Registration Renewal in New Mexico

Vehicle Registration Renewal in New Mexico

This page provides details about renewing your New Mexico vehicle registration with the NM Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). You can renew your registration online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

NM Registration Renewal Notice

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division will mail you a renewal notice before your car registration expires. You must renew your registration on time or you will be charged additional penalty fees.

You do not need your renewal notice in order to renew your vehicle registration. To check the status of your registration renewal, call (888) 683-4636.

Renew Your NM Vehicle Registration

The New Mexico MVD can process your registration renewal:

  • Online.
  • By phone.
  • In person.
  • By mail.

DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration!

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Online

To renew your vehicle registration in New Mexico online, visit the NM Online Vehicle Registration Renewal page and provide your:

  • Control number (found on your NM renewal notice).
    OR
  • License plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Vehicle model year and owner name.
  • Payment for your renewal fee. See “Fees for NM Registration Renewal" below.

The New Mexico MVD will mail your updated registration documents.

NOTE: If you renew online, you will receive a 5% discount off of your base registration fee.

By Phone

To renew your NM vehicle registration by phone, call the New Mexico Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System (available 24 hours a day) at (888) 683-4636 and enter your:

  • License plate number or control number (found on your renewal notice).
  • Credit card information. See “Fees for NM Registration Renewal" below for specific fee information.

NOTE: If you renew by phone, you will receive a 5% discount on your base registration fee.

By Mail or In Person

To submit your New Mexico registration renewal by mail or in person, you will need:

  • Your registration renewal notice from the NM MVD.
    • DO NOT highlight the document—the MVD will reject it.
  • Payment. See “Fees for NM Registration Renewal" below.

Take your form and payment to your local NM MVD office, or mail them to:

Registration Renewal Section
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 25129
Santa Fe, NM 87504

NOTE: When you take your form in person to the NM MVD, you can either renew with a MVD officer or by using a self-service kiosk.

Fees for NM Registration Renewal

Vehicle registration renewal fees for passenger vehicles will differ depending on the length of your renewal.

The MVD provides a complete list of registration renewal fees in New Mexico.

NOTE: If you renew your NM vehicle registration online or by phone, you will receive a 5% discount.

1 Year Renewal

A 1 year renewal in New Mexico will cost you between $27 to $62, and includes the following fees:

  • Administrative fee: $2.
  • Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act: $2 per year.
  • Highway beautification: $2.50.
  • Tire recycling: $1.50.

2 Year Renewal

A renewal for 2 years will cost you between $54 to $124, and includes the following fees:

  • Administrative fee: $2.
  • Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act: $2 per year.
  • Highway beautification: $2.50.
  • Tire recycling: $1.50 per year.

Accepted Payment Methods

For online, by-phone, or self-service kiosk transactions, payment can be made by the following credit cards*:

  • MasterCard.
  • VISA.
  • American Express.
  • Discover.

If you are renewing your vehicle registration by mail, you must pay by check. Do NOT send cash or credit card information.

For in-person renewals, NM MVD field offices accept payment by cash or check.

* Credit card transactions will incur an additional $1.55 processing fee.

Military and Out-of-State NM Residents

If you're going to be located outside of New Mexico when your car registration expires, you may renew online or by phone. See “Renew Your NM Vehicle Registration" above.

If your vehicle is out of state and you need to have it tested for emissions before you can renew, you may be able to apply for a time extension. See “Vehicle Inspections in New Mexico" below.

If you have any questions about your specific situation, contact the New Mexico MVD.

Vehicle Inspections in New Mexico

Emission testing (also known as “smog testing") is required every 2 years or when the vehicle changes ownership in Bernalillo County only. This only applies to vehicles more than 4 years old.

If you're a resident of Bernalillo County or commute into this county more than 60 days per year, you must be able to show proof your vehicle has passed an New Mexico emissions inspection test.

Out-of-State Emissions Testing

If your vehicle is outside of New Mexico, you will still need to have it tested. However, if emissions testing is not available in your area, you will need:

Send the above to the address specified on the form.

The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Vehicle Pollution Management Division will approve your application and forward your documents/payment to the NM MVD.

For more information, contact the City of Albuquerque Pollution Management Division at (505) 764-1110 and visit our page on Smog & Emission Checks in New Mexico.

Duplicate Registration in New Mexico

To order a replacement New Mexico vehicle registration document, call the NM MVD at (888) 683-4636 and enter your credit card details for the $3.50 replacement fee.

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