New Mexico Temporary Registration Permits for Commercial Vehicles

Nov. 3, 2025, 4:33 p.m.
Here’s a clear breakdown of Temporary Registration Permits for Commercial Vehicles in New Mexico, covering what they are, when you need them, how to get them, and important tips.
New Mexico Temporary Permit Online

What are Temporary Registration Permits?

In New Mexico, a “Temporary Registration Permit” is a permit issued by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”) to allow a vehicle to be operated on the roads for a limited time while the formal registration or title process is being completed.  
There are a few kinds of such permits, including:

  • A temporary permit for a vehicle pending registration/title.  

  • A transportation permit (for moving a vehicle to a dealer, out-of-state resident purchase, etc.). 

  • A demonstration permit (for dealer inventory, etc).  

  • For commercial vehicles, there may be specific permits issued by the Commercial Vehicle Bureau.  

 When do you need one?

You might need a Temporary Registration Permit in the following situations:

  • You’ve purchased a commercial vehicle (or are moving one into New Mexico) and the full registration or title is still in process.

  • Your vehicle is being transported (e.g., manufacturer to dealer) and isn’t yet fully registered.

  • For certain commercial-vehicle uses where the regular registration/IRP/IFTA credentials are not in place and you need a short-term permit to operate legally.

  • If your vehicle is subject to the state’s weight-distance tax or registration requirements and you’re awaiting full registration.  

 Key Rules & Limitations

  • According to New Mexico statute NMSA 66‑3‑6: A standard Temporary Registration Permit (for individuals) is valid for up to 30 business days from the date it’s validated.  

  • The permit cannot normally be extended, nor can another be issued for the same vehicle except for “good cause shown.”  

  • For transport permits (manufacturer/dealer) the valid period is up to 10 business days.  

  • For demonstration permits (dealer inventory) up to 5 business days for non-work/service vehicles.  

  • For commercial vehicles entering New Mexico that are not registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) or not under the proper fuel credentials (IFTA), you may need a “trip permit” or fuel permit.  

  • If your vehicle in commercial use has a declared gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs or more, or is subject to weight-distance tax, then New Mexico requires registration or the proper permit.  

 How to Apply / What You’ll Need

Steps and required documentation generally:

  1. Determine the correct type of permit you need (temporary registration, transport, demonstration, or commercial trip/fuel permit).

  2. Complete the application: The MVD provides forms (for example see the “Temporary Permit Form” PDF).  

  3. Provide required documentation, which may include:

    • Valid driver’s licence.  

    • Proof of insurance (especially if you’re the actual operator). 

    • Proof of ownership or purchase of vehicle, title, registration application, etc.  

    • Residual or new resident information if applicable. 

  4. Pay the fees/charges associated with the permit. (The statute allows the department to collect administrative fees and actual cost of permits. 

  5. Ensure the permit is affixed to the vehicle in the manner prescribed by the department (i.e., visibly displayed) 

 Special Considerations for Commercial Vehicles

  • If your commercial vehicle will travel in or through New Mexico and is not registered under IRP, and has 3+ axles or GVW/GCW over 26,000 lbs, you’ll likely need a trip permit (temporary registration-type) or fuel permit.  

  • The weight-distance tax in New Mexico applies to vehicles with declared gross vehicle weight over 26,000 lbs. If you haven’t registered for that, you might need a permit to operate legally.  

  • The permit you acquire must match your usage (intrastate vs interstate), and you must comply with other regulations (such as stopping at Ports of Entry, size/weight compliance).  

 Common Pitfalls & Tips

  • Don’t assume that a temporary permit will automatically be extended — the law says it “shall not be extended nor another issued except for good cause shown.”  

  • Make sure the permit is actually validated and properly affixed to the vehicle — if law enforcement sees an invalid or missing permit you risk citations.

  • For interstate commercial operations: even if you’re just passing through New Mexico, if you lack IRP/IFTA credentials and cross weight/axle thresholds, you’ll need the appropriate permits.

  • Check whether you are subject to the weight-distance tax — failing to register or pay quarterly returns when required can lead to penalties. 

  • Always verify whether your vehicle operation is intrastate or interstate and which permit category applies — mixing up can lead to non-compliance.

  • Keep documentation of when the permit was issued and when it expires — so you don’t unknowingly operate a vehicle beyond permit validity.

  • When purchasing vehicles out-of-state or moving them into New Mexico, check the required transport/temporary permit types — e.g., out-of-state resident purchasing in NM may have a short-duration permit (2-10 business days) per the statute.