What Is a Temporary License Plate in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, short-term vehicle documents are called temporary registration permits, issued under NMSA 66-3-6. Each permit allows operation on public roads while permanent plates or titles are pending.
The Motor Vehicle Division, licensed dealers, title service companies, and municipal agents issue permits through the state’s Vehicle Registration Suite. Each permit is printed on standard 8.5 by 11-inch paper and affixed to the inside of the left rear window.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in New Mexico?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | Temporary Registration Permit | Title or registration pending | MVD, Dealer, Title Service |
| Retail Dealer | Dealer Temporary Registration Permit | Vehicle sold retail | Licensed Dealer |
| Individual Demonstration | Demonstration Permit | Demonstration for resale | MVD Office |
| Dealer Demonstration | Dealer Demonstration Permit | Testing or showing inventory | Licensed Dealer |
| Manufacturer | Transport Permit | Factory to dealer delivery | MVD Office |
| Dealer Transport | Dealer Transport Permit | Import or intrastate transport | Licensed Dealer |
| Nonresident | Out-of-State Transport Permit | Nonresident buyer removal | MVD Office |
| Lienholder | Temporary Authorization | Title held by lienholder | MVD Office |
No class can be extended or reissued except for good cause as required by NMSA 66-3-6.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in New Mexico?
- A buyer purchasing from a dealer receives a dealer temporary registration permit at the point of sale, valid while the MVD processes the title.
- A buyer from a private party applies for a temporary registration permit at an MVD field office or with a municipal agent before operating the vehicle.
- A nonresident purchasing a vehicle in New Mexico needs an out-of-state transport permit to remove it legally.
- Dealers importing inventory from another state or moving stock between lots use dealer transport permits as per NMSA 66-3-6(D).
- Manufacturers or carriers delivering vehicles to dealerships obtain a transport permit from the MVD.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in New Mexico?
- Gather the bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, proof of insurance, valid photo ID, and VIN inspection report if required.
- Choose a line: MVD field office, contracted municipal agent, or private title service company.
- Apply through the Vehicle Registration Suite at the counter; the agent enters owner and vehicle data on-screen.
- Pay the permit fee and administrative fee as listed in the next section.
- Receive the printed permit immediately and affix it to the inside of the left rear window according to NMSA 66-3-18(B).
Vehicles sold by a dealer skip these steps; the dealer prints the permit at the sale.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in New Mexico?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional Fee | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Permit (MVD) | $7.00 | $2.00 administrative fee | Buyer |
| Dealer Temporary Registration Permit | $5.00 | $1.00 ICN fee | Buyer |
| Individual Demonstration Permit (MVD) | $2.00 | $2.00 administrative fee | Applicant |
| Dealer Demonstration Permit | $1.00 | $1.00 ICN fee | Dealer |
| Transport Permit (Manufacturer, MVD) | $6.00 | $2.00 administrative fee | Manufacturer |
| Dealer Transport Permit | $5.00 | $1.00 ICN fee | Dealer |
| Out-of-State Transport Permit (MVD) | $7.00 | $2.00 administrative fee | Buyer |
| Temporary Authorization (Lienholder) | $7.00 | $2.00 administrative fee | Buyer |
Dealers pass the $1.00 inventory control number fee to customers as a transfer service fee, as published in the VRS schedule.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in New Mexico?
No. Individual consumers cannot purchase a temporary registration permit online. The Vehicle Registration Suite serves only dealers, title service companies, and state agents.
Consumers visit an MVD field office or contracted municipal agent in person. New Mexico has 32 field offices and 33 municipal locations statewide.
Private MVD service providers also issue permits through VRS on behalf of the consumer. Dealers print permits at the point of sale through the same system.
Visit any MVD field office or authorized agent; the dealer line automatically processes most retail transactions.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in New Mexico?
| Class | Validity Period | Mileage or Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Permit | 30 business days | None | Only for good cause |
| Dealer Temporary Registration Permit | 30 days | None | Only for good cause |
| Individual Demonstration Permit | 5 business days | None | Only for good cause |
| Dealer Demonstration Permit | While in inventory | None | Not needed |
| Transport Permit (Manufacturer) | 10 business days | None | Only for good cause |
| Dealer Transport Permit | 5 business days | Trip from origin to destination | Only for good cause |
| Out-of-State Transport Permit | 2 to 10 business days | Beyond New Mexico | Only for good cause |
| Temporary Authorization (Lienholder) | 30 days | None | Not published |
Operation after the permit expires is subject to misdemeanor penalties under NMSA 66-3-1, which imposes a base fine of $50.00.