New Mexico Temporary Trip Permit vs IFTA Permit

Nov. 5, 2025, 7:53 p.m.
Here is a clear comparison of a New Mexico Temporary Trip Permit vs. an IFTA Permit (International Fuel Tax Agreement permit)—two things that are often confused but serve completely different purposes for commercial carriers.
New Mexico Temporary Trip Permit vs IFTA Permit

What Is a New Mexico Temporary Trip Permit?

A New Mexico Temporary Trip Permit allows a vehicle that is not registered under the IRP (International Registration Plan) to legally travel through New Mexico without paying full registration fees.

 Used when:

  • A truck does not have IRP apportioned plates

  • A carrier is traveling interstate and needs temporary credentials

  • A vehicle is not regularly operated in New Mexico

 Validity:

  • Usually valid for 72 hours

 Purpose:

  • Covers vehicle registration requirements for trucks over 26,000 lbs operating in NM

 Cost:

  • Typically ranges $200–$300 (varies by permit service)

 When you need it:

  • You are a first-time or occasional carrier operating in NM

  • You’re hauling through NM but do not have IRP apportioned plates

It has nothing to do with fuel taxes.
It is about registration authority to operate in the state.

 

2. What Is the IFTA Permit?

The IFTA permit (International Fuel Tax Agreement) is a fuel tax license for carriers operating in two or more IFTA member jurisdictions (48 U.S. states + 10 Canadian provinces).

 Used when:

  • A carrier operates interstate and consumes fuel in multiple states

  • The vehicle is 26,001+ lbs GVW, or has 3+ axles

 Validity:

  • Annual license + quarterly fuel tax reporting

 Purpose:

  • Allows carriers to pay fuel tax only to their base state, which redistributes tax to other states traveled through

 Cost:

  • Depends on the base state (license fee + decal fees)

 When you need it:

  • You regularly operate across state lines

  • Your truck meets IFTA weight/axle requirements

It has nothing to do with trip or temporary travel permission.
It is about fuel tax reporting and compliance.

 

 Key Difference Summary

Feature New Mexico Trip Permit IFTA Permit
Purpose Temporary legal authority to travel in NM Fuel tax reporting authority for interstate carriers
Covers Registration Fuel tax compliance
Valid For One trip (usually 72 hours) Full calendar year (with quarterly filings)
When Needed No IRP plates and traveling through NM Operating in 2+ IFTA jurisdictions with qualifying vehicle
Cost Small one-time fee Annual license + decals, plus quarterly taxes
Applies To Single state (New Mexico only) All 58 IFTA jurisdictions

 Easy Way to Remember

Trip Permit = Permission to travel
IFTA Permit = Permission to report fuel taxes

A carrier may need both if:

 They do not have IRP plates → need NM Trip Permit
They travel interstate and burn fuel → must have IFTA or temporary IFTA permit