New Mexico Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in New Mexico costs $5 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $679.50 in total, with $600 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
New Mexico title fees
These are the title-related fees in New Mexico's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title | $5 |
|---|---|
| Late transfer | $20 |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in New Mexico
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the New Mexico car tax calculator:
| Title | $5 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $600 |
| Transaction fee (if you register it now) | $3 |
| Registration (1 year) (if you register it now) | $70 |
| Tire recycling (if you register it now) | $1.50 |
| Estimated total | $679.50 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Deadline and late fees
New Mexico charges a penalty if the title isn't transferred on time. Late penalties: late transfer $20.
Transferring a title to a family member or as a gift
| Gift with notarized affidavit (MVD-10018) | Tax $0 |
|---|
Inherited vehicles
| Inheritance | Tax $0 |
|---|
Other cases that change the cost in New Mexico
| New resident, owned out of state 30+ days | Tax $0 |
|---|---|
| Late title (over 90 days) by NM resident | Tax increased by 50% |
| Tax paid to another state | Credit against MVET |
How New Mexico works out what you owe
- Net = price - trade-in - rebate (doc fee excluded)
- Private: taxable = greater of net or 80% of NADA average trade-in
- Tax = taxable x 4% (x1.5 if titled more than 90 days late)
- Total = tax + title + transaction fee + registration + tire fee + late transfer fee + doc fee
What to bring
The title signed over by the seller (with the odometer reading), a bill of sale, proof of insurance and your ID. If the car still has a loan, the lender must release the lien first.
Official sources checked for New Mexico: www.tax.newmexico.gov, www.mvd.newmexico.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in New Mexico?
The title fee is $5. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $679.50.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in New Mexico?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, New Mexico charges about $600. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).
Is there a late fee for transferring a title in New Mexico?
Yes. Late transfer: $20.
How do I transfer a car title to a family member in New Mexico?
Gift with notarized affidavit (MVD-10018): Tax $0.
What happens to a car title after a death in New Mexico?
Inheritance: Tax $0.