Air Force · Albuquerque, New Mexico

Kirtland Air Force Base
DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide 2026

Everything active duty members need to know about vehicle registration, driver's license transfer, and your SCRA rights when PCSing to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

SCRA Protection: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members to keep their home-state vehicle registration while stationed in New Mexico. Consult the Kirtland Air Force Base JAG office for your specific situation.
🏛️ New Mexico DMV — Primary Contact
NM Motor Vehicle Division
📞 (888) 683-4636
🌐 https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov
📍 PO Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504
Military Note: Active duty and dependents must register vehicles in NM within 90 days of arrival.
📋 Documents Required
  • ✓
    PCS orders (copy)
  • ✓
    Current vehicle title (or lienholder info)
  • ✓
    Proof of insurance (current policy)
  • ✓
    Military ID (CAC card)
  • ✓
    Current out-of-state registration
  • ✓
    Driver's license (to exchange if establishing residency)
  • ✓
    Payment for fees (check DMV website for amounts)
📞 Key Contacts
NM Motor Vehicle Division
📞 (888) 683-4636
🌐 State DMV — Vehicle & License Services
Kirtland Air Force Base Legal Assistance Office (JAG)
📞 (505) 853-1110
🌐 Free SCRA guidance for active duty
Kirtland Air Force Base Provost Marshal / Installation Traffic
📞 (505) 853-1110
🌐 On-post vehicle registration & decals
🚗 Step-by-Step Registration Process
1

Decide: maintain home-state or transfer registration

SCRA lets you keep your home-state plates while stationed in New Mexico. However, if you want New Mexico residency (e.g., no state income tax), you may benefit from transferring.

2

Get your on-post vehicle decal first

Before anything else, visit the Kirtland Air Force Base Provost Marshal office to get your installation vehicle registration decal. You'll need this to enter the base.

3

Visit the DMV (or complete by mail)

Contact NM Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4636. Many states allow active duty to complete vehicle registration by mail using PCS orders. Check https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov for the military exemption process.

4

Transfer your driver's license (if applicable)

If establishing New Mexico residency, exchange your license at the local DMV. Bring your military ID and PCS orders. Present these for any military fee exemptions.

5

Update your auto insurance

Notify your insurer of your new address. Moving to a different state often changes your premium. If using USAA or GEICO Military, this is a simple online update.

✅ PCS DMV Checklist
Decide: SCRA exemption or transfer to New Mexico
Get installation vehicle decal (Provost Marshal)
Gather PCS orders + vehicle title + insurance
Contact JAG for SCRA guidance
Schedule DMV appointment (or mail-in packet)
Update vehicle registration
Exchange driver's license (if residency transfer)
Update car insurance to new address
Notify lender of address change (if financed)
Update military/DEERS record with new address
Get emissions inspection (if required in New Mexico)
Update vehicle registration in finance records

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my car in New Mexico if I'm active duty?
Under the SCRA, active duty members may keep their home-state registration while stationed in New Mexico. Active duty and dependents must register vehicles in NM within 90 days of arrival.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after arriving at Kirtland Air Force Base?
If you choose to transfer registration to New Mexico, timelines vary. Contact the NM Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4636 for the current military grace period.
Can my spouse register a vehicle in New Mexico?
Military spouses may be covered under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Consult the JAG office at Kirtland Air Force Base for your specific situation.

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