Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

New Mexico

as a non-US resident

New Mexico
Address requirements
Two documents proving New Mexico residency must be provided to register a vehicle in New Mexico. Acceptable documents must show the applicant's name and New Mexico address, and include a utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub.
Identity requirements
A valid, current government-issued photo ID.
Average cost to own a vehicle
7.875% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$27 - $62

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

New Mexico address required to own a vehicle in New Mexico.

Proof of Residency at Address

Two documents proving New Mexico residency must be provided to register a vehicle in New Mexico. Acceptable documents must show the applicant's name and New Mexico address, and include a utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub.

Identity

A valid, current government-issued photo ID.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

7.875% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$27 - $62

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Biennial emissions inspections required for Bernalillo county for model year 1982 and newer vehicles. New Mexico DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if not previously registered in New Mexico.

There are 38 states that

Don't require proof of residency.

There are 21 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.

There are 7 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.

Montana is the only US state that

Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.

Want an easier way?

Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
Mountain West

How to register a vehicle in other states in the region

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Arizona

How to register a vehicle in Arizona as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Colorado as a non-US resident

Colorado

How to register a vehicle in Colorado as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Idaho as a non-US resident

Idaho

How to register a vehicle in Idaho as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Montana as a non-US resident

Montana

How to register a vehicle in Montana as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Nevada as a non-US resident

Nevada

How to register a vehicle in Nevada as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Utah as a non-US resident

Utah

How to register a vehicle in Utah as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Wyoming as a non-US resident

Wyoming

How to register a vehicle in Wyoming as a non-US resident

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.