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New Mexico VIN Check

A Vehicle Identification Number, also known as a VIN, is a serial number attached to each vehicle for identification purposes.
New Mexico VIN Check New Mexico VIN Check

How to Perform a VIN Lookup in New mexico?

VIN lookups are an excellent way to obtain reliable information on vehicles in New Mexico. These lookups typically generate vehicle history reports that include details like title issues, accident reports, structural damages, recalls, and other related information that can come in handy when looking to buy a car. You can perform VIN lookups in New Mexico at state-authorized inspection stations, law enforcement facilities, or online using an approved NMVTIS data provider like GoodCar.

How to Perform a VIN Lookup in New mexico?

How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) consist of 17-digit alphanumeric codes assigned during manufacturing. These unique identifiers reveal details about the vehicle’s make, model, specifications, and features. Typically, your car’s VIN is located on the driver’s side of the dashboard near the windshield, visible from the outside. Additionally, you can find the VIN on a sticker or metal plate inside the driver’s side door jamb or under the hood (near the car’s engine), though the exact location may vary by make and model.

How to Perform a VIN Lookup in New mexico?

Why Should I Run a nm VIN Check?

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

Running a VIN check provides valuable insight into a vehicle and offers information that helps you avoid potential issues, ensures transparency when purchasing a vehicle in New Mexico, and provides confidence that your investment is worth it. This information includes:

Why Should I Run a 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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

Why Should I Run a New mexico VIN Check?

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.

New mexico Lemon Lawsand How They Relate to VIN Checks

New mexico Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks

New Mexico’s Lemon Law, formally known as the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act, is a consumer protection law that provides recourse for buyers of new and certain used vehicles found to be defective, commonly referred to as "lemons." The law applies to passenger motor vehicles sold and registered in the state that weigh less than 10,000 pounds and are normally used for personal, family, or household purposes, and it covers the purchaser and any subsequent owners during the warranty period. Under this law, buyers can seek refunds or replacements for new vehicles that exhibit defects covered by the manufacturer’s warranty within the first year or before the warranty expires, whichever occurs first. This protection is limited to 15 days or 500 miles after purchase for used vehicles.

A vehicle is considered a lemon if it exhibits defects that substantially impair its use, value, or safety and persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts, which is defined as:

  • At least four attempts to fix the same issue (by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer) without success
  • If the vehicle is out of service for repair for 30 or more cumulative business days within the warranty period or the first year.

Before seeking a refund or replacement, you must first use any informal dispute resolution process the manufacturer provides. If the issue is not resolved, you can then pursue legal action. You must file the legal action within 18 months following the original delivery of the vehicle or 90 days after the final action of the informal dispute settlement procedure, whichever is applicable.

Conducting a VIN check before purchasing a vehicle can reveal if it has had any persistent issues that could qualify it as a lemon under the law. This information can help you avoid buying a defective car and the headaches that come with it. Used car dealers are also required to disclose vehicle problems to buyers before completing the sale; a VIN check can help you confirm this information and support your claim under Lemon Law in situations where they fail to do so.

New mexico Lemon Laws and How They Relate to VIN Checks

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 Lemon Laws and How They Relate to VIN Checks

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 Lemon Laws and How They Relate to VIN Checks

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 Lemon Laws and How They Relate to VIN Checks

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.

Why Choose GoodCar for New mexico VIN Lookup?

Why Choose GoodCar for New mexico VIN Lookup?

GoodCar is the one-stop shop for comprehensive vehicle history reports and contains everything from ownership data, vehicle specifications, fire damage, and accident history to the title history of the vehicle. The data provided is of the highest industry standards, placing customers in the best position to make informed decisions.

New Mexico Resources

Frequently Asked Questionsabout New mexico VIN Checks

Frequently Asked Questions
about New mexico VIN Checks

  1. Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in New Mexico?

    Vehicle Identification Numbers are typically issued by the vehicle manufacturer. However, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues a New Mexico Assigned Number for homemade or shop-built vehicles.

  2. How Do I Verify a VIN Number in New Mexico?

    In New Mexico, you can verify a VIN through the MVD, law enforcement, or online VIN check services like GoodCar.

  3. Is It Safe to Check a New Mexico VIN Online?

    Yes, it is safe to check a VIN online using approved NMVTIS providers like GoodCar.

  4. Do I Need a VIN Inspection in New Mexico?

    A VIN inspection is usually required when registering an out-of-state vehicle in New Mexico.

  5. Are New Mexico VIN Checks Necessary for Out-of-State Vehicles Brought into New Mexico?

    Yes, VIN checks are necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into New Mexico to ensure they comply with the state’s registration requirements.

  6. What Does a New Mexico VIN Check Reveal?

    A VIN check will reveal details about the vehicle, like its sales history, title information, mileage, accident records, problem checks, and recalls.

  7. Can You Ask for the VIN from a New Mexico Seller?

    Yes, you can ask for the VIN from a seller. It is recommended that you do this and use the provided VIN to verify the vehicle's history and ensure there are no hidden issues.