New Mexico Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in New Mexico?

A bill of sale is not required for every private vehicle sale in New Mexico, but it is needed when the title does not include the purchase price or an odometer statement. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division provides Form MVD-10009 for this purpose. Even when not required, a bill of sale is recommended because it creates a clear record of the transaction and is filed with the MVD as part of the title application. The form includes fields for sale price, vehicle identification, and odometer disclosure.

Does a New Mexico bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. A New Mexico motor vehicle bill of sale does not require notarization. Both the seller and buyer sign the document, and those signatures are sufficient. Notarization is optional and may add convenience but is not a legal requirement for the standard private-party vehicle transfer. The title assignment on the back of the certificate of title also does not require notarization in New Mexico.

How long do I have to title a vehicle after purchase in New Mexico?

New Mexico allows 90 calendar days from the date of purchase to apply for a certificate of title. If the buyer fails to apply within 90 days, a penalty of 50% of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is imposed, effectively increasing the tax rate from 4% to 6%. The application is submitted to the New Mexico MVD or one of its authorized agents along with the assigned title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of identity, and proof of New Mexico residency.

How much is the sales tax on a private vehicle sale in New Mexico?

New Mexico imposes a 4% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) on every vehicle sale, separate from the state's general gross receipts tax. For private sales, if the stated purchase price is less than 80% of the NADA average trade-in or wholesale value, the MVD will assess the tax based on the NADA value instead. Trade-in credits reduce the taxable amount. Vehicles legitimately transferred as gifts are exempt if a notarized Affidavit of Gift (Form MVD-10018) is submitted.

Is an odometer disclosure required in New Mexico?

Yes. Federal and New Mexico state law require the seller to attest to the accuracy of the odometer reading at the time of transfer. The disclosure can be made on the assignment section of the New Mexico title, on the bill of sale (Form MVD-10009), on Form MVD-10187 (Odometer Mileage Statement), or on Form MVD-10001 (Application for Title and Registration). The disclosure must include whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, reflects an odometer discrepancy, or is exempt.

Are there inspections required to sell a car in New Mexico?

New Mexico does not require emissions testing or safety inspections as a condition of private vehicle sales. Albuquerque previously had an emissions testing program, but it has been discontinued. If the vehicle was originally titled out of state, a VIN inspection must be completed at the MVD or by a certified VIN inspector before a New Mexico title can be issued.

What does the seller need to do after selling a car in New Mexico?

New Mexico is a plate-to-owner state. The seller must remove the license plates before transferring the vehicle and either return them to the MVD within 30 days or transfer them to another vehicle of the same class. The seller should also file a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form MVD-10048) with the MVD. This notification protects the seller from liability for parking tickets, toll violations, or other issues arising after the sale.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.