Do You Need to Print Your Insurance Cards in New Mexico? Here’s What the Law Says
July 11, 2025
What is Digital Proof of Insurance?
When you get pulled over in New Mexico, officers will ask you for your license and proof of insurance. New Mexico State Law requires that vehicles driving on the road have Liability insurance with bodily injury coverage totaling either $25,000 per person with a cap of $50,000 per accident, and property damage totaling a minimum of $10,000 per accident. Proof of insurance can always be printed or sent to you from your insurance company, but in most states, having digital proof of insurance is as credible as having physical documentation. Digital proof of insurance can be accessed from your insurance provider via their website or phone app.
Digital proof of insurance shows the most up-to-date policy that you have activated. In some states, you can use a digital proof of insurance to expedite the process of registering a vehicle, while other states have specific processes that allow you to use digital proof of insurance for various motor vehicle services.
When you get pulled over in New Mexico, officers will ask you for your license and proof of insurance. In some states, you can use your insurance app instead of producing a physical piece of paper as your proof of insurance; however, in New Mexico, you need a physical proof of insurance when you’re pulled over.
New Mexico State Law requires that vehicles driving on the road have Liability insurance with bodily injury coverage totaling either $25,000 per person with a cap of $50,000 per accident, and property damage totaling a minimum of $10,000 per accident.
Digital proof of insurance shows the most up-to-date policy that you have activated. In some states, you can use a digital proof of insurance to expedite the process of registering a vehicle, while other states have specific processes that allow you to use digital proof of insurance for various motor vehicle services.
In The Article
Is Digital Proof of Insurance Accepted in New Mexico?
No. New Mexico is the only state that doesn’t allow digital proof of insurance at the DMV or as an acceptable form of insurance during a traffic stop. You must have a physical copy of your proof of insurance in your car.
While some states have additional requirements when showing digital proof of insurance either at the DMB or during a traffic stop, you cannot use a phone app or image of insurance coverage in New Mexico.
Does My Proof of Insurance Need to Be Printed?
It’s always good practice to have a physical copy of your proof of insurance. Even if you’re driving through states that accept digital proof of insurance in traffic stops, having the physical copy can help you if there are specific rules for the states you’re visiting.
Additionally, even if you aren’t traveling out of state, having a printed insurance card in your vehicle allows other people driving your car to show that the car is insured.
If your cell phone is out of use (if it’s broken or has run out of battery), a physical proof of insurance will help you avoid issues, should you be pulled over.
Massachusetts is the only state that doesn’t require drivers to hold proof of insurance in their vehicle, physical or digital. This is because in Massachusetts a vehicle’s registration is tied to their insurance, so it is not required to hand over proof of insurance during a traffic stop. However, Massachusetts drivers will find that it is in their best interest to carry a printed copy of their insurance card with them when they leave the state.
Can I Use My Phone as an Insurance Card?
You cannot use your phone as an insurance card in New Mexico. While some police officers may let you slide with a digital insurance card in the state, according to Progressive, “the law doesn’t specifically require police in the state to accept digital insurance cards, so you’ll need a paper copy even if you’re only driving through the state.”
What to Do if Someone Without Insurance Hits You
Having proof of insurance is necessary, but if you are in an accident with someone who isn’t insured or doesn’t have proof of insurance, it’s essential to take their contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. If you cannot get their address, make sure that it is on the police report.
In New Mexico, if you get into a car accident with someone who isn’t insured, having uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance plan can help you. While New Mexico doesn’t require you to carry Uninsured Motorist protection, all insurance companies must offer it, so make sure you ask your insurance representative if it is on your policy.
Ron Bell Injury Lawyers has seen several cases in which a victim was injured by an uninsured motorist. If this has happened to you, contact us today for a free case evaluation. 898-BELL.
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