Get a Quote How It Works What We Buy Reviews Locations FAQ About Contact
800-219-4551 Get My Free Cash Offer →
New Mexico Car-Selling Guide

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in New Mexico

Lost, damaged, or never received your New Mexico title? You still have legal ways to sell. Here's how it works in 2026, based on official New Mexico rules — plus the fastest way to just get a cash offer.

New Mexico handles titles through the MVD (part of Taxation & Revenue). If your title is missing, here's how to replace it and sell.

Path 1 — Most vehicles

Get a duplicate title

Complete the Duplicate Certificate of Title Application (Form MVD-10901) through the MVD. Once issued, you complete the assignment of title and odometer statement to transfer to your buyer. (New Mexico is a 'plate to owner' state — the plate comes off with you when you sell.)

Path 2 — No proof of ownership

Bonded title

If you can't prove ownership, New Mexico requires a bonded title (statute 66-3-24(C)): a certified VIN inspection, a NADA valuation, and a surety bond worth 2× the vehicle's value for a 3-year term (form MVD-10070). The MVD treats this as a last resort — check with your local office first, since the seller may just need to send you the original title.

Skip the paperwork

Not sure which path fits your car?

Tell us the year and condition — we'll tell you exactly what's needed and make a real cash offer, with free towing at pickup.

Get My Free Offer →
New Mexico Essentials

Selling in New Mexico — the essentials

The quick reference for signing your car over the right way in New Mexico.

Where to sign
Sign the title in the seller section and record the odometer.
Notary
No — notarization is not required.
License plates
Keep your plates — they stay with you and can transfer to your next car.
Good to know
New Mexico plates stay with the seller and can be transferred.
Before You Sell

A quick checklist

Three things worth confirming before you hand over the keys.

  • Check for a lien. Any recorded lien must be released before a clean title can issue.
  • Keep a bill of sale. A written record — buyer and seller info, vehicle details, price, and date — protects you.
  • Match the name. The seller's name should match the title record.
Ready when you are

Ready to sell your New Mexico car?

Running or not, title or no title — get a real cash offer in about two minutes, with free towing.

Get My Free Offer →

This guide is general information based on New Mexico rules current as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements can change and situations vary — confirm details with the official state source (official New Mexico DMV page) before acting.

Advertisement