Whether you are packing up for a move into your adobe dream house or are just switching apartments, you will be faced with some important paperwork. Besides all the essential (and stressful) signing-on-the-dotted-line documents, it is also imperative to let people know about the big move.

Most places that you do business with will need to be informed of the situation. A number of these businesses, like the post office, even provide forms to expedite the process.

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) not only has a change of address form, but also a time limit. Within 10 days of a change of domicile, the MVD needs to be informed so it can update its database.

This might seem like a tight turnaround. But it is vital to keep the MVD informed of your whereabouts in order to keep your driver's license updated and your vehicle registration(s) in order. In New Mexico, licensing and registration is handled by the same division. Thus, one change of address form will update both sets of records.

The form has spots to update two licensees (i.e. you and your spouse) and boxes to update numerous vehicles. You will need to list the license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for every vehicle or boat you have registered with the state. This ensures that the next registration cycle goes smoothly and you do not go without proper tags. Once the form is complete, mail it to:

• Data Entry―MVD Unit

• P.O. Box 630

• Santa Fe, NM 87504-0630

Name Change

The last thing the majority of people off gallivanting on a blissful honeymoon are thinking about is the MVD's name change policy. But if your name changes because of marriage, the MVD needs to know.

The same is true for those who change their name after a divorce or other court-ordered name change. Regardless of the reason, if you change your name, you need to record the change with the MVD within 10 days of the alteration.

Unlike changing an address, where you can simply mail in a form, a name modification involves a trip to a local MVD office. You will need to bring your old license and valid evidence of the name change, which can include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document ordering the change.

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