What Is the Abbreviation for New Mexico?
The standard abbreviation for New Mexico is NM. This page explains why New Mexico uses NM, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for New Mexico?
New Mexico's abbreviation is NM. You may also see N.M. in older writing, but NM is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use NM for New Mexico in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database records.
Why New Mexico Uses NM
New Mexico's USPS abbreviation is NM.
USPS adopted NM for New Mexico in 1963. The older form N.M. still appears in older publications, but NM is the standard postal abbreviation today.
Old Abbreviation for New Mexico
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For New Mexico, that older style was usually N.M..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is NM. If someone searches for old abbreviation for New Mexico, the practical answer is to recognize N.M. and use NM in current writing and addresses.
How to Write New Mexico in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
NM Compared With Similar State Codes
NM is often checked against NH, NJ, and NY because several New-state abbreviations start the same way.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with New Mexico and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
New Mexico belongs to the West region. Its capital is Santa Fe, and its postal code NM is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
New Mexico entered the Union on January 6, 1912.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for New Mexico?
The standard USPS abbreviation for New Mexico is NM.
What is the postal abbreviation for New Mexico?
NM is the two-letter postal abbreviation for New Mexico. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate New Mexico?
Abbreviate New Mexico as NM in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is New Mexico abbreviated NM?
New Mexico's USPS abbreviation is NM.
What does NM stand for?
NM stands for New Mexico in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for New Mexico?
Older editorial styles often wrote New Mexico as N.M.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is NM.
How do you write a New Mexico mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code NM, then the ZIP Code. For example: Santa Fe, NM 00000.
What state is NM?
NM is the postal abbreviation for New Mexico, located in the West region. The capital is Santa Fe.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know NM stands for New Mexico, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.