New Mexico Side by Side Bill of Sale

Use this New Mexico side by side bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In New Mexico, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private side by side transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

New Mexico fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In New Mexico, vehicle sales are subject to 4% motor vehicle excise tax (not standard sales tax). The title transfer fee is $5. New Mexico does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• 4% motor vehicle excise tax instead of sales tax
• Emissions testing required in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque area)
• VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles

Does New Mexico require a bill of sale?

New Mexico sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: New Mexico DMV title transfer information

Official New Mexico bill of sale form

The official New Mexico bill of sale form is MVD-10009 (Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets New Mexico requirements and can be used in place of MVD-10009. Our form includes all fields required by New Mexico law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for New Mexico

In New Mexico, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 5% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Complete the title transfer at your local DMV promptly after the sale.

Additional New Mexico requirements:

• 4% motor vehicle excise tax instead of sales tax
• Emissions testing required in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque area)
• VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party side by side sales in New Mexico go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason New Mexico DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in New Mexico.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In New Mexico, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the side by side, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the New Mexico DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the side by side after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with New Mexico as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the New Mexico DMV of the transfer to release liability for the side by side. The buyer must register the side by side and transfer the title within the deadline set by New Mexico — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold side by side, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the side by side.