California to New Mexico Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,010 miles from California to New Mexico ranges from $950 to $1,600 and takes 2–8 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our New Mexico to California car shipping guide.

California to New Mexico auto transport costs and transit times

The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and New Mexico. The average travel distance is about 1,010 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 8 days.

Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to New Mexico

From California to New Mexico Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM 787 miles $1,023–$1,434 2–7 days
San Diego, CA to Los Alamos, NM 881 miles $1,006–$1,440 2–7 days
San Jose, CA to Las Vegas, NM 908 miles $988–$1,471 2–7 days
San Francisco, CA to Artesia, NM 943 miles $1,008–$1,594 2–7 days
Fresno, CA to North Valley, NM 796 miles $945–$1,420 2–7 days

Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New Mexico

From California to New Mexico Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM 771 miles $955–$1,368 2–7 days
San Diego, CA to Los Alamos, NM 864 miles $1,003–$1,468 2–7 days
San Jose, CA to Las Vegas, NM 890 miles $1,046–$1,500 2–7 days
San Francisco, CA to Artesia, NM 864 miles $943–$1,438 2–7 days
Fresno, CA to North Valley, NM 779 miles $964–$1,478 2–7 days

Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to New Mexico

From California to New Mexico Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM 1,042 miles $960–$1,520 2–8 days
San Diego, CA to Los Alamos, NM 1,136 miles $1,089–$1,671 2–8 days
San Jose, CA to Las Vegas, NM 1,163 miles $1,046–$1,620 2–8 days
San Francisco, CA to Artesia, NM 1,286 miles $1,152–$1,728 3–8 days
Fresno, CA to North Valley, NM 1,051 miles $1,019–$1,600 2–8 days

Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to New Mexico

From California to New Mexico Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM 1,085 miles $970–$1,552 2–8 days
San Diego, CA to Los Alamos, NM 1,179 miles $1,035–$1,603 2–8 days
San Jose, CA to Las Vegas, NM 1,205 miles $1,211–$1,693 2–8 days
San Francisco, CA to Artesia, NM 1,328 miles $1,198–$1,772 3–8 days
Fresno, CA to North Valley, NM 1,093 miles $1,000–$1,536 2–8 days

Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to New Mexico

From California to New Mexico Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM 912 miles $1,048–$1,578 2–7 days
San Diego, CA to Los Alamos, NM 1,005 miles $950–$1,520 2–8 days
San Jose, CA to Las Vegas, NM 1,032 miles $1,019–$1,568 2–8 days
San Francisco, CA to Artesia, NM 1,155 miles $1,121–$1,603 2–8 days
Fresno, CA to North Valley, NM 920 miles $1,008–$1,548 2–7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from California to New Mexico

Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to New Mexico you should expect to pay between $1,188 and $2,000.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to New Mexico

When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Land of Enchantment, these factors will influence your final price:

  • Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to New Mexico.
  • Distance and route: The journey from California to New Mexico spans approximately 1,010 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and New Mexico and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to New Mexico should take between 2 and 8 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

The best California to New Mexico car shipping companies

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.35 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to New Mexico:

Alternative ways to ship your car from California to New Mexico

What else should you know about shipping a car from California to New Mexico?

  • Car insurance requirements: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
  • Vehicle inspection: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
  • Driver’s license: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
  • Additional taxes: If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Transporting your vehicle from California

Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State, California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.

Transporting your vehicle to New Mexico

About 22 million people are living in the Land of Enchantment of New Mexico. New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in New Mexico?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in New Mexico.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to New Mexico?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to New Mexico, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to New Mexico, which you should verify before loading your car in California.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.

How long does it take to ship a car from California to New Mexico?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to New Mexico is about 1010 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-8 days to travel from California to New Mexico.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.

Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.

If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in New Mexico?

To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.

If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in New Mexico after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to New Mexico after purchasing it.

If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and New Mexico to avoid any hidden costs.

Helpful California resources