New Mexico Bonded Title

When you sign the contract to obtain your surety bond, you’re promising that you’re the vehicle’s true owner. You also agree to cover any bond claims that may surface while your bonded title is active.

If someone claims that you’re not the real owner or they suffer financially because of you, they can file a claim on your bond for compensation. If the claim is valid, you can settle it yourself, or your surety will do it for you. Ultimately, you must repay your surety in full for any costs they cover.

Your bonded title will remain active for three years. If no one files a claim during this period, you can apply for a standard NM car title when it expires.

Before beginning the New Mexico bonded title application process, contact your local MVD to ask if you need and qualify for a bonded title. If you do, proceed with the process outlined below.

1. Conduct a vehicle record search.

Ask the MVD to see if your car is still registered in a previous owner’s name or if any lienholders exist. If the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, you can contact them requesting the original title via certified mail. If they respond and send it to you, you can simply register the title in your name rather than completing the bonded title application process.

If there’s a lien against your vehicle, you must contact the lienholder and request a release before proceeding to Step 2.

2. Get a vehicle inspection.

Visit a local MVD office so that a certified VIN inspector can inspect your vehicle. They should complete an Affidavit of V.I.N. form for you to include in your bonded title application.

3. Get an N.C.I.C. Certificate of Clearance.

When completed and signed by a law enforcement officer, this form ensures that your vehicle wasn’t stolen. The form is only valid for 30 days.

4. Look up your vehicle’s current value.

You can use NADA Guides or contact the MVD to appraise your vehicle. Include the appraisal in your application packet. In the next step, you will use this value to calculate your bond amount.

5. Apply for a New Mexico certificate of title bond.

Your surety bond must be worth twice the value of your vehicle.

6. Submit your application.

To recap, make sure your application packet includes each of the following:

• Certificate of title bond application (form MVD-10070)
• Affidavit of VIN Form (MVD-10861)
• Supporting documentation if applicable (e.g., bill of sale)
• Certificate of title bond
• Proof of New Mexico residency

You can mail your packet to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division-Dealer Licensing Bureau

Attn: Surety Bonds

505 Marquette NW Suite 1501

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Once the MVD receives your application, they should review and process it within 30 days and notify you by email or mail of approval.