New Mexico Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for New Mexico.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

5.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in New Mexico

New Mexico does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

New Mexico does not title boats. Register with NM Game & Fish within 90 days and pay applicable gross receipts tax.

Lien Search in New Mexico

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

New Mexico Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

New Mexico requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by New Mexico

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in New Mexico

New Mexico charges 5.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local New Mexico agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in New Mexico

New Mexico is landlocked. USCG documentation does not apply. State registration is through the Game & Fish Department.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, New Mexico may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →