New Mexico VIN Check

Vehicle History

Getting a detailed vehicle history is essential when considering a car purchase in New Mexico, whether from a private party or auto dealer (there were at least 177 used car dealers across the state as of 2021). You can obtain comprehensive vehicle history reports through a VIN check and then use these reports to verify if the vehicle’s specifications and current condition align with the details advertised by the seller.

Title Verification

Checking a vehicle’s title is crucial during auto transactions in New Mexico. A title verification assures you that the vehicle has not been stolen and that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership of the vehicle to you. There are currently more than 1.86 million vehicles registered and operated in New Mexico. Title verifications also reveal undisclosed issues (such as liens or salvage titles), thereby preventing purchases of problematic cars.

Accident History

The New Mexico Department of Transportation estimates that approximately one motor vehicle crash occurs every 13 minutes. Given the high occurrence of crashes in New Mexico (and the rising number of motor vehicle crashes being recorded across the country), vetting a used car’s accident history before purchasing it is vital. A VIN check provides access to accident reports and reveals hidden structural issues resulting from past incidents the vehicle may have been involved in, details about the accidents, repairs done, and potential safety concerns arising from the incident.

Mileage Verification

The NHTSA estimates that over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with inaccurate odometer readings. Even though altering, disconnecting, or resetting a vehicle’s odometer to change the number of miles indicated is illegal in New Mexico, an unscrupulous seller may still roll back a car’s odometer to trick a consumer into paying more than it is worth. As such, it is crucial to verify a car's mileage before purchasing it to avoid falling victim to odometer fraud; VIN checks are an excellent tool to carry out this verification. You can also report matters involving odometer fraud to the New Mexico Department of Justice at 1-844-255-9210.

Recalls and Safety Standards

More than 4.2 million vehicles across the country need recall repairs. VIN checks typically provide reports that include a section on NHSTA recalls and safety issues related to the vehicle. Being aware of a vehicle’s open recalls (if any) ensures that you can take the necessary steps to address these problems or use this information during price negotiations.

Theft Check

Vehicle theft rates across the US increased by six percent between 2019 and 2020 and have remained on a steady uptick. Buying a used vehicle without due diligence exposes you to financial and legal liabilities if you end up with a stolen car. Running a VIN check before finalizing your transaction saves you this hassle by providing valuable information on the vehicle's history and status, including whether it has been reported stolen.

Disaster-related Damages

There have been over 40 FEMA disaster declarations in New Mexico over the last decade. A VIN check can help you determine whether a car you are interested in has sustained any disaster-related damages that may not be visible from a casual visual inspection and ensure that you are fully informed of the vehicle’s condition before buying. Some natural disasters commonly experienced in the state include wildfires, severe thunderstorms (with high winds and hail), flash flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

The Title Transfer Process

The title transfer process involves the seller completing and signing the “Assignment of Title” section on the vehicle's current title. The buyer and seller must also sign a document showing that they agree on the vehicle's current odometer at the time of the sale. This document can either be a Bill of Sale (MVD Form 10009), an Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVD Form 10187), or an Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (MVD Form 10002). Next, the buyer has to take these documents, proof of identity, and two proofs of New Mexico residency to an MVD Field Office to get a Certificate of Title in their name. In most cases, titling and registration are done at the same time, which may require additional documentation. However, the MVD may issue a title without registration for vehicles that were gifts and are to be traded in, vehicles that do not operate, and vehicles that are not insured. Contact your local MVD Field Office for applicable titling fees.

New Mexico Insurance and Registration Requirements

In New Mexico, motorists must carry auto liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts of $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in any one accident.

To register a vehicle for the first time in New Mexico, you must bring the following documents to an MVD Field Office:

• The original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin and original or certified copy of the vehicle’s purchase agreement or dealer’s invoice (for new vehicles)
• The properly assigned current outstanding title and an Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (for used vehicles)
• Signed odometer statement
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity and two proofs of New Mexico residency

Registration fees are based on the vehicle type, weight, and model year and can range from $27 to $207 for one-year registrations and $54 to $414 for two-year registrations. Be aware that a VIN inspection may be required for out-of-state vehicles.

New Mexico Titling Requirements and Sales Tax

Titling and registration are typically done at the same time and must be done at an MVD Field Office. You will need proof of vehicle ownership in the form of either a properly assigned title (for used vehicles) or an original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin and a purchase agreement or dealer's invoice (for new ones). Other required documentation includes a signed odometer statement and proofs of auto insurance, identity, and residency. Titling and registration fees vary by vehicle type, weight, and model year and will include a Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, which is 4% of the vehicle's price minus any trade-in credit. However, for private sales, the vehicle’s N.A.D.A. value is used to calculate the tax if the purchase price is less than 80% of the N.A.D.A. average trade-in or wholesale value.

Note that a 50% tax penalty will be imposed if you fail to title your vehicle within 90 days of either purchasing it or bringing it to New Mexico (from out-of-state). However, tax exemptions are made for New Mexico residents who served in the US Armed Forces veterans and lost the use of one or both legs or arms.

New Mexico-Assigned VINs

The New Mexico MVD assigns a permanent identification number, also known as a New Mexico Assigned Number, to homemade or shop-built vehicles. This number must be machined, stamped, die-punched, or otherwise inscribed onto the vehicle and will be used to identify it for official and records purposes.