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May 26, 2016

New Mexico Vehicle Identification Numbers
How do I find a motor vehicle history in New Mexico?

In the state of New Mexico, you can do a number of things through the MyMCV Online Services, including renew a vehicle registration, mark your vehicle as sold, update your insurance information, and view your vehicle’s status. Under the menu “View My Vehicle’s Status” is a submenu which includes:

  • Registration Status Lookup – lookup the registration status for your vehicle;
  • Title Status Lookup – lookup the title status for your vehicle or vessel;
  • Vehicle Plate Status Lookup – lookup the registration status for your vehicle;
  • My Vehicle Emission Status – Lookup the emission status for your vehicle.

Most of these require information such as the VIN, the license plate, and the zip code where the vehicle is registered.

Some helpful phone numbers included are:

  • State of New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department Dealer License Bureau (505) 383-2316; and
  • New Mexico Attorney General’s Office (800) 678-1508

While you may be able to get information from the state of New Mexico regarding a motor vehicle history, that information is subject to strict Federal penalty laws and will usually only be able to tell you information on the current title, such as:

  • Records about any title changes;
  • Facts about theft or full damage;
  • Reports about road accidents;
  • Any repairs that were registered; and
  • Other facts that were registered by DMV offices.

There are other widely used databases which are very helpful when it comes to researching the motor vehicle history of a vehicle. One of these is the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which is used for cars that have been in the possession of auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards. Places like this are often easy prey for thieves to steal VIN numbers from cars which have been destroyed. Therefore, they are more heavily regulated by the government and the data to be reported is mandated, including:

  • The name, address, and contact information for the reporting entity;
  • The VIN;
  • The date the automobile was obtained;
  • The name of the person or entity from whom the automobile was obtained;
  • A statement of whether the automobile was crushed or disposed of, or offered for sale or other purposes; and
  • Whether the vehicle is to be exported out of the country.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is another free database and they recommend VINcheck as a way to check a VIN number. VINcheck will tell you if a car has been reported stolen and has not been recovered.

Finally, there is instaVIN®, which provides the most up-to-date vehicle records that you can either download or you can get by visiting your local DMV. Your instaVIN® vehicle history and title report should include the following information:

  • Current State of Title Information;
  • Historical Title Information;
  • Disclosure of Brand History on Title:
    • Flood;
    • Salvage;
    • Odometer Rollback
    • 61 Possible Problem Events.
  • Odometer Information – when a car registration is performed in New Mexico an odometer reading is taken. A vehicle history report includes this reading;
  • Information on Previous Accidents – an LA vehicle history check contains accident-related information. If a vehicle has been in an accident it may affect the life and/or the safety of a vehicle;
  • Open Lien/Loan Information Including: Issuing Financial Institution – if there are any liens or loans against the vehicle then upon purchasing the car you assume the responsibility for those liens. In some states, debts such as child support can also be tied to the car, therefore, it is imperative that you make sure there are no outstanding liens against the car that you are purchasing;
  • Impound & Towing Events
  • Active Theft Data

New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles

New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicle locations

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department, Vehicle Titles

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department Record Request Services

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department Online Services

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department “Tips on Buying a Car:”

New Mexico Attorney General’s Office Car Buying Tips

National Title Motor Vehicle Information System

VINCheck

instaVIN®

Lemon Law in New Mexico

The New Mexico Lemon Law can be found in the New Mexico Statutes 57-16A-1, et seq. and it is formally called the “Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act.” The New Mexico Lemon Law covers the following vehicles:

  • Passenger motor vehicles, including automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and vans, that are sold and registered in the state;
  • Vehicles which are normally used for personal, family, or household purposes; and
  • Have a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds.

The Lemon law does NOT cover cars which are used for commercial purposes or those that weight over 10,000 pounds. It also seems that the law does not cover leased cars.

The New Mexico lemon law covers any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and the market value of the motor vehicle to the consumer. This defect is also known as nonconformity. You should know that the lemon law provides manufacturers with a defense if it can be shown that any nonconformity is due to abuse, neglect, an accident, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the motor vehicle by a consumer who did not use the manufacturer’s agent or authorized dealer.

If the manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer is unable to return the motor vehicle to any applicable express warranty by repairing or correcting any nonconformity after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then the manufacturer must either replace or repurchase said vehicle.

The Attorney General for the state of New Mexico defines a lemon to be a new vehicle with a defect that is significant enough to severely impair its use or market value. By the definition of the Attorney General of New Mexico, if your car fits the definition of a lemon and has:

  • Been through four (4) unsuccessful repair attempts; OR
  • Out of service for thirty (30) business days

If this is the case with your vehicle then your claim has merit. You must then send written notice to the manufacturer (certified mail with return receipt requested.) Without the written notification, there is no lemon law claim. The written notification to the manufacturer allows them one more opportunity to cure the alleged defect. The manufacturer must provide, either in the warranty or in a separate notice, written notice and instruction to the consumer about this notification requirement.

The lemon law provisions requiring a manufacturer to replace or repurchase a vehicle do not apply to a consumer who has not first used an informal dispute settlement procedure that complies with C.F.R. Part 703.

If you feel that you have been a victim of Auto Fraud, then you should call the Office of the Attorney General in New Mexico at phone number at 1-800-678-1508.

Santa Fe Office

408 Gaisteo Street

Villagra Building

Phone: 505-827-6000

Fax: 505-827-5826

Mailing Address:

P.O. Drawer 1508

Santa Fe, NM 87504-1508

Albuquerque Office

111 Lomas NW, Ste. 300

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Phone: 505-222-9000

Fax: 505-222-9006

Las Cruces Office

201 N. Church St. Ste. 315

Las Cruces, NM 88001

Phone: 575-526-2280

Fax: 575-526-2415

Consumer Protection Division

P.O. Box Drawer 1508

Sante Fe, NM 87504

Phone: 505-827-6060 or 1 (800) 678-1508

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

Financial Institution Division

725 St. Michael’s Drive

P.O. Box 25101

Santa Fe, NM 87504-1508

Phone: 505-827-7100

Fax: 505-827-7170

New Mexico Attorney General

New Mexico Attorney General Auto Fraud Line

New Mexico Consumer Affairs Lemon Law Summary

Better Business Bureau New Mexico Summary

Better Business Bureau New Mexico AUTO LINE

Attorney General of New Mexico Consumer Affair Protection Division

For instructions on how to submit a complaint to the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New Mexico:

Consumer Complaint Instructions

To submit a complaint to the New Mexico Attorney General Consumer Protection Division regarding a lemon law case:

New Mexico Search Results

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Financial Institutions Division

Are used vehicles covered under New Mexico’s Lemon Law?

The used car lemon law in New Mexico prohibits a used motor vehicle from excluding, modifying or disclaiming the implied warranty of merchantability, or limited remedies for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability before the earlier of 15 days or 500 miles after the delivery of the vehicle. When a used motor dealers limits the implied warranty of merchantability of a used motor vehicle prior to either 15 days or 500 miles after the delivery of the vehicle. A used motor vehicle dealer who limits the implied warranty of merchantability of a used motor vehicle renders the purchase agreement voidable. The maximum liability of a seller is limited to the purchase price paid for the vehicle to be refunded to the consumer in exchange for the return of the vehicle; however, if the seller knew or should have known of the defects of the vehicle and did not disclose them. A consumer or seller who has been wronged by a used motor vehicle transaction must pursue a remedy under the Uniform Commercial Code.

The “Buyers Guide” must include information such as:

  • If the vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty – if the dealer checks the box next to “as is” on the warranty you should ask the dealer for a more complete explanation because “as is” is not a proper disclosure for a warranty in the state of New Mexico. You should contact the Attorney General for a description;
  • Implied Warranties – when used car dealers sell cars which do not meet reasonable quality standards the state of New Mexico holds them responsible. This is called an “implied warranty” – unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the buyer. In most states dealers can use the words “as is” or “with all faults” in writing to eliminate implied warranties. There is no specified time for implied warranties;
    • Warranty of Merchantability – the most common type of implied warranty. This is when the seller promises that the product will do what it is supposed to do, and, in the case of a car, it applies to the basic functions of the car, but it does not cover everything that could go wrong. If a breakdown occurs after the car is sold that does not prove that the car salesman breached the warranty of merchantability unless the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of the sale.
    • Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose – this applies when you purchase a vehicle based on the salesman’s advice that the vehicle is suitable for a certain use. An example of this is when a salesperson suggests you purchase a certain vehicle for the purposes of hauling a trailer. In effect, he is implying, or promising, that the vehicle will be suitable for that purpose.

If you have a written warranty which does not cover your problems, you may still have coverage because of implied warranties because when a vehicle is sold by a dealer with a written warranty or a service contract implied warranties are automatically included.

In states, such as New Mexico, which do not recognize “as is” sales, there is an “Implied Warranties Only” disclosure on the bottom of the Buyer’s Guide in the place of the “as is” disclosure. Dealers who offer a written warranty must complete the warranty section of the Buyer’s Guide and they may offer a full or limited warranty on all or some of the vehicle’s systems or components; however, most used car warranties are limited, and coverage varies.

Things to do before you purchase a used car:

  • Examine the car using an inspection checklist. Inspection checklists can be found in magazine articles and Internet sites dealing with purchasing a used car;
  • Test drive the car on different road conditions – highways, hills, and stop and go traffic;
  • Ask for the car maintenance record. If the owner does not have it then you should contact the dealership or repair shop where the work was done;
  • Talk to the previous owner if possible;
  • Have the car inspected by a mechanic that you hire;
  • Research the frequency of repair and maintenance costs on the model of car in auto-related consumer magazines. The U.S. Department of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 gives information on recalls; and
  • Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and the National Insurance Crime Bureau databases.

If you feel that you have been a victim of fraud, then you should you should call the state’s Auto Fraud Hotline at 1-800-352-4889, or use the Better Business Bureau’s Lemon Law complaint form.

New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association for Used-car Dealers

Better Business Bureau New Mexico Summary

New Mexico Attorney General’s Used Car Buyers Guide

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department

For instructions on how to submit a complaint to the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New Mexico:

New Mexico Consumer Complaint Instructions

New Mexico Attorney General Consumer Protection Division regarding a lemon law case

National Insurance Crime Bureau

When is it time to hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

Although the lemon laws appear to be clear, the procedures and timelines can get confusing. When you are dealing with corporations and manufacturers it is beneficial to have an attorney on your side. You are dealing with professional negotiators and many find it helpful to have an attorney or a professional on your side.

Lemon Law lawyers are also helpful because:

  • Knowledge of the law – Experienced lemon law lawyers not only know they law, but they can also make educated decisions about your case;
  • Experience – Attorneys who have experience with lemon law cases in the past will be able to handle your case better;
  • Negotiating Power – Although it sounds unfair, having an attorney will help the process go faster and smoother and will help compel the manufacturer to comply; and
  • Trusted Advice – your attorney can provide you with advice and can provide you the best ways to move forward.

To search for an attorney in New Mexico you can always search the New Mexico State Bar Association for a reputable attorney to handle your case.

New Mexico State Bar Association

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
201 Broadway
1 505-832-6218

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
4575 San Mateo Blvd NE G-190
1 505-875-0716

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
801 4th St NW
1 505-764-6650

MVD Field Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
11500 Menaul Blvd NE F1
1 505-292-4570

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
5301 Central Ave NE
1 505-841-6490

Las Vegas Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
2522 Ridge Runner Rd
1 505-425-8122

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
1038 Salazar Rd
1 575-758-4226

Mvd Field Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
3211 Coors Blvd SW G4
1 505-452-9239

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
1121 Santa Clara Peak Rd
1 505-753-4681

Motor Vehicle Department-New Mexico
Department of Motor Vehicles
3501 E Main St
1 505-599-9712

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
1016 Nimitz Dr
1 505-287-8892

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
Loretto Town Center
505 S Main St #357
1 575-524-6215

Los Alamos Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
997 Central Ave
1 505-662-4243

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Transportation
1710 E Aztec
1 505-863-3847

Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
1451 4th St SE, Bldg 20245, 1451 4th St SE
1 505-846-8390

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
102 S 6th St
1 575-835-0768

MVD Express
Department of Motor Vehicles
4100 Menaul Blvd NE #1C
1 505-217-0024
Open until 3:00 PM

Deming Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
700 E Spruce St
1 575-546-2088

DMV Roswell
Department of Motor Vehicles
200 Wilshire Blvd
1 575-624-6062

Rio Rancho Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
4114 Sabana Grande Ave SE
1 505-891-5014

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
100 S 5th St
1 505-864-5260

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
834 Main St #1
1 575-374-9502

Hobbs MVD
Department of Motor Vehicles
4800 Jack Gomez Blvd
1 575-397-9213

Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
1277 S 2nd St
1 575-445-3919

MVD Express
Department of Motor Vehicles
4531 Eubank Blvd NE
1 505-217-0024
Open until 3:00 PM

Motor Vehicle Division Of New Mexico
Department of Motor Vehicles
1876 US-180
1 575-538-3281

Aztec Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
201 W Chaco St
1 505-334-7690

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
829 S Camino Del Pueblo
1 505-867-4131

Los Lunas Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
1000 Main St NW
1 505-841-5353

MVD
Department of Motor Vehicles
3607 National Parks Hwy
1 575-885-2251

Questa Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
2500 Old Hwy 3
1 575-586-2429

Pecos Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
92 S Main St
1 505-757-6591

Estancia Town Clerk
Airport
513 Williams Ave
1 505-384-2708

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Motor Vehicles
108 US-54
1 575-487-2815

Motor Vehicle Department
Motor Vehicle Dealer
163 New School Rd
1 575-894-6529

Tularosa Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
705 St Francis Dr
1 575-585-8252

State Of New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Driver’s License Office
2544 Camino Edward Ortiz
1 505-827-0392

Sunland Park MVD
Department of Motor Vehicles
880 McNutt Rd
1 575-589-5015

Alamo M V D
Department of Motor Vehicles
604 E 10th St
1 575-437-1105

Red River Motor Vehicle Division
Motor Vehicle Dealer
100 E Main St
1 575-754-2277

ASAP MVD
Motor Vehicle Dealer
3457 NM-47
1 505-865-4080
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program
Department of Motor Vehicles
3401 Pan American Fwy NE
1 505-338-2054

MVD Now Corporate & Dealer Services
Transportation
1100 San Mateo Blvd NE
1 505-503-6359
Open until 3:00 PM

MVD Now
Department of Motor Vehicles
901 Eubank Blvd NE
1 505-323-6683
Open until 3:00 PM

Complete Compliance Services
Department of Motor Vehicles
5307 N Prince St
1 575-762-3077

Department of Motor Vehicles-Bloomfield
Department of Motor Vehicles
711 Ruth Ln
1 505-632-6320

MVD Now
Driver’s License Office
10660 Unser Blvd NW
1 505-897-4683
Open until 3:00 PM

MVD Now
License Bureau
110 98th St NW
1 505-352-0683
Open until 3:00 PM

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