Buying a Car in New Mexico as a Colorado Resident: What to Expect

If you live in Trinidad, Aguilar, Walsenburg, or anywhere in southern Colorado, a Ford dealership may be closer than you think. Phil Long Ford of Raton is about 20 miles south of Trinidad, over Raton Pass on I-25.

If you're a Colorado driver thinking about buying from us, you probably want to know how taxes and registration work when you buy in New Mexico. Here's a general overview of what to expect. For the details on your specific purchase, your county motor vehicle office is the best source.

How Buying a Car Out of State Works for Colorado Residents

When you buy a vehicle out of state, Colorado residents generally pay their vehicle taxes in Colorado when they register, not in New Mexico. Those taxes are paid at your county motor vehicle office, and the amount depends on where you live, so your county office can tell you exactly what applies.

Two things worth knowing:

• Bring your trade-in. You can value your trade online before you visit, and your county office can tell you how a trade-in affects the taxes you owe.
• Shop for the right reasons. Because Colorado taxes are based on where you register, taxes generally shouldn't be the deciding factor. What we offer southern Colorado drivers is a convenient drive, our inventory, and Ford service close to home.

Registering Your Vehicle at Home

After you buy, you'll title and register your vehicle at the county motor vehicle office where you live. Colorado sets a deadline for registering a newly purchased vehicle, so plan to take care of it soon after your purchase. The Colorado DMV's registration page explains the current deadline, what to bring, and the steps for vehicles bought from an out-of-state dealership.

Before you leave the dealership, ask our team what paperwork you'll be taking home, so you're ready for your county visit.

Inspections and emissions testing. Some vehicles need a VIN verification or an emissions test before registration, depending on the vehicle and where you live. The Colorado DMV's registration page explains the current requirements.

You can find your local office on the DMV's county office list.

Step by Step: From Raton to Colorado Plates

1. Shop online first. Browse our new inventory and used inventory, then contact us to make sure the vehicle you want is ready.
2. Value your trade and get pre-approved. Use our trade-in tool and online pre-approval so you know your numbers before you arrive.
3. Tell us you live in Colorado. Let our team know up front that you'll register in Colorado.
4. Ask about your temporary tag and paperwork. Know what you're leaving with and what your county office will need.
5. Check inspection and emissions requirements. The Colorado DMV explains what your vehicle needs.
6. Register at your county office. Bring your paperwork, and pay your Colorado taxes and registration fees there.

What to Bring When You Buy a Car Out of State

A little preparation makes the visit smoother. It helps to bring:

• Your driver's license
• Proof of insurance
• For a trade-in: the title, or your loan information if you still owe on it, plus your registration and all keys and remotes
• For financing: your pre-approval details if you have them. Ask us ahead of time what else your lender may need.

Questions to Ask Before You Leave the Dealership

These questions help make sure your registration at home goes smoothly:

• What paperwork am I taking home?
• How does my temporary tag work while I'm driving in Colorado?
• If I'm financing, how will the title paperwork reach my county office?
• When should I expect to receive my title?
• Who should I contact if my county office has a question about my paperwork?

Service After the Sale

Buying in Raton doesn't mean a long drive for maintenance. Ford warranty service is available at authorized Ford dealers, including ours, and you can schedule service online.

Key Terms to Know

Title

The legal document that shows who owns a vehicle.

Registration

The record of your vehicle with the state, which comes with your license plates and is renewed over time.

Temporary tag

A short-term permit that lets you drive a newly purchased vehicle before it's registered.

Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

The document from the manufacturer that goes with a new vehicle before it's titled for the first time.

VIN verification

A check confirming that a vehicle's identification number matches its paperwork.

Lienholder

A lender with a financial interest in the vehicle until the loan is paid off.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Tax amounts and registration requirements are set by the State of Colorado and can change. Confirm the details for your purchase with your county motor vehicle office or the Colorado DMV.