In this paper, a nonlinear state observer control strategy is developed for projective self-synchronization of the fractional-order chaotic attractors of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) system. The mathematical model of PMSM system in a smooth fractional-order form is derived by using the fractional derivative theory. A state observer control design can achieve the full-state projective synchronization of the fractional-order PMSM (FO-PMSM) system without the limitation of partial-linearity. Global stability and asymptotic synchronization between the outputs of drive system and response system can be obtained. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.