pink slip.

Once a duplicate is requested, previous copies are declared as non-valid and cannot be used as proof of vehicle ownership.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
Stolen car titles must be reported to local or state law enforcement. A police report to protect your ownership and your car registration will be given to you by the officer filing the report. Once you apply to get a car title replacement your old copy will be declared as non-valid.

Many municipalities have an online reporting system you can use as an easy and convenient option.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
A car title certificate, also known as a pink slip, is a document proving ownership of a vehicle. In New Mexico if it gets lost, stolen or damaged then you must apply for a duplicate car title.

You can apply for the car title copy by submitting the application form, the supporting documents and applicable fees to a nearby DMV office either:

  • In person
  • By mail

Only the registered owner, the legal owner, the successor in interest or the legal representative can apply to obtain duplicate car title.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
New Mexico vehicles that have been damaged to the point that it is uneconomical to repair them, are known as salvaged vehicles. If you own such a vehicle, you will get a total loss payment from your insurance company and you will be able to obtain a salvage certificate of title. This salvage certificate of title can be obtained at any local New Mexico DMV office.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

How do I transfer my car title between states?
Each state DMV has different requirements and regulations for car title transfers. Residents of New Mexico who want to move to another state and a transfer car title, need to contact the DMV office at their destination state. If you have recently moved to New Mexico and you want to transfer car title from another state, you will be required to collect the needed documentation and visit a local New Mexico DMV office with:
  • Out-of-state title
  • Request for Lien Holder Title, if the title is hold by a lienholder
  • VIN inspection
  • Proof of:

â—¦ Car insurance

â—¦ Identity

â—¦ New Mexico residency (two proofs)

â—¦ Emissions testing (for residents of the Bernalillo County)

  • Payment for the required car title transfer fee

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
New Mexico drivers who have lost their original car title are required to apply for a duplicate car title before transferring car title. A duplicate car title can be obtained at any local New Mexico DMV office. Visit the DMV in person and submit the following:

After you have received a duplicate car title, you can apply for a car title transfer at any local New Mexico DMV office.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

How do I transfer my car title?
A Certificate of Title is a document proving the legal ownership of a vehicle. Residents of New Mexico who deal with selling, buying, donating, gifting or inheriting a motor vehicle, are required to learn how to transfer car title. The process is includes:

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
Drivers of recreational vehicles (RVs) in New Mexico are required to register and title their vehicles following the same process as for a regular vehicle title transfer. Visit a local New Mexico DMV office and submit the same documents needed for a regular titling of a motor vehicle. If you want to know the exact documentation is required, contact the DMV.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
DMV offices in New Mexico do not offer the option for online car title replacement. You can only apply to get duplicate car titles in person or by mail.

Once the procedure is completed with the MVD, the car title copy will be mailed to you at your official mailing address. The process takes approximately 60 days.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
If you are a New Mexico resident who has inherited a motor vehicle due to the death of a family member, you need to begin with a process of car title transfer. The process differs according to the status of the estate of the deceased family member. The estate can be probated (with or without will) or non-probated (no will).
  • Probated estate: a court-appointed administrator can transfer car title to you
  • Non-probated estate: the legal spouse, heir or successor can apply for a transfer of title only if there is no pending application for an administrator of the estate. You are required to wait at least 30 days after the death of the family member in order to apply. After this period, you will be able to apply for transfer of title, submitting the following:

o Copy of the death certificate

o Certificate of Transfer Without Probate

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
There are several reasons why a New Mexico resident might need a car title transfer:
  • Selling a used vehicle
  • Purchasing a new or used vehicle
  • Receiving a vehicle as a gift
  • Donating a vehicle
  • Inheriting a vehicle as a result of the death of a family member

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The fees required for obtaining a car title replacement are explained in detail in the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title and are:
  • $16 for vehicle title
  • $10 for boat titles
  • $5 for adding or deleting liens

Fees can be paid in cash in DMV offices only. If you apply by mail you must send a valid check or a money order.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
If your pink slip has been lost, damaged or stolen, you must get a new copy in a New Mexico DMV office. When you visit a MVD office for a car title replacement be sure to complete the following documents:

Submit the documents in original form or copied, if you are applying by mail. Once the MVD receives and processes your application for your new pink slip, the duplicate car title will be mailed to the address you have provided.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
The documents needed for transferring car titles in New Mexico varies slightly depending on whether the vehicle is being bought, sold, gifted or inherited. In each of these situations the drivers are required to collect and submit certain documentation to a local New Mexico DMV office:

â—¦ New vehicle:

â–ª Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)

â–ª Out-of-state title

â–ª VIN inspection

â—¦ Purchased vehicle:

â–ª Collect the documents from the seller

â–ª Bill of Sale

â–ª Odometer Disclosure Statement

  • Provide proof of:

â—¦ Car insurance

â—¦ Identity

â—¦ New Mexico residency (two proofs)

â—¦ Emissions testing (for residents of the Bernalillo County)

  • Payment for the required car title transfer fee

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
Submissions for lost car titles, stolen car titles or damaged car titles are completed on the same form called Application For Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MVD – 10901). Only the registered owner, the legal owner, the successor in interest or the legal representative can apply to obtain duplicate car titles.

The form can be submitted either in person to a DMV office or mailed to:

Services Bureau

P. O. Box 1028

Santa Fe, New Mexico

87504 – 1028

Phone: 1-888-683-4636

MVD-info

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
The state of New Mexico voids old car titles documents when a new one has been issued. Once you have initiated the procedure for car title replacement, the old copy is declared as non-valid. The only valid copy you can use in future transaction is the new duplicate car title.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
In New Mexico scooters may be classified as motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles depending on the engine. When you want to title your scooter, you should find out in which category your scooter belongs. The process for getting a standard vehicle title applies for titling all vehicles that classify as motorcycles. Visit a local New Mexico DMV office and submit the same documents needed for a regular titling of a motor vehicle. If you need more detailed information, you are recommended to contact the DMV prior to taking any action.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
The Bill of Sale document is needed only if you are purchasing or selling a motor vehicle in New Mexico. Residents are required to undergo a process of car title transfer when they sell or buy a vehicle. A seller is required to complete a bill of sale and give a full description of the vehicle before selling it.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Mexico

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
The request for a car title replacement can be mailed at the address stated on the reverse side of the relevant Application For Duplicate Certificate of Title form which is:

Services Bureau

P. O. Box 1028

Santa Fe, New Mexico

87504 – 1028

Phone: 1-888-683-4636

MVD-info

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
Proof of insurance is not a mandatory document to get a duplicate car title. The car title or the pink slip certificate serves as proof of ownership of the vehicle. Obtaining car insurance is mandatory only when you apply for car registration.

If the car registration was lost, stolen or damaged at the same time as your car title, and you want to get a duplicate of the car registration card then you must provide proof of car insurance.

For more information: New Mexico Vehicle History Reports (VIN reports) by DMV.com