Vehicle owners may be required to transfer an out of state car title in New Mexico either upon their move between states or immediately after purchasing a motor vehicle from out of state. Motorists should know that the title transfer process will be performed in person through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (NM MVD), and not online.

Individuals may conduct an out of state car title transfer process by satisfying certain steps and by preparing a list of mandatory documents. For more information about how to perform an out of state car title transfer in New Mexico, continue reading the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in New Mexico?

A cross state car title transfer in New Mexico is another term used for the process of transferring a title from another state to NM. Vehicle owners who want to perform an out of state car title transfer need to first discover the significance of this procedure. To re-title a car in another state MVD’s database, motorists will need to provide the car certificate of title, which is a legal document issued for the purpose of proving the ownership rights over a certain motor vehicle, to the NM DMV.

Once the DMV is in possession of all the necessary legal documents, you will be allowed to initiate a cross state car title transfer and obtain a new title in New Mexico. Remember, without performing a title transfer for an out of state vehicle, motorists will not be permitted to legally operate their vehicle within the state.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in New Mexico?

Vehicle owners need to know that an out of state car title transfer must be performed within 90 days of the date when the vehicle owner has established residency in NM or brought in a nonresident vehicle into the state. Moreover, both new and old vehicles must be properly registered and titled in New Mexico after being purchased from out of state.

Keep in mind that new cars purchased from an out of state dealership that only come with a certificate of origin will not be subject to an out of state title transfer because they do not have an official vehicle title assigned by a state DMV. In order to perform a title transfer, a vehicle must already be titled be another state. If a new car does not yet have a title, motorists must simply undergo a new title and registration process instead of a title transfer.

An out of state car title transfer is also necessary if a motorist has received a vehicle as a gift or as part of an inheritance. In these cases, vehicle owners will need to provide more than the previous car title as proof of ownership. For example, documentation for inherited vehicles often includes a death certificate or last will and testament that proves the car has been legally given to a motorist. Remember, all nonresident vehicles with an out of state title must undergo a title transfer in New Mexico no matter how they were obtained.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in New Mexico

Motorists will need to prepare the documents needed for an out of state title transfer in order to submit a proper transfer request to the NM DMV. The process of transferring an out of state car title in New Mexico requires vehicle owners to provide the following information and documentation:

• Out-of-state car title
• Proof of vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
• Proof of car insurance, needed when registering the vehicle
• Proof of identity
• Proof of New Mexico residency
• Payment for the applicable fees and taxes

In addition to the needed out of state title transfer paperwork, individuals may also need to provide other documents, depending on their specific situation. For example, if New Mexico residents purchase a vehicle from out of the state, they will need to provide a bill of sale in order to apply for a title transfer and prove that a transaction took place. They will also need proof that the previous owner legally signed the title over to them.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in New Mexico as a New Resident

When completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in New Mexico, motorists need to conduct a complete a title transfer procedure at a local NM MVD office. In order to do so, every vehicle owner needs to satisfy the following steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident:

• Provide the out-of-state car title.
• Conduct a VIN inspection on the vehicle.
• Submit the mandatory documents.
• Pay the applicable fees and taxes.

The new state resident car title transfer process in New Mexico may include additional steps, which vary based on the motorist’s specific situation. For example, a VIN inspection may be different depending on the type of vehicle you own and you may need to provide specific paperwork that applies to an SUV but not to a Sedan, and vice versa.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in New Mexico After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

Getting an out of state title transfer after buying a car is similar to the process of transferring a title as a new resident in New Mexico. Vehicle owners who want to perform the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from another state are required to satisfy a set of mandatory steps and prepare a list of applicable documents.

These documents most often include the out of state car title and registration. Motorists should also keep in mind that if the out of state title is in the possession of a lienholder, they will also need to provide a lien release form in order for the NM DMV to have access to the title.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in New Mexico

The price of a cross state car title transfer can be influenced by additional NM DMV fees. In addition to the standard cross state car title transfer fees, vehicle owners also need to pay three percent excise tax and car registration fees. Late fees may also be charged if motorists do not re-title and register a vehicle within 90 days of bringing an out of state vehicle into New Mexico.

To title a motor vehicle in New Mexico, residents are required to pay a three percent tax on the price they paid for the vehicle minus any trade-in credit. If you register your vehicle late, you will be required to pay a 4.5 percent tax.

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