Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in New Mexico? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. New Mexico transfers ownership through the signed-over title and a title application at the MVD, and the state provides an official Bill of Sale (Form MVD-10009) that protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
New Mexico requirements
Is a bill of sale required in New Mexico?
Ownership transfers through the signed-over title and a title application at the MVD. A bill of sale (Form MVD-10009) is strongly recommended and often required — it must list the vehicle details, price, and both parties, and it proves you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. New Mexico does not require the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) to be notarized — both parties just need to sign it. (A gift transfer is the exception: the Affidavit of Gift MVD-10018 must be notarized.)
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for title at the MVD within 30 days of the purchase (90 days if bought out of state). A $20 late fee applies after 30 days, and failing to title within 90 days adds a 50% excise-tax penalty.
Motor vehicle excise tax
New Mexico charges a 4% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, paid by the buyer at the MVD, based on the price paid less any trade-in. For private sales, the MVD uses the N.A.D.A. value if the declared price is below 80% of that value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the New Mexico county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer applies for title at the NM MVD within 30 days.
Ready to create your New Mexico bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
New Mexico bill of sale by vehicle type
The same New Mexicobuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your local New Mexico MVD field office. Confirm the details with your local New Mexico MVD field office.
New Mexico bill of sale FAQ
Does a New Mexico motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. New Mexico does not require the Bill of Sale (MVD-10009) to be notarized — both the buyer and seller just need to sign it. Notarization is only required for a gift transfer using the Affidavit of Gift (MVD-10018).
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in New Mexico?
The signed-over title handles the legal transfer, but a bill of sale is strongly recommended and often required by the MVD. The state's Form MVD-10009 proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in New Mexico?
At a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) field office. The buyer brings the signed-over title, a completed bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and excise tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in New Mexico?
The buyer has 30 days from the purchase to apply for title at the MVD (90 days if bought out of state). A $20 late fee applies after 30 days, and not titling within 90 days adds a 50% excise-tax penalty, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in New Mexico?
New Mexico charges a 4% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax instead of regular sales tax. The buyer pays it at the MVD on the price paid less any trade-in; for private sales the MVD uses the N.A.D.A. value if the declared price is below 80% of it.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in New Mexico?
Yes — as long as it has the key details, a handwritten bill of sale is valid, though the MVD prefers its Form MVD-10009. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the MVD.
Is this New Mexico bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.