Free New Mexico Car Bill of Sale
New Mexico taxes a car purchase at less than the price of lunch out: the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is a flat 4% — notably lower than the 7–9% gross receipts tax charged on ordinary retail purchases, which does NOT apply to private vehicle sales, and with no city or county able to add anything. The paperwork is equally tidy: form MVD-10009 folds the bill of sale and the federal odometer disclosure into a single document, filed with the signed title at the MVD within 30 days. Declaring an artificially low price invites an MVD valuation review, so write the real number and keep your copy.
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New Mexico Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
New Mexico charges a Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) of 4% of the sale price — one of the lower rates in the Southwest. Local gross receipts taxes (7–9%) do NOT apply to vehicle sales; only the 4% MVET.
Inspection Requirements
New Mexico does not require a state safety or emissions inspection at time of sale.
New Mexico Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete MVD-10009 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price, buyer/seller info.
- Seller signs the title assignment and odometer section.
- Buyer takes MVD-10009 + signed title to NM MVD within 30 days.
- Buyer pays 4% MVET + title fee ($5) + registration fees.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing MVET with gross receipts tax — GRT does not apply to vehicle sales in NM.
- Missing the 30-day title transfer window.
- Odometer disclosure is part of Form MVD-10009 — do not use a separate form.
- Both buyer and seller must sign the form.
Pro Tip
NM car: MVD-10009 + NM MVD + 30-day transfer + 4% MVET (no local GRT add-on).