Get Your New Mexico Title Bond Today!

Rates & Requirements for New Mexico Title Bonds:

  • No Credit Check required for amounts up to $30,000.
  • Minimum Premium: $100
  • Rate: 1.5%
  • Instant Issue: Up to $30,000
  • Amount Required: 2X Appraised Value

If you do not have proof of ownership (a title) for your boat, motor vehicle, motorhome, mobile home, motorcycle or other titled property, you can provide the State of New Mexico with a Certificate of Title Bond in order to replace your lost, stolen, damaged or defective title. You will be able to register your vehicle with this new title.

Don’t overpay, apply today and get your title bond in 3 simple steps. Have questions? Contact us and talk to a title bond expert today.

Common Questions

What is a New Mexico bonded title?

New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-24 requires individuals who own vehicles with missing titles to file a surety bond to verify ownership as part of the vehicle registration process. The vehicle title bond protects the state, lien holders, and future purchases against damages resulting from certificate of title issuance. If a valid claim is made against the bond, the surety company will pay up to the full bond amount, which the bonded vehicle owner must then reimburse.

The New Mexico legislature enacted the bonding requirement to ensure that the rightful vehicle owner will receive compensation if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle. The bond will be active for three years from the date of issuance and must be in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s value.

How much does a title bond cost in New Mexico?

New Mexico certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the state-required 3-year term. The exact cost will vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Motor Vehicle Division.

  • Bond amounts up to $6,000 cost $100.
  • Bond amounts from $6,000 to $50,000 cost $15 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
  • Bond amounts for more than $50,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $750.

The New Mexico Lost Title Bond costs either $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater (rates may vary for bonds greater than $25,000).

How do you get a New Mexico certificate of title bond?

You can purchase your New Mexico title bond online 24/7. You must provide the following information for Motor Vehicle Division approval.

  • vehicle owner name
  • vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • year
  • make
  • model
  • body type

Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive your official lost title bond by email instantly.

What is the Purpose of the New Mexico Lost Title Bond?

New Mexico requires residents to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a bonded title. The bond ensures that the rightful vehicle owner will not suffer a financial loss if the title applicant is seeking to obtain the title fraudulently. If the title applicant is engaging in fraud, then the rightful vehicle owner can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation up to the full amount of the bond. In short, the bond acts as a safeguard against people attempting to obtain ownership of a vehicle through unethical means.

Who is Required to Purchase a Bond?

The New Mexico Division of Motor Vehicles requires title applicants to purchase a surety bond if the applicant cannot present the department with tangible proof that they own the vehicle and if the department does not have an ownership record of the vehicle. Lost title bonds are typically required for the following reasons:

  • The vehicle has never been titled
  • The applicant never received the title
  • The previous owner never titled the vehicle
  • The applicant has the title but there is an error in the title transfer
  • The applicant purchased an unclaimed/abandoned vehicle and is not a bonded agent

Who registers vehicles in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division enforces registration requirements for vehicles with missing titles.

New Mexico certificate of title bonds are required for vehicle registration. If you’re planning to sell vehicles, you need a separate New Mexico vehicle dealer bond.

How do I determine my car title bond amount?

New Mexico statute 66-3-24(C) dictates that the bond amount must be twice the vehicle’s value as determined by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). If you need help determining your exact required bond amount, contact the Motor Vehicle Division before beginning the bonded title process.

The NADA valuation will change based on the type of vehicle, as referenced below:

  • Average trade-in value for used cars and trucks
  • Clean trade-in/wholesale value for used motorcycles
  • Average retail value for classic, collectible, muscle cars
  • Good condition value for vintage motorcycles
  • The value of a mobile home can be determined from the assessed value found on a tax release.

Is a Credit Check Required for the New Mexico Lost Title Bond?

We do not conduct a credit check for bonds that are less than $25,000. At limits over $25,000, we will review your standing to determine the qualification and rates for the bond.

How do I update or change my vehicle surety bond form?

If the New Mexico MVD requires your vehicle title bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.

The most common changes for these bonds include the vehicle owner’s name or specific vehicle information.

Do I need to renew my lost title surety bond?

No, your lost title bond will expire 3 years from its effective date and won’t need to be renewed.

How do I apply for a bonded title in New Mexico?

To apply for a bonded title, complete the following steps:

  1. Consult the MVD
    Bonded title applicants in New Mexico should consult their local MVD office prior to purchasing a surety bond. New Mexico does not require all title applicants to obtain a bonded title, and usually only does so as an absolute last resort. Title applicants should ensure that they actually need a bond before purchasing one.
  2. Purchase a Surety Bond
    Once the MVD determines the applicant needs a bonded title, the applicant must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s value.
  3. Have the Vehicle Inspected
    New Mexico requires vehicles purchased out of state to be inspected prior to being registered and titled. The applicant must have their vehicle inspected by a certified VIN inspector. Most MVD offices conduct VIN inspections.
  4. Complete the Application
    All New Mexico bonded title applications must be mailed to the following address:
    Motor Vehicle Division-Dealer Licensing Bureau
    Attn: Surety Bonds
    505 Marquette NW Suite 1501
    Albuquerque NM 87102Bonded title applicants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:

    • Affidavit of VIN form (obtained in Step 3)
    • Documentation obtained when the applicant purchased the vehicle (bill of sale)
    • Tax release (for mobile homes)
    • Proof of New Mexico residency

The Motor Vehicle Division will provide your bonded title application approval within 30 days by email or mail.

How Do New Mexico Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In New Mexico, bonded title applicants should mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division-Dealer Licensing Bureau
Attn: Surety Bonds
505 Marquette NW Suite 1501
Albuquerque NM 87102

You’ll need to file your New Mexico certificate of title bond with the Motor Vehicle Division along with your bonded title application within 30 days.

The New Mexico Lost Title Surety Bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the bonded title applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

The legal name entity/individual(s) buying the bond

  • Surety company’s name and state of incorporation
  • Bond amount
  • Vehicle information
  • Date the bond is signed

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Bonded Title Applicants in New Mexico?

New Mexico requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance with the following minimum limits:

  • $25,000 per person
  • $50,000 per accident
  • $10,000 property damage per accident
  • Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s value.

How Can New Mexico Residents Avoid Claims Against Their Lost Title Bond?

To avoid claims against their bond, bonded title applicants in New Mexico must ensure that they are the rightful owners of the motor vehicle.