New Mexico boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
New Mexico. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats and
trailers.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 37,340 boats registered in New
Mexico. This state ranks 48th among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
registration number prefix for this state is "NM". |
|
Registration Agency |
Boats in New
Mexico are
titled and registered through the Motor Vehicle Division. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration is required for every boat 10' or longer
propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the
principal source of propulsion (as in a sailboat). Coast Guard
documented vessels are exempt from registration. Registrations
must be renewed on a yearly basis.
|
|
Title Requirements |
Titles are
issued for all registered boats except those which are Coast
Guard documented. |
|
Conditional Registrtions |
New Mexico
has defined procedures for bonded boat titling where sufficient
proof of ownership is not otherwise available. |
|
Electronic Titles |
New Mexico
does not have an electronic title program. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
An excise tax
is levied on a boat sale or transfer in New Mexico. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint ownership methods are not designated on New Mexico boat
records. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in New Mexico if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by a New Mexico law enforcement officer if there is
a hull number discrepancy. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfers and
abandonments must be reported to the Motor Vehicle Division within 15 days. |
|
Outboard Motors |
New Mexico
does not title or register outboard motors. However, the engine
identification number may be listed on the registration
application. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Titling and
registration is required for boat trailers in New Mexico. |
|
Notary Regulations |
New Mexico
notaries must affix an embossed or inked stamp seal to all
notarized documents.. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
No bonding is
required for boat dealers in New Mexico. |
|
Visitation Period |
New Mexico
allows a visitation period of 90 days for boats that are
registered in another state, Coast Guard documented, or
registered in a foreign country. |
