New Mexico has been one of the last states where electric car owners didn’t pay any extra registration fee. That ends soon.
Starting January 1, 2027, the state will add a new yearly fee for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids when you register them.
How Much You’ll Pay
The fee starts lower and rises over three years:
| Year | Electric vehicles | Plug-in hybrids |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $70 | $35 |
| 2028 | $80 | $40 |
| 2029 and after | $90 | $45 |
This fee is on top of your regular registration fee.
Why New Mexico Is Adding It
Most states pay for roads partly through gas taxes. Since electric cars don’t use gas, their owners pay little or nothing toward road upkeep through the pump. Fees like this are meant to make up some of that gap.
The EV fee is part of Senate Bill 2, which Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed in February 2026. The bill also raises general vehicle registration fees and taxes on commercial trucks to help pay for road and highway projects. According to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, the new fees are expected to bring in about $69.9 million for roads in the 2027 fiscal year.
Can You Avoid It for a While?
Some registration guides point out that New Mexico lets you register a vehicle for one or two years at a time. If you renew for two years before December 31, 2026, that registration could carry you through 2027 before the new fee applies.
If you’re thinking about doing this, confirm with the Motor Vehicle Division first how the fee will apply to your renewal, since the details depend on your vehicle and registration dates.
How New Mexico Compares
New Mexico’s fee will still be on the lower end nationally. Many states charge EV owners $100 or more a year, and some charge over $200.
What You Should Do
- Check your renewal date so the new fee doesn’t catch you by surprise.
- Budget for it, especially since the fee rises each year through 2029.
- Ask the MVD if you have questions about one-year versus two-year renewals.
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