During the past decade, a new dynamic perspective of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) functions has emerged. The ability to monitor receptor movement in living cells by fluorescent techniques in real time has led to the realization that VDR, RXR, and most other nuclear receptors (NRs) and transcription factors constantly shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus as well as between subnuclear compartments, and revealed the transient nature of receptor–DNA interactions. In this review, the significance of receptor trafficking is first highlighted, along with diseases associated with abnormal receptor localization. The significance of spatial and temporal control of transcription for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation is emphasized. Next, our current knowledge of the nuclear import and export machinery is summarized. Regulation of NR transport is discussed at the level of the receptor (nuclear localization sequence and nuclear export sequence modifications), at the level of import and export receptor expression, and at the level of signal-dependent changes in nuclear pore complex conformation. An understanding of how nuclear architecture and intranuclear NR mobility contribute to gene regulation concludes the review of the general aspects of NR trafficking. Then, information specific for VDR and RXR import, export, and intranuclear trafficking is presented in detail. Conclusions emphasize that understanding the spatial and temporal aspects of VDR functions is important, and express hope that rapid initial progress in this area will not be halted by economic and ideological pressure.