How to Replace a Lost Car Title in New Mexico
You will need to replace a lost car title at the DMV in New Mexico, known as the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). The NM requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title are similar, as you are requesting the same document but for different reasons.
Vehicle owners who do not replace a damaged or lost car title may encounter certain difficulties when conducting business with the state MVD or when selling their vehicle. For instance, to successfully complete the title transfer procedure after a private vehicle sale, the seller must generally surrender the signed-over title to the buyer.
Finalizing the process to replace a lost car title at the MVD is also an important step in the event that you are required to prove that you are the rightful vehicle owner since a title certificate serves as an official proof of ownership. Learn how to get a replacement car title in NM by reading the sections outlined below.
When do you need to get a duplicate car title in New Mexico?
The procedure to request a replacement car title in New Mexico is typically completed when the vehicle owner has damaged or misplaced his or her title certificate. However, the process of replacing a car title can also be initiated if your certificate of title was stolen or you did not receive one after purchasing your vehicle in a private sale. Note that, while you are not required by law to replace your lost car title at the DMV in NM, it is imperative to obtain a replacement if you lose the original due to its various official and general uses.
Documents Required When Applying for a New Mexico Car Title Copy
One of the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title in New Mexico is submitting several types of documents. To successfully obtain a lost vehicle title copy, applicants will be required to submit a replacement title application form along with additional paperwork that varies depending on the customer’s circumstances. For example, applicants requesting a replacement car title in NM on behalf of the registered owner will also have to submit a power of attorney form.
In the process of how to get a new title if lost or damaged, the state MVD also requires the submission of a driving license copy and the current vehicle registration certificate to identify the customer and his or her records. Drivers who would like to remove a lien from their title with their replacement car title request will also be required to submit a release of lien form.
Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in New Mexico
Car owners wondering how to replace a vehicle title in New Mexico must note that the state MVD processes requests for lost car titles submitted via two separate methods. Residents may replace a lost car title in person or by mail. Drivers cannot replace a car title online at this time.
While the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged vehicle title in NM remain generally the same between the in-person and the mail-in method, minor differences still apply. For instance, the division will not process a request to replace a car title by mail if it is accompanied by a cash payment. The only acceptable form of payment for the mail-in method is a check or money order.
By Mail
To obtain a duplicate of a lost vehicle title in New Mexico without physically visiting a title office, car owners must fill out the MVD-10901 form and submit it by mail. When completing the procedure to replace a vehicle title by mail, applicants must ensure that their request form is correctly filled out and accompanied by the pertinent documentation and fee payment.
To successfully request a replacement car title in NM by mail, send the complete application package to the MVD Services Bureau in Santa Fe, NM. Note that the check or money order used to pay for the manufacturing costs must be made payable to the division. You also have the option of submitting your request for a lost car title copy in a pre-addressed envelope for purposes of receiving the duplicate title at an address different than the one on record.
In Person
The process of how to replace a stolen car title in person can be utilized through any MVD title office. Therefore, vehicle owners who are unable to request a car title replacement by mail and those who prefer to make an office visit can fill out the MVD-10901 in person.
However, prior to initiating the process to replace a lost vehicle title in person in NM, contact the nearby MVD site to inquire about the applicable fee and the documentation that applies to your exact circumstances. By doing so, you will be able to get your duplicate title during the same office visit and avoid making a double trip.
How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in New Mexico
The state MVD will process a request for a New Mexico lost car title copy only if the applicant submits a properly filled out replacement title application form. Incomplete requests will typically be denied, whereas fraudulent application forms may lead to certain fines and penalties. The MVD-10901 form used to replace a lost car title with the DMV in NM will require the applicant to enter the following types of information:
- The owner’s full name, address and phone number
- The title number and reason for ordering a duplicate title
- The vehicle identification number, year, make, model, body type and license plate number
- Details about the lienholder if applicable
- The applicant’s signature and date of signature
Note: If you are issued an erroneous copy of a lost auto title pursuant to your application form, then inform the state MVD of the fact.
New Mexico Car Title Replacement Fees
You will successfully replace a lost car title at the DMV in New Mexico only if you pay the correct fee amount for the duplicate title certificate. If you are wondering what are the fees to replace a lost car title in NM, then note that current cost of a standard vehicle title is $5 regardless of whether or not you are adding or removing a lien. However, if you are sending your request for a replacement car title by mail, then you may also be required to pay a postage fee.
Car Title Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Vehicle Titles from MVD.NewMexico.gov