How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Mexico (2026)
| Titling agency | New Mexico DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 90 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MVD Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Mexico — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. New Mexico requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with New Mexico DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. New Mexico uses MVD Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current New Mexico registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent New Mexico dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the New Mexico registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify New Mexico DMV — buyer must register within 90 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with New Mexico DMV to remove liability for future fines.
New Mexico lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing New Mexico title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at a New Mexico MVD office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Mexico title.
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Start My New Mexico Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Mexico
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in New Mexico?▾
Yes. New Mexico requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with New Mexico DMV.
What is the New Mexico boat title transfer deadline?▾
New Mexico requires the buyer to transfer registration within 90 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in New Mexico?▾
New Mexico charges 4% sales/use tax on private boat sales. 4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with New Mexico DMV.
Do I need a notary for a New Mexico boat bill of sale?▾
New Mexico does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in New Mexico?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to New Mexico DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 90 days of the sale date.
Source: New Mexico DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07