A trip permit lets you drive an unregistered vehicle for a short, specific journey
A trip permit (also called a temporary permit or transit permit) is a short-term document that allows you to legally operate a vehicle that does not yet have permanent registration plates. You drive directly to a destination — typically a repair shop, inspection station, or your home — without stopping for other purposes. The permit is valid for a set number of days, usually between 3 and 30 days depending on your state.
You get a trip permit from your state's DMV or equivalent agency, either in person or online in some states. The cost ranges from roughly $5 to $25. You display the permit in your vehicle window instead of registration plates, and it covers only the specific route and timeframe you declare when you request it.
Key Takeaways
- A trip permit allows you to drive an unregistered vehicle for a specific, limited journey — not for general use or commuting.
- You must declare your destination and route when you request the permit, and you cannot make stops along the way for other purposes.
- Trip permits are issued for 3 to 30 days depending on your state, and cost between $5 and $25.
- You can request a trip permit in person at your DMV office, and some states now offer online or mail-in requests.
- If you are caught driving outside the permitted route or after the permit expires, you face fines and possible vehicle impoundment.
When you actually need a trip permit
The most common reason to get a trip permit is to drive a newly purchased vehicle home before you have completed registration. You bought a car from a private seller or dealer, the sale is finalized, but your permanent plates have not arrived yet. A trip permit covers that single drive from the seller's location to your home or to a registration office.
You also need a trip permit if you are moving a vehicle to a repair shop or inspection station and the vehicle's registration has lapsed or the plates have been removed. If your car failed inspection and you need to take it to a mechanic, a trip permit covers that trip. Similarly, if you are transporting a vehicle you just inherited or received as a gift before the title transfer is complete, a trip permit bridges the gap.
You do not need a trip permit if your vehicle already has valid registration plates, even if they are temporary plates issued by a dealer. You also do not need one if you are having the vehicle towed rather than driving it yourself.
What documents and information you need to bring
When you go to the DMV to request a trip permit, bring your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership. Proof of ownership is usually the bill of sale, title document, or purchase agreement. If you are moving a vehicle with an existing title, bring that title document. You will also need the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which you can find on the dashboard or in the owner's manual.
Have the specific destination address ready — the repair shop, your home address, or the inspection station. Some DMV offices also ask for proof of insurance, though requirements vary by state. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they require, since some states have added online request options that reduce or eliminate the need to visit in person.
How long a trip permit lasts and what it covers
Trip permits are valid for a limited time only. Most states issue permits for 3, 5, 7, 10, or 30 days — the exact duration depends on your state and the reason for the permit. A permit for a newly purchased vehicle might be valid for 10 days, while a permit to move a vehicle to a repair shop might be only 3 days. When you request the permit, you specify the destination, and you are legally permitted to drive only to that location and back home if necessary.
The permit does not cover side trips, errands, or commuting to work. If you are driving a newly purchased car home and you stop at a gas station or grocery store along the way, you are technically driving outside the scope of the permit. In practice, brief stops directly related to the journey (fuel, tolls) are usually overlooked, but the permit is not a license for general driving. Once the permit expires, you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads at all until permanent registration is in place.
How to request a trip permit online or by mail
An increasing number of states now allow you to request a trip permit online through the DMV website. You enter your driver's license number, vehicle VIN, destination address, and the reason for the permit. You pay the fee by credit card, and the DMV emails or mails you a permit document that you print and display in your vehicle window. Processing time is usually 1 to 3 business days.
Some states also accept mail-in requests. You send a completed form (available on the DMV website), a copy of your driver's license, proof of ownership, and a check or money order to the DMV address listed on the form. Mail-in processing takes longer — typically 5 to 10 business days — so this option works only if you have time before you need to drive the vehicle.
Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available. If online or mail-in options are not offered, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait; trip permits are usually processed while you wait, though some offices may require you to return later to pick up the permit.
What happens if you drive outside the permit's scope
If a police officer stops you and your trip permit is expired, invalid for your route, or missing from your vehicle, you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. The fine varies by state but typically ranges from $100 to $500. In some states, the vehicle can be impounded, and you will have to pay impound and storage fees on top of the citation.
If you are stopped during a legitimate trip and the permit is valid and properly displayed, you should not face a citation. However, if you are pulled over at a location outside the permitted destination — for example, you were supposed to drive to a repair shop but you are at a shopping mall — the officer can cite you. The burden is on you to prove that the stop was part of the permitted journey.
If you realize you need more time or a different destination than what your permit covers, do not drive the vehicle. Instead, request a new permit with the correct details. It is faster and cheaper than paying a fine.
Trip permits versus dealer temporary plates
If you buy a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer usually provides temporary registration plates or a temporary permit that is valid for 30 to 60 days. You do not need to request a trip permit in this case — the dealer's temporary plates serve the same purpose and cover a longer period. Temporary dealer plates are valid for driving to your home, to a repair shop, or for general use during the registration period.
Trip permits are primarily for private sales, inherited vehicles, or situations where a vehicle's registration has lapsed and you need to move it a short distance. If you are unsure whether the temporary plates you received from a dealer are sufficient, check the expiration date printed on them. If they are still valid, you do not need a trip permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a trip permit if I do not have a title yet?
It depends on your state and the reason for the permit. If you are buying from a private seller and the title transfer is in progress, most states will issue a trip permit based on a bill of sale. If the title has not been signed over to you at all, contact your DMV office — some states require at least a signed bill of sale or purchase agreement showing you are the buyer.
What if I need to drive the vehicle to multiple locations?
Trip permits are issued for a single destination or a specific route. If you need to visit multiple shops or locations, you will need to request a new permit for each destination, or request a permit that covers multiple stops if your state allows it. Call your DMV office to ask whether multi-stop permits are available.
How much does a trip permit cost?
Trip permit fees range from about $5 to $25 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the duration of the permit. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office for the exact fee.
Can I renew a trip permit if I need more time?
Most states do not allow you to renew a trip permit. Once it expires, you must request a new one. If you need the vehicle registered permanently, you should complete the registration process instead of requesting another temporary permit.
Do I need insurance to get a trip permit?
Some states require proof of insurance before issuing a trip permit; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead. Even if it is not required for the permit, you should have insurance before driving any vehicle on public roads — you are liable for damage or injury even with a trip permit.