License Plate Roundup: New Mexico

New Mexico: History and Interesting Facts

Before we dive into New Mexico’s license plates, let’s start this story at the beginning. In this section, we detail some of New Mexico’s colorful history and interesting facts.

When Was New Mexico Established as a State?

New Mexico’s road to statehood was slow-moving and tumultuous, like a tricky trail. The area was initially acquired by the US from Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, becoming a territory two years later in September 1850. However, full statehood was stalled for several decades. 

Several politicians, like Senator Albert Beveridge, attempted to merge New Mexico and Arizona into a single state. However, this plan faced significant opposition from voters. Eventually, Congress passed the Enabling Act, which gave New Mexicans the right to draft their own constitution. After a series of attempts, President William Howard Taft granted New Mexico statehood on January 6, 1912, making it the 47th (of 48) contiguous states.

What is New Mexico Most Known For?

New Mexico isn’t a one-trick pony—it’s a vast landscape with a solid cultural, historical, and even extraterrestrial background. 

Kicking things off with natural features, New Mexico is known for its red, rocky landscapes, which look almost unearthly. Massive plateaus, mesas, and other striking features make New Mexico a truly breathtaking state. Attractions like White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns are just a few of the recommended tourist locations.  

New Mexico is also a chile lover's dream, as the state has the reputation of growing some of the tastiest (and spiciest) chile peppers in the country. Crops like hatch chiles are so rooted in New Mexico culture that you’ll find them on several of the state’s license plates. 

From a historical and cultural standpoint, New Mexico also has a large Native American population. With 23 tribes and pueblos and deep Spanish colonial roots, New Mexico boasts one of the richest cultural blends in the United States. 

Arguably, one of the most interesting aspects of New Mexico is its extraterrestrial history. The 1947 Roswell UFO incident put New Mexico on the extraterrestrial map, making it a must-stop attraction for alien fanatics and science-fiction lovers.

What Is New Mexico’s Nickname?

In 1941, New Mexico officially adopted the nickname “The Land of Enchantment,” though tourism promoters and writers had long used it. The title originates from the state’s otherworldly landscape, characterized by vibrant red rock and massive natural formations. One step into New Mexico’s deserts leaves you wondering if you’re still on Earth or have perhaps been transported to Mars.

New Mexico’s License Plate Designs

New Mexico holds a unique place in license plate history—and not just because of its vibrant colors. Learn more about New Mexico’s license plate system in the next section. 

<H3> Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

New Mexico’s license plate system is relatively standard, with the state offering a wide selection of special interest and custom plates in addition to the standard-issue designs. Like other states, specialty and custom plates carry a small additional fee, which may be required at the time of purchase, annually, or both—typically around 17 dollars.

RealTruck Favorites

With such a diverse selection of license plates, it was tough for the RealTruck team to settle on just ten. Check out our top picks, selected for their audacious style, respectable causes, or a combination of the two.

Standard Centennial License Plate

New Mexico’s standard “Centennial” license plate adopts a far more colorful theme than most. This design screams New Mexico, featuring the iconic Zia sun before a bold teal background. At the lower edge of the plate, yellow text reads “The Land of Enchantment” as an homage to the state’s nickname. 

Chile Plate

Chile’s aren’t just a crop in New Mexico—they’re a lifestyle, as made evident by the state’s “Chile” license plate design. This design showcases New Mexico’s position as the world’s chile capital—a sentiment printed at the top of the license plate. Also on display are two vibrant chile peppers before the black background. 

Bass Fishing

New Mexico’s “Fish New Mexico” license plate showcases one of the state’s most popular fish. Depicting a leaping largemouth bass before a turquoise background, this license plate is perfect for game fishers and hobbyists alike. 

The plate costs 27 dollars for the first year, with a 10-dollar renewal fee each year after. Of the initial payment, 15 dollars goes directly to the Bass Habitat Management Program under the state’s Game Protection Fund.

Route 66

While no longer federally managed or recognized, Route 66 remains an essential piece of Americana. The “mother road” stretches from California to Chicago and once served as one of the US’ major highways. The “Route 66” plate pays homage to the rich history of the road, featuring a vibrant yellow, green, and red design with a Route 66 marker stamped on the left side. 

The plate costs 37 dollars initially and upon each renewal. Of the initial fee, 25 dollars is sent to the Department of Transportation to fund the revitalization and preservation of the iconic roadway.

Farm and Ranch Heritage

In support of New Mexico’s iconic farm and ranch heritage, New Mexico released the “Farm and Ranch Heritage” license plate design, which depicts a sunset-lit farm windmill.

The plate costs 37 dollars initially and upon each renewal. Of the initial fee, 25 dollars is sent to the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum to fund educational programs.

Pollinator Protection

Save the bees! New Mexico’s “Pollinator Protection” license plate is designed to fund and spread awareness for the protection of pollinating insects, such as bees, wasps, and more. The plate, designed and illustrated by a sixth-grade student, features a green sweat bee pollinating a blanket flower to demonstrate the relationship between native plants and insects. 

The plate costs 25 dollars initially and 15 dollars upon each renewal. Of the initial fee, 15 dollars is distributed to the Department of Transportation to fund pollinator protection activities in New Mexico.

Organ Donor

In New Mexico and other states, there’s a desperate need for organ donors. This life-saving decision can benefit up to eight individuals. The “Organ Donor” license plate spreads awareness for organ donor status, urging individuals to register as organ donors. This plate features a “Donate Life” logo on a yellow, green, and red background. 

The plate costs 12 dollars at the time of registration.

Boy Scouts Centennial

Released in 2010, the Boy Scouts of America Centennial license plate commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. It features the Boy Scouts insignia and the “100 Years of Scouting” text. 

The plate costs 12 dollars at the time of registration.

Wildlife Artwork

New Mexico’s “Share With Wildlife” license plate depicts an artistic rendition of the state bird—the Greater Roadrunner—before a golden background. Red “The Land of Enchantment” text lines the bottom of the plate—an homage to the state’s nickname. 

The plate costs 27 dollars at the time of purchase and 12 dollars at each renewal. Of the initial fee, 15 dollars goes to the Share with Wildlife Program of the Game Protection Fund.

Patriot

Lastly, New Mexico’s Patriot plate shows support for the American armed forces. Behind the alphanumerics, the license plate features several standout symbols of patriotism and state pride, including a bald eagle, the American flag, and the Zia sun. 

The plate costs 27 dollars at the time of purchase. Eight dollars of each purchase goes directly to the Armed Forces Veterans License Fund.

License Plate Products and Accessories

The Land of Enchantment offers numerous unique and appealing license plates. If you reside in New Mexico, display your ride's license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state's top license plate artwork. As always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.