Not confirmed by New Mexico yet: what we found

Kei Trucks in New Mexico

Not confirmed: the title problem, what MVD may accept, and what to ask first

No New Mexico law names kei trucks. MVD needs a title before it registers a vehicle, and first-time titles usually need a maker's certificate of origin, which imports don't have. Guides disagree on how MVD handles exempt imports.

Not confirmed in New MexicoNo kei rule. The title step is the question; ask MVD in writing.

See what to ask ↓

Kei lawNone

Title firstRequired

Maker's certificateImports lack it

AskMVD in writing

A white Subaru Sambar kei truck with a tall wooden box on the bed, parked on a city street — A Subaru Sambar carrying a tall wooden box.

The law

What New Mexico rules say about kei trucks

There's no kei-truck law. The question is whether MVD will issue a first title.

What we found

MVD requires a New Mexico title before first registration.
First titles normally need a manufacturer's certificate of origin, which kei imports don't have.
One 2026 state survey says imports register once they show federal conformity or exemption and the customs release.
Other guides say MVD wants vehicles to meet federal safety standards, which kei trucks don't.

The 25-year exemption is what a kei truck can show. Ask MVD whether it accepts the HS-7 and customs papers for that.

Sources: New Mexico MVD title and registration pages ↗ and procedures manual (chapter 2), 2026 state law surveys. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

Options

What to do before you buy in New Mexico

For kei trucks in New Mexico, the first title decides everything, so get MVD on record first.

1
Ask MVD in writingAsk whether it will title a 25-year-old kei truck using the HS-7, EPA form and customs entry.
2
Collect the import papersCustoms entry (CBP 7501), DOT form HS-7, EPA form 3520-1, the Japanese export certificate with an English translation, and your bill of sale.
3
Ask about inspectionAsk whether MVD needs to inspect the vehicle number first.
4
Buy insuranceYou need liability insurance to register.

What to ask MVD, in writing

Will you title a 25-year-old kei truck using its HS-7 (box 1) and customs papers in place of a maker's certificate of origin?
Once titled, can it get regular registration for normal road use?

Sources: New Mexico MVD. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Only once MVD titles and registers it.

If it does, we found no rule limiting kei trucks to certain roads. Highways here run 65⁠–⁠75 mph, so owners would stick to local roads.

Private landAlways fine, plates or not.Yes
Public roadsOnly once MVD titles and registers it.Ask MVD

Buy

Buying a kei truck for New Mexico

No New Mexico dealers we could confirm. The nearest we found are in Arizona and Texas.

Arkansas dealers ship west, and Japan prices are low before shipping and the 25% duty. Arizona dealers also ask about $8,700–$10,000 for late-1990s 4WD trucks. Get MVD's answer before you buy.

See trucks for sale → Import cost calculator →