Release ownership by signing on line 10, section 1, on the back of the title. If there is an active lien on the vehicle, the lien holder must sign on the back of the title, under the third reassignment section. 

In order to release liability you will need to register the removed plates on a new vehicle or drop them off at a motor division office for termination. It's good to keep a bill of sales copy regardless of the situation, but it is only necessary in certain cases. 

I'm the registered owner but I can't find my title:

Duplicate title: If your title has been lost, stolen, mutilated or become illegible you can apply for a duplicate title. You will need a notarized New Mexico Powers of Attorney (MVD-10037; or notarized generic POA) signed by all owners listed on the title. If you have a lien on the vehicle you will need a lien release. You will need to fill out the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title form which can be found at your MVD.

Lien Sale: If you are not able to attain a negotiable title or the paperwork for a duplicate title, a Salvage title can be obtained through the New Mexico lien sale process. This process involves certified mailings to the registered and legal owners of the vehicle, obtaining an NCIC clearance statement from the New Mexico State police, and advertising (for 2 consecutive weeks) the vehicle for sale. When all the necessary requirements have been met, a Salvage title can be obtained from the DMV. This process takes at least 3 months and requires written notification on Provider letterhead requesting the Lien Sale Process.

We can take care of the duplicate title processing if you want to donate your car. You will need to fill out the forms below and hold them until the tow agent comes to get them. 

A notarized New Mexico Powers of Attorney (MVD-10037; or notarized generic POA) signed by all owners listed on the title and a lien release (if applicable).

The owner of the vehicle is deceased:

In the case of no probate proceedings: The surviving spouse or next of kin can transfer ownership with a certified copy of the death certificate, a completed certificate of transfer with the Probate (MVD-10011) form, and a properly signed title by the surviving spouse or next of kin. This form can only be used without the presence of a will. 

 In the case of a probated estate: You'll need a certified copy of the death certificate, notarized probate papers from the court or Affidavit of Claim Successor (MVD-10013), and a properly signed title by the executor of the estate.

The vehicle was abandoned on my property:

We can only pick up an abandoned vehicle if we are able to obtain a signature from the last registered owner.