Quick answer
In New Mexico, registration is required for: All motorized and sail-powered vessels on New Mexico waters. Registration is handled by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish, is valid for 3 years, and costs $60.00 to $180.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish · Last checked in site data: March 13, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In New Mexico, registration is required for: All motorized and sail-powered vessels on New Mexico waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized and sail-powered vessels on New Mexico waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels under 10 feet
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 90 consecutive days
Registration Fees & Costs
New Mexico boat registration fees range from $60.00 to $180.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 5% sales tax, and title fees are $15.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft (3-yr) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| 16–25 ft (3-yr) | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| 26–39 ft (3-yr) | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| 40–64 ft (3-yr) | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| 65+ ft (3-yr) | $180.00 | $180.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 5%
Title Fee: $15.00
How to Register Your Boat in New Mexico
To register a boat in New Mexico, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish portal
- In Person: At your local New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
New Mexico Boat Title & Title Transfer
New Mexico requires a boat title for all motorized and sail-powered vessels 10 feet or longer. The title application fee is $15.00, and transfers cost $15.00.
Title required: Yes — All motorized and sail-powered vessels 10 feet or longer
Title application fee: $15.00
Title transfer fee: $15.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- 5% excise tax on sales price
- Apply within 30 days of purchase
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in New Mexico
If you are selling a boat in New Mexico, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish. If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in NM |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all motorized and sail-powered vessels 10 feet or longer; title transfer fee is $15.00. |
| Tax | 5% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
New Mexico Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
New Mexico boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current NM state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
New Mexico requires a boater safety course. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, who operates a motorized boat, sailboat, or PWC must complete an approved boater education course.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, who operates a motorized boat, sailboat, or PWC must complete an approved boater education course
Accepted courses: NM-approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: NM 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How New Mexico Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% |
| Arizona | $20.00 | 1 year (12 months) | No | 5.6% |
| Colorado | $60.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% |
| Oklahoma | $3.25 | 1 year or 3 years (July 1 – June 30) | Yes | 4.5% |
| Texas | $32.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6.25% |
| Utah | $45.50 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | 6.1% |
New Mexico Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in New Mexico?
Do I need a title for my boat in New Mexico?
Is boater education required in New Mexico?
Can non-residents operate boats in New Mexico?
When were NM registration fees last updated?
Do motorboats under 10 feet need a title in New Mexico?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in New Mexico? Visit the official New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division / NM Department of Game and Fish at 505-827-7700 for the most current information.