How to buy a personalized license plate in New Mexico

A personalized license plate is one of the best and easiest ways to personalize your vehicle. With a custom license plate, you can add a bit of your own style and flair to your car by sharing your feelings or…

A personalized license plate is one of the best and easiest ways to personalize your car. With a personalized license plate, you can add a little bit of your own style and flair to your car—by sharing your feelings or messages with the world, promoting a business, congratulating a loved one, or supporting a team, school, or organization.

Purchasing a personalized New Mexico license plate is a simple and affordable process. If you are looking for ways to add originality to your car, a custom license plate might be the perfect option for you.

Part 1 of 2: Order your custom license plate

Step 1. Go to the Customized New Mexico License Plates page.. Visit the New Mexico Automobile Division Personalized License Plates website.

Step 2: Choose a Plate Design. Scroll down the page to select the license plate design you would like to use.

There are only a few different options to choose from.

If you're looking for more license plate options, please select one of the categories on the left sidebar under the "License Plates" heading. However, these license plate designs cannot be personalized with a custom license plate message.

• AttentionA: Different license plate designs have different fees. Check the commission rate in the description to find out how much your chosen plate will cost.

Step 3: Download and print the personalized nameplate application form.. Click "Download PDF" next to the plate you chose to download the form.

Open the form and print it; or if you prefer, you can fill out the form on your computer and then print it out.

Step 4: Enter your personal information on the license plate form. Fill in your name, mailing address and phone number.

• AttentionA: You must be the registered owner of the vehicle to order license plates. You cannot order a personalized plate for someone else.

Step 5: Enter your vehicle information on the license plate form. Enter the year, make, model, and style of your vehicle, as well as your current license plate and vehicle identification number.

• Functions: If you don't have the vehicle identification number handy, you can find it on the driver's side of the dashboard where the dashboard meets the windshield. The number plate is best seen from the outside of the car through the windshield.

Step 6: Choose Three Personalized License Plate Messages. Write your best message in the "1st option" field and provide two alternatives as well.

If your first option is not available, the second option will be selected, and so on.

If necessary, select the style of your license plate.

Your license plate message can be up to seven characters long and can include all letters and numbers, spaces, dashes, apostrophes, the New Mexican character Zia, and the Spanish Ñ.

• A warning: License plate messages that are rude, vulgar or offensive will be rejected.

Step 7: Sign and date the license plate application.

Step 8: Pay the fee. Write a check or receive a money order payable to the New Mexico State Department of Motor Vehicles.

The check or money order must be in the amount indicated in the instructions for use.

Step 9: Mail your license plate application. Seal the application and payment in an envelope and send it to:

Car division

Attention: car service

Mailbox 1028

Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028

Part 2 of 2. Set up the plate

Step 1: Receive your personal license plate in the mail. After your application has been processed and accepted, the sign will be made and sent to your mailing address.

• AttentionA: It usually takes two or three months for your plate to arrive.

Step 2: Install your personal license plate. Once your plate arrives, install it on the back of your car.

If you are not comfortable installing the license plate yourself, you can go to any garage or mechanic shop and have it installed.

This is a good time to check your license plate lights. If your license plate is burned out, you need to hire a mechanic to help you get the job done.

• A warning: Be sure to apply the current registration stickers to the new license plate before driving.

With a personalized license plate, your car can become your little reflection. You will be happy every time you get into your car and see your name plate.