Quick Answer:
A trip permit (also called a temporary IRP permit) is a short-term travel authorization that lets a commercial truck operate legally in a state where it is not registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP). It covers a single trip or a set number of days and is required any time your rig crosses state lines without full IRP apportionment.
Why Trip Permits Exist
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. Fleets that operate regularly across multiple jurisdictions register once — in their base state — and pay apportioned registration fees based on how many miles they travel in each jurisdiction. That registration plate lets them operate everywhere in the plan.
But not every truck is registered under IRP. Owner-operators who stay mostly in one state, new carriers still getting set up, or fleets with vehicles that only occasionally cross state lines may not have IRP plates. When one of those trucks needs to leave its home state, it needs a trip permit instead.
Who Needs a Trip Permit?
Under the IRP, trip permits are required for commercial vehicles that meet either of the following thresholds and are not currently registered under IRP:
- Two axles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 pounds
- Three or more axles, regardless of weight, traveling in two or more states
If your truck meets one of those criteria and you don't have an IRP apportioned plate, you need a trip permit for every state you enter — including the destination state.
🚛 California and Nevada have additional rules:
California requires a trip permit for all commercial vehicles entering the state, regardless of weight or axle count. Nevada requires a trip permit for any commercial vehicle with a combined gross weight rating of 10,001 lbs or more.
How Long Does a Trip Permit Last?
Trip permits are temporary by design. The exact duration varies by state, but common windows are:
- 72 hours — the most common duration; covers a weekend run or a quick cross-state haul
- 30 days — available in some states for carriers that operate occasionally
- Single-trip — tied to a specific origin–destination pair in certain states
The permit clock typically starts at midnight on the first authorized day, so plan your travel accordingly.
Trip Permit vs. Full IRP Registration
If you're making the same interstate run more than a handful of times per year, the math usually favors getting fully IRP-registered in your base state instead of buying individual trip permits every time. A trip permit might cost $40–$80 per state per trip. Annual IRP apportionment covers all participating jurisdictions based on your actual mileage.
For a one-time move or a rarely-driven unit, a trip permit is the faster, cheaper option. For everyday interstate operations, get your IRP plates sorted out.
Trip Permit vs. Fuel Permit
These two permits are often ordered together, but they cover different obligations:
| Trip Permit | Fuel Permit |
|---|---|
| Covers registration (IRP) | Covers fuel tax (IFTA) |
| Required to operate in the state | Required to purchase fuel in the state |
| One per state you travel through | One per state you travel through |
| Based on vehicle registration | Based on fuel tax compliance |
See our full guide: Fuel Permit vs Trip Permit — Key Differences
What Information Do You Need to Get a Trip Permit?
To issue a trip permit, a permit agency will typically need:
- Carrier name, DOT number, and MC number
- Vehicle year, make, VIN, and license plate number
- Number of axles and declared gross weight
- State(s) you need to travel in or through
- Dates of travel
- Origin and destination (some states require this)
How Fast Can I Get a Trip Permit?
With Custom Permits, trip permits are typically issued in one hour or less. In most cases it's even faster — we have direct access to the state portals and can turn these around quickly even during busy periods.
State-Specific Notes
While the IRP framework is consistent, states have their own quirks around trip permits:
- New York — If you're operating in NY, you likely also need a NY HUT (Highway Use Tax) permit , which is separate from the IRP trip permit.
- Kentucky — KY requires a KYU weight distance permit in addition to trip permits for IRP.
- New Mexico & Oregon — Also require mileage/weight-distance permits for qualified commercial vehicles, on top of IRP trip permits.
- California — Requires trip permits for all commercial vehicles, not just those over 26,000 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a trip permit after I've already started driving?
Technically you can order one in transit, but it's risky — you're already operating without the permit the moment you cross the state line. Always get the permit before you roll.
Do I need a trip permit if my truck is bobtailing (running without a trailer)?
Yes, if the tractor alone meets the weight or axle thresholds. A heavy-duty semi tractor typically exceeds 26,000 lbs on its own.
Is a trip permit the same as a trip lease?
No. A trip lease is a contractual arrangement between a carrier and an owner-operator (or another carrier) to operate under their authority. A trip permit is the state-issued document proving your vehicle is authorized to travel in that state. You may need both for some moves.
Do I need a trip permit in my home state?
No. Your existing registration covers you in your base state. You only need trip permits for non-base states you enter where you don't have IRP apportionment.
Need a Trip Permit Fast?
Custom Permits has been handling trip permits for carriers across all 50 states since 1977. We'll have yours ready in under an hour.