New Mexico
In New Mexico, residents can personalize their license plates—referred to as "Prestige" or "Vanity" plates—for various vehicle types, including passenger vehicles and motorcycles. These plates allow for a combination of letters and numbers, subject to specific character limits and guidelines.
How to Get a Personalized New Mexico Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Currently, New Mexico does not offer an online tool to check the availability of personalized plate combinations. Applicants are encouraged to prepare multiple plate combination options when applying.
- Submit an Application:
- Online: Use the Online Services to select your plate design, enter your desired combination, and complete the application process.
- By Mail or In Person: Complete the Application for Personalized Plate and submit it, along with the appropriate fees, to your local MVD office.
- Await Approval: The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines. Once approved, the personalized plate will be manufactured.
- Receive Your Plate: You will be notified when your personalized plate is ready for pickup at your local MVD office. Processing times may vary.
Important Notes for New Mexico Residents
- Character Limits:
- Standard Plates: Up to 7 characters for passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Plates: Up to 6 characters.
- Prohibited Content: Plates must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. The MVD reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency.
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself. If you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the personalized plates to another vehicle registered in your name.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $17.00 | $17.00 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
New Mexico MVD - Personalized Plates