New Mexico Bill of Sale
One form for cars and boats alike, a 90-day window with a 50% late sting, and a tax floor at 80% of book — New Mexico's private-sale rules reward getting MVD-10009 right the first time.
MVD-10009 — price, odometer, and vessel-ready.
New Mexico specifics, answered.
What does New Mexico's MVD-10009 cover?
Vehicles AND vessels — one official form for both, and it must state the purchase price. Usefully, the form includes an odometer attestation that records the mileage right on the bill of sale (the federal disclosure for 2011-and-newer vehicles still rides on the title itself).
How does New Mexico's 80% floor work?
The 4% motor vehicle excise tax is computed on the price — unless the price falls below 80% of NADA average trade-in value, in which case the MVD substitutes the book number. Genuine bargains still get taxed near book, which is exactly why an honest, well-documented bill of sale matters here.
How long does the buyer have — and what's the penalty?
Ninety days, one of the longest windows in the country. But New Mexico backs it with one of the sharpest penalties: register late and the excise tax owed increases by 50%. A $400 tax bill becomes $600 for missing the date.
Anything else distinctive about New Mexico transfers?
Two things: gifts between family use the notarized affidavit MVD-10018 to skip the excise, and much of the state's counter work happens at privately operated MVD partner offices alongside the state field offices — often with shorter lines for title transfers.
Not legal advice. Verified against New Mexico MVD sources in July 2026 — official links in our 50-state requirements table.
