New Mexico License Plate Search: License Plate Lookup in New Mexico

License plate lookup in New Mexico is a recent innovation revolutionizing the car industry. In the not-so-distant past, purchasing a quality used vehicle was akin to shooting from the hop. 

This is because it was purely based on luck, as there were no assurances that such a vehicle wasn't stolen or damaged by accident. 

Thus, after purchasing a seemingly good vehicle, you could suddenly find out some defects already recalled by the manufacturer but hidden by the seller or dealer. Fortunately, those days are long gone. 

Now, there are various established techniques for looking up a pre-owned vehicle, the top of which is a license plate lookup. 

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about New Mexico license plate lookup services.

Administration of License Plates in New Mexico

It is a general rule that every vehicle in the United States must be registered, and the state of New Mexico is no exception. 

Therefore, every automobile in New Mexico, including trucks, motorcycles, cars, buses, motor homes, mobile homes, off-highway vehicles, and trailers, is required to be registered with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department. 

The department provides guidelines on the issuance and renewal of license plates. 

The state has required motorists to display license plates since 1921 for the identification of a vehicle. 

However, new Mexico is a one-plate state, meaning that cars in the state only need to display one license plate at the rear. 

This is provided under Section 66-3-18 of New Mexico statutes. 

The law, however, provides an exception for trucks or road tractors, which are required to display license plates in the front. 

The license plates' serial formats in New Mexico depend on the plate designs. 

The format for Chile is ABCD12, 123-ABC for Yucca, and ABC-123 for Turquoise. 

New Mexico license plates must be attached at all times and horizontally at least 12 inches above ground height, measuring from the plate's bottom. 

The Land of Enchantment is renowned for inscribing "USA" on its license plates. 

This is to help distinguish the state's license plates from those issued in the country of Mexico. 

A standard New Mexico license plate is either turquoise-and-yellow or red-and-yellow. In addition, all license plates must carry an expiration decal on the corner. 

Requirements for Registering a New Mexico License Plate

Residents of New Mexico who wish to register their vehicles are required to complete the following actions:

1. Fill out the IRS Form 2290 using the requisite weight category code. The form applies to automobiles weighing from 55,000 1bs and above.
2. Complete the quarterly New Mexico weight-distance tax report.
3. Fill out the New Mexico International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) form.
4. File a quarterly IFTA fuel tax report.
5. Apply for a US Department of Transportation (DOT) number from the office of the New Mexico Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
6. Fill out the Apportioned Registration Application A and B form, also called the MVD Form 11026. 
7. Complete vehicle titling in any of the Motor Vehicle Departments field offices in the state. 

Below are some of the license plates issued by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department:

* Military and veteran license plates
* Standard plates
* Organizations and causes plates
* Collegiate plates
* Handicapped plates
* Motorcycle plates
* Vintage and historical plates
* Personalized plates
* Emergency medical technicians, police, and firefighter license plates

How to Conduct a License Plate Lookup in New Mexico:

License plate lookup is an excellent way of obtaining crucial information about a vehicle's history and past ownership records. This is especially important for persons looking to purchase a used vehicle. 

Some of the details disclosed include the vehicle's specifications, odometer reading, accident history, and vehicle registration status. However, the state of New Mexico does not allow the disclosure of a driver's personal information. This is pursuant to the provisions of the New Mexico Driver's Privacy Protection Act. 

The act prohibits the New Mexico MVD from releasing the personal data of a driver or owner contained in their license plate registration. 

Some protected details include a driver's license or ID card number, social security number, medical records, criminal history, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. 

Here is a useful guide on how to conduct a New Mexico license plate lookup: 

1. Navigate to the official website of the New Mexico MVD.
2. Click on "online services."
3. Click on "view my registration and title status."
4. Type in your control number, full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the last six characters of your VIN and license plate number.
5. The site will provide you with matching results.
6. Click on "view results."

The processes are instant and largely depend on the strength of your internet connection. 

You will be required to pay for services using a credit or debit card. You can also contact the department for further inquiries at:

PO Box 25129,
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-5129

Conclusion 

Conducting a license plate lookup is essential if you are planning on buying a pre-owned vehicle in the southwestern state of New Mexico. 

This will enable you to make the right decision by avoiding potential defects concealed by the seller or dealership.