Do You Need a New Mexico Fuel Permit Without IFTA?

Dec. 17, 2025, 7:53 p.m.
Yes — if you do not have an IFTA license and decal, you typically must get a temporary fuel permit (often called a “fuel trip permit”) before operating in New Mexico.
Do You Need a New Mexico Fuel Permit Without IFTA?

When a Fuel Permit Is Required

You generally need a New Mexico fuel permit if:

  • Your commercial vehicle doesn’t have a valid IFTA license and decal and

  • You are operating in New Mexico (especially if out-of-state or interstate).

In this situation, a temporary fuel permit allows you to legally travel in the state without IFTA credentials.

What the Temporary Fuel Permit Does

A fuel permit is essentially a temporary authorization to operate without IFTA, covering fuel tax obligations for travel within New Mexico during:

  • Short trips (often valid up to several days), or

  • Single trips entering/exiting the state without IFTA registration.

These permits are usually available through:

  • State permitting agents

  • Port-of-entry kiosks

  • Online or permit service providers ﹘ with fees charged for issuance.

Fuel Tax vs. IFTA

New Mexico participates in the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which allows carriers to file fuel taxes with their base jurisdiction and travel through member jurisdictions with a single license and decals. 

If you have IFTA credentials, you do not need a separate New Mexico fuel permit — your IFTA license covers fuel tax reporting and compliance in New Mexico.

If you don’t have IFTA credentials, a fuel permit or similar temporary fuel authorization is generally required to satisfy the state’s fuel tax requirements when operating in New Mexico. 

Important Notes

  • A fuel permit is not a substitute for IFTA long-term — if you operate in multiple states regularly, you typically must register for IFTA. 

  • Temporary fuel permits often must be purchased before entry and can vary in validity and cost. 

  • Fuel permits are just one part of compliance — you may also need trip permits or other state credentials, depending on vehicle size and how you operate.

Summary

  • No IFTA? You usually need a New Mexico temporary fuel permit to legally operate in the state. 

  • With IFTA? A New Mexico fuel permit is not required — your IFTA license covers fuel tax compliance.

 

https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/commercial/commercial-vehicles/fuels-tax/

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