Revised August 10, 2011

The Motor Vehicle Division issues five types of temporary registration permits to allow for the operation of a vehicle on New Mexico streets and highways under certain conditions.

Samples of the three most common (retail, transportation and demonstration) permits are shown below.

1. Retail Permit (up to 30 business days)
   
   (66-3-6A) The department may issue a temporary registration permit to individuals to operate a vehicle pending action by the department upon an application for registration and certificate of title or renewal of registration when the application is accompanied by the proper fees and taxes. The temporary registration permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed thirty business days from the day it is validated by the department. Temporary registration permits shall not be extended nor another issued except for good cause shown.
   
   
    
2. Transportation Permit (up to 10 business days)
   
   (66-3-6A) The department may issue a transport permit to a manufacturer of vehicles for the purpose of demonstrating or transporting the vehicle to a dealer's location. The transport permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed ten business days, shall state the number of days for which the transport permit is valid and shall be validated by the signature of the manufacturer or transporter. Transport permits shall not be extended nor another issued except for good cause shown.
   
   
3. Out-of-State Transportation Permit (2-10 business days)

   A 2-10 day transportation permit may be issued to out-of-state residents who purchase a vehicle in New Mexico and will be titling in their state of residence. Permit Cost is $5.00 for every 2 days. Applicant must provide proof of Insurance.
   
   

4. Demonstration Permit (up to five business days)
   
   (66-3-6B) The department may issue a demonstration permit to individuals and financing institutions to operate a vehicle for the purpose of demonstrating the vehicle for resale. The demonstration permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed five business days from the day it is validated by the department. Demonstration permits shall not be extended nor another issued except for good cause shown.  
   
   
    
5. Request for Lien Holder Title
   
   The Request for Lien Holder Title form (MVD-10234 rev. 8/94) is used when an individual moving to New Mexico from out of state seeks to title a vehicle, but does not have the title in his possession because it is being held by a lien holder. The original white copy of this three-ply form is sent to the lien holder. The pink copy is retained by the customer/owner and serves as a temporary permit. MVD retains the yellow copy.
    
6. Temporary Commercial Vehicle Permits
   
   Only the Commercial Vehicle Bureau in Santa Fe can issue commercial vehicle permits.

Note: Oversize vehicle permits (e.g. manufactured homes) are issued by the Motor Transportation Department (MTD), not by MVD. The MTD can be contacted at (505-827-0376).